Blogs on ‘Study in USA’

Education System in USA for Nigerian Students

8 min read
Blog Summary An exploration of the US education system, focusing on its structure, advantages, and appeal to Nigerian students.
education-system-in-usa-for-nigerian-students

In the American educational system, international students have numerous options. Even students from the United States tend to be overwhelmed by the number of institutions, programmes, and places available. When you begin your search for a school, you must become acquainted with the American educational system. As you develop your education plan and better understand the system, your options will become more focused. Degrees from US colleges are recognised globally for their academic excellence. Intakes in the USA typically last from September to May and can be divided into two 16-18 week academic terms known as semesters. If not, some schools may operate on a trimester or quarter system, with terms lasting 10 to 12 weeks. 

What is the Education System in USA?

Like domestic students, you must submit your academic transcripts with your application for admission to a university or college. Your academic transcripts contain authentic copies of your work. This includes your grades and grade point average (GPA), which reflect your academic performance in the United States. Courses are frequently graded using percentages, which are then converted into letter grades.

Percentage

Letter Grade

Grade Scale

97- 100%

A+

4.00

93- 96%

A

Below 4

90- 92%

A-

3.67

87- 89%

B+

3.33

83- 86%

B

3

80- 82%

B-

2.67

77- 79%

C+

2.33

73- 76 %

C

2

70- 72%

C-

1.67

67- 69%

D+

1.33

63- 66%

D

1

60-62%

D-

0.67

0 - 59%

F

0

Levels of Study of the USA Higher Education System

We have mentioned the Level of education that is followed by the USA education institutions.

  • Associate degree: The initial academic degree obtained after secondary school. This two-year degree programme combines several liberal arts subjects with an academic specialisation in one field. Two-year community institutions are often where associate degrees are completed.
  • Undergraduate Degree: An undergraduate student is enrolled in a college or university and does not yet have a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree is typically earned in four years. A community college or a four-year university or college are the two places where you can start your studies to earn a bachelor's degree. Many students attend community college to complete the first two years of prerequisite courses. They will make an Associate of Arts (AA) transfer degree before enrolling in a four-year university or college. A "major" is the area of study in which your degree is concentrated. For example, someone who majors in journalism will receive a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. To fulfil the degree requirements of your major, you will need to take a certain number of courses in this field. You must declare your major at the start of your third year of college. The ability to change your significance multiple times is a unique feature of the American higher education system. It is common for American students to change majors during their undergraduate studies.
  • Postgraduate level: A bachelor's degree holder from a college or university may want to seriously consider graduate school to enter certain professions or advance their career. This degree is typically required for advanced library science, engineering, behavioural health, and education positions. You must take the GRE (graduate record examination) to gain admission. Certain master's programmes, such as law school, require specific tests, such as the LSAT, GRE, or GMAT, and medical school requires the MCAT.

Graduate programmes leading to a master's degree typically last one to two years. For example, the MBA (master of business administration) is a top-rated two-year degree programme. Other master's programmes, such as journalism, are only a year long. A graduate student must prepare a long research paper called a "master's thesis" or complete a "master's project" for most of a master's programme.

  • Doctorate Degree: Many graduate schools consider a master's degree to be the first step toward obtaining a PhD. (doctorate). Other schools, however, allow students to prepare for a doctorate without first earning a master's degree. A PhD may take three years or more to complete.

Did You Know?

It could take up to five or six years for international students to complete their doctorate degree.

Most doctoral candidates attend classes and seminars during the programme's first two years. Another year is spent doing field research and writing a thesis or dissertation. This paper must include previously unpublished ideas, designs, or research. A doctoral thesis examines and summarises current scholarship on a specific topic.

Types of Educational Institutes in the USA

1. Liberal Arts Colleges In USA

There are colleges whose main attraction is undergraduate education, as the name implies. Students attending these colleges gain expertise in specific humanities, sciences, and social sciences. These colleges' admissions standards are extremely stringent. These courses provide an in-depth look at all aspects of the humanities and sciences. This type of research provides a solid foundation for the subject. Amherst College, Williams College, Pomona College, Wellesley College, and other liberal arts colleges can be found in the United States.

2. Public Universities

Public universities in the United States are overseen by the state government. These universities are funded by the state or federal government, which collects taxes from citizens to fund such government institutions. These universities are less expensive than private ones, but only for state residents. These universities are also expensive for international students but provide exceptional learning opportunities. The University of California, the University of Texas, Pennsylvania State University, the University of Virginia, and other well-known universities fall into this category.

3. Private Universities

The government does not manage private Universities. They are funded by private institutions or by alums or faculty grants. These universities also provide a wide range of courses in all fields. Private universities can attract and retain faculty members. These universities have a plethora of academic programmes. The majority of the well-known universities in the United States are private. 

Did You Know?

Although international students' fees are very high, the practical experience gained at these universities is well worth it.

4. Technical Schools

These schools offer courses in technical fields such as engineering and science. Graduate students with a strong grasp of all science subjects are the majority of students who attend these schools. This category includes California Polytechnic Institute, Georgia Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Mitchell Technical Institute.

5. Community Colleges.

These colleges provide certificate programmes, diploma programmes, and associate degrees. Santa Barbara City College, Broward College, Meridian Community College, Santa Fe College, Flint Hills Technical College, and others are among the most prominent community colleges in the United States.

6. Ivy League Schools

Did You Know?

Ivy League Schools are a consortium of eight elite universities in the Northeast United States.

These universities are well-known for their highly competitive admissions processes, academic excellence, and high-profile opportunities. In terms of feasibility, these universities are prohibitively expensive. 45 of the men who have served as President of the United States, graduated from an Ivy League university, i.e., Harvard University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, Columbia University, Brown University, Dartmouth College, and Cornell University.

Characteristics of the USA Educational System

With a country of 50 states spread across an entire continent; you can imagine the dizzying array of courses and majors available to you. With English as the universal language, you can choose any university study area. The Educational Department of the United States ensures that educational institutes are adequately maintained. They plan their curriculum with this in mind.

Universities in the United States have a research-oriented curriculum. As a result, many students want to continue their research. The federal government rarely intervenes in the education system in the United States. These institutions have the authority to make significant decisions on their own.

They are known for their openness and diversity. Students can also participate in extracurricular activities.

The United States provides numerous job opportunities for its students. It is home to multinational corporations such as Google, Citigroup, FedEx, Amazon, Apple, Walmart, Microsoft, Ford, and others. According to the Q.S. Rankings 2022, the United States is home to five of the world's top ten institutes. As can be seen, the education system in the United States prepares students for employment and earning the desired wage.

The American educational system is entirely decentralised. It is up to each state to decide on the programmes, manuals, distribution, and amount of expenditure, resulting in significant disparities and flexibility. In terms of the programme, for example, publishers create their textbooks using only national goals. Only twenty-two states publish a list of recommended books; in most states, students have complete freedom of choice.

In the United States, you can select a programme that is right for you. It is possible to build a course that suits you and combine several fields of study within the same diploma by playing a game of Major (main field of study), Minor (secondary field of study), and Elective (chosen courses) throughout your diploma.

Living on an American college campus is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Everything is available to help students get the most out of their studies. The academic infrastructure is impressive; financial market halls for business students, engineering labs where students can genuinely experiment and build their projects, artistic creation rooms/media production, and so on are expected on campus.

Difference between Nigerian and American Education System

In the United States, compulsory education lasts twelve years, with six years of primary education followed by six years of middle and high school. Only direct and middle school students in Nigeria are required to attend school.

Access to education is available to as many people as possible in the United States. The situation in a specific territory determines access to education in Nigeria.

Standardised testing is used in both the US Education System and Nigeria. This means that the questions, scoring process, administration conditions, and interpretations are all consistent. The average student takes about ten tests annually in the United States. The U.S. SAT measures reading, math, and writing skills. Students in grades 11 and 12 take the SAT.

Because high schools are scarce in Nigeria, only students with exceptionally high scores on national exams are admitted to the ninth grade. Only the top 10% of students are likely to graduate from high school. Most questions are in essay format, and students must answer them in grammatically correct English.

How is the Academic Year Setup in the USA?

The academic year in the United States typically begins in August or September. The academic year may be divided into quarters, trimesters, or semesters depending on the university and will last until May or June.

The academic year in the United States typically begins in August or September. The academic year may be divided into quarters, trimesters, or semesters depending on the university and will last until May or June.

Intake

Duration

Fall – September (Intake)

November – May (Application Timelines)

Winter – January (Intake)

July – December (Application Timelines)

Spring – May (Intake)

January – March (Application Timelines)

Well, That was an extensive coverage,but we have more information for you at AECC. AECC is the right place to expedite your education endeavours with assistance, from finding accredited courses to an ideal destination and a leading institution. The expert counsellors provide guidance and will bring your dreams to life.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the structure of the education system in the USA?
The American education system is divided into: Primary Education for children aged 6 to 12. Secondary Education for students aged 13 to 15. Senior Secondary Education for students aged 16 to 18. Tertiary Education for students above 18, provided by institutions like Public and Private Universities, Institutes of Technology, Technical and Further Education (TAFE), and Private Colleges.
How is the academic year set up in the USA?
Intakes in the USA typically last from September to May and can be divided into two 16-18 week academic terms known as semesters. Some schools may operate on a trimester or quarter system, with terms lasting 10 to 12 weeks.
How are courses graded in the USA?
Courses are frequently graded using percentages, which are then converted into letter grades. For instance, a percentage of 97-100% corresponds to an A+ grade with a grade scale of 4.00.
What are the different levels of study in the USA higher education system?
The levels of study include: Associate degree: A two-year degree program after secondary school. Undergraduate Degree: Typically earned in four years. Postgraduate level: For those with a bachelor's degree, leading to a master's degree. Doctorate Degree: A PhD that may take three years or more to complete.
What are the types of educational institutes in the USA?
The USA has various educational institutes, including: Liberal Arts Colleges: Focused on undergraduate education in humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Public Universities: Overseen by the state government. Private Universities: Not managed by the government. Technical Schools: Offering courses in technical fields. Community Colleges: Providing certificate programs, diploma programs, and associate degrees. Ivy League Schools: A consortium of eight elite universities in the Northeast United States.
Image

Let's get social.

Copyright © 2024 aecc. Useful Links | Glossary | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
4
Enquire NowTalk to UsAECC SearchWhatsApp Us