Hey guys, I'm a little confused. What's the difference between a 'course of study' and a 'degree'? Some colleges seem to use these terms interchangeably, and I want to make sure I understand everything correctly.
Hi there! I can see how the terminology might be a bit confusing. While some colleges might use the terms 'course of study' and 'degree' interchangeably, they actually have slightly different meanings.
A 'course of study,' sometimes referred to as a 'major' or 'program,' is the academic discipline or field that you choose to focus on during your college education. It determines the specific courses you will take and the skills or knowledge you will acquire. Examples of courses of study include Biology, English, Economics, Computer Science, and many others.
On the other hand, a 'degree' is the academic credential you will receive upon successful completion of your chosen course of study, along with other college requirements such as general education courses and electives. The type of degree awarded is determined by the level and nature of your studies. The most common degrees for undergraduates are Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.), while graduate students might earn a Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.), or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), among others.
So, to put it simply, the 'course of study' is what you are focusing on academically, and the 'degree' is the formal recognition of your completion of those studies. I hope that clears things up for you!
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