College

In college, RA usually means resident assistant or resident adviser: a student staff member who lives in a residence hall and helps support the students who live there. RAs connect residents with campus resources, help build a respectful community, and respond to certain housing concerns; their exact duties and authority vary by school. What an […]

In college, quarter hours are units colleges use to measure academic credit and the amount of coursework a class represents. They are tied to the quarter calendar: a course completed in one quarter usually earns fewer credits than a comparable course spread across a semester, so quarter credits should not be compared one-for-one with semester

In college, PWI means “predominantly white institution”: a college or university where white students make up the majority of the student body. The term is used to describe an institution’s racial makeup and campus context; it does not, by itself, tell you whether a school is welcoming, inclusive, or supportive. What PWI Means PWI is

In college, a program of study is the organized set of courses and academic requirements a student follows to earn a credential or prepare for a particular field. It may refer to a major, degree program, certificate, or another defined course plan, depending on the school and the context in which the phrase appears. What

In college, a program is an organized course of study that leads toward a credential, such as a degree, certificate, or diploma. It sets out a subject area and the academic requirements students generally need to complete, though the exact meaning and rules depend on the institution. What a college program includes A program is

In college, a practicum is a supervised course or learning experience where students apply classroom knowledge in a real or realistic professional setting. It usually involves practical tasks, observation, and feedback, and may be required in a program that prepares students for work in fields such as education, health care, social services, or counseling. What

In college, “off campus” means located outside the college or university’s designated campus grounds, or living somewhere other than campus housing. The exact meaning depends on context: a class, job, event, service, or housing listing may use the phrase in a slightly different way, so the school’s own definitions and rules matter. What “off campus”

In college, “non-resident” usually means a student is not classified as a resident of the state or jurisdiction for tuition purposes. The label can affect tuition rates and, in some cases, eligibility for state programs, but it does not necessarily describe where a student lives now or whether they live on campus. What the label

In college, “non-matriculated” means a student is taking courses without being formally admitted to a degree-seeking program at that institution. A non-matriculated student may be allowed to enroll in selected classes, but is generally not considered a candidate for a degree there unless they later apply and are admitted. What matriculation means Matriculation is the

In college, MS most commonly means Master of Science, a graduate degree awarded after advanced study in a particular field. The letters can also appear as an abbreviation for a course, program, or administrative term, so the surrounding context matters; on a degree listing or graduate-school page, however, MS usually names the credential. What an