In college, a syllabus is the course document that explains what a class covers, how it is organized, and what students are expected to do. It commonly describes assignments, grading, course materials, class policies, and ways to contact the instructor, giving students a practical guide for the term. What a college syllabus is for A […]

In college, STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is a broad label for academic fields that use scientific inquiry, quantitative reasoning, technical methods, or a combination of them—not the name of one specific major or a single standard college program. What the STEM label means Colleges use STEM as an umbrella term

In a university, a PhD is a doctoral degree earned through advanced study and original research. The letters stand for Doctor of Philosophy, but a PhD is not limited to philosophy: universities award them in many fields, from biology and engineering to history and education. What the letters PhD stand for PhD comes from the

In college admissions, GRE stands for Graduate Record Examinations. It is a standardized test used by some graduate programs to help assess applicants, but it is not a general college entrance exam and is not required by every program. What the GRE is for The GRE is designed mainly for people applying to graduate study

In college, GED stands for General Educational Development, a credential earned by passing a set of high school equivalency tests. A college may accept a GED as evidence that an applicant completed high school–level education, but admission, placement, and financial-aid rules vary, so applicants should check the policies of each school they are considering. What

In university, coursework means the learning activities and assessments students complete as part of a course, often outside formal examinations. It can include essays, problem sets, lab reports, presentations, projects, practical work, and smaller tasks that contribute to learning or a final grade. What coursework means in a university course A university course usually combines

In a university, a co-op—short for cooperative education—is a structured program that alternates academic study with periods of paid, career-related work. It lets students apply what they learn in class, gain professional experience, and return to their studies with a clearer sense of how their field works. What a university co-op is A co-op is

In college, “upper division” means courses intended for students who have moved beyond introductory study, usually in the later part of an undergraduate program. These classes typically build on lower-division foundations and focus more closely on a major, advanced skills, or specialized topics; the exact definition and requirements vary by school. What Upper Division Means

At a university, a seminar is a class organized around discussion, close study, and active participation rather than mostly lecture. Students usually examine a topic or set of readings, share interpretations, ask questions, and learn through conversation guided by an instructor. What a university seminar means The word “seminar” describes a teaching format, not a

On a college or university transcript, “S” most often means “Satisfactory”: a passing result in a course graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis rather than with a letter grade. Its exact meaning is not universal, however, so check the transcript legend or your school’s registrar; a letter can have a different meaning under a particular institution’s