Degree Requirements and Admissions Flashcards

What is a 'prerequisite course' in a degree program?

Answer: A required course that must be completed before enrolling in a higher-level course

Prerequisites are courses that establish the foundational knowledge required to succeed in a more advanced course in the sequence.

What is the purpose of 'general education requirements' in a US bachelor's degree?

Answer: To ensure all graduates have broad knowledge across multiple disciplines beyond their major

General education requirements expose students to diverse academic disciplines — writing, math, science, arts, and social sciences — ensuring graduates have well-rounded knowledge.

What does 'academic transcript' refer to?

Answer: An official record of all courses taken, grades received, and degrees earned at an institution

An academic transcript is the official, certified record of a student's complete academic history at an institution, including all courses, grades, and credits.

What is a 'major' in the context of a bachelor's degree?

Answer: The primary field of academic concentration requiring a specified set of courses

A major is the primary academic discipline a student chooses to specialize in, requiring completion of a defined set of core and elective courses in that subject.

What is the difference between a 'major' and a 'minor' in undergraduate education?

Answer: A major is the primary concentration; a minor is a secondary concentration requiring fewer courses

A major requires completing a full sequence of required and elective courses in a subject, while a minor requires a smaller, supplementary set of courses in a secondary area of interest.

What is 'honors thesis' in undergraduate degree programs?

Answer: An independent research project required for graduation with departmental honors

An honors thesis is a substantial, independent research project that undergraduates complete to graduate with honors distinction from their department.