The structure of education in the United States has three levels of education--elementary, secondary, and postsecondary--and the approximate age range of persons at each level. Pupils ordinarily spend from 6 to 8 years in the elementary grades, preceded by 1 to 3 years in nursery school and kindergarten. The elementary school program is followed by a 4- to 6-year secondary school program. The elementary program is frequently followed by a middle school or junior high school program, which generally lasts 2 or 3 years. Students then may finish their compulsory schooling at the secondary or high school level, which may last from 3 to 6 years depending on the structure within their school district. Pupils normally complete the entire program through grade 12 by age 17, 18, or 19.
High school graduates who decide to continue their education may enter a technical or vocational institution, a 2-year college, or a 4-year college or university. A 2-year college normally offers the first 2 years of a standard 4-year college curriculum and a selection of terminal vocational programs. Academic courses completed at a 2-year college are usually transferable for credit at a 4-year college or university. A technical or vocational institution offers postsecondary technical training leading to a specific career. Other types of educational opportunities for adults are offered by community organizations, libraries, churches, and businesses.
An associate degree requires the equivalent of at least 2 years of full-time college-level work, and a bachelor's degree normally can be earned in 4 years. At least 1 year beyond the bachelor's is necessary for a master's degree, while a doctor's degree usually requires a minimum of 3 or 4 years beyond the bachelor's.
Professional schools differ widely in admissions requirements and in program length. Medical students, for example, generally complete a 4-year program of premedical studies at a college or university before they can enter the 4-year program at a medical school. Law programs normally require 3 years of coursework beyond the bachelor's degree level.
