Difference between a College & a University?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by back2cali, Jul 24, 2005.

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  1. back2cali

    back2cali New Member

    Could someone identify to me the difference between a actual college vs. a university?
     
  2. Mr. Engineer

    Mr. Engineer member

    It depends on your location. Generally, a college does not offer anything above a Masters. Some colleges only offfer a bachelors or less. A University offers the full spectrum of degrees up to a PhD.

    Additionally, a University sometimes is involved in Research of some type (by not always).

    Just my two - I bet you 100 people will have different answers.

    Boy - it is hot!
     
  3. Guest

    Guest Guest

    College: smaller, smaller class sizes, students receiving more indivitual attention.

    University: offers graduate and postgraduate degrees and tend to be larger and faculty time and attention divided between research and teaching.

    Pretty much what my favorite Democrat has posted.
     
  4. -kevin-

    -kevin- Resident Redneck

    just to add some confusion:

    http://www.faqfarm.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_a_college_and_a_university


    http://educationusa.state.gov/predeparture/glossary.htm

    "College: A postsecondary institution that provides undergraduate education and, in some cases, master's level degrees. College, in a separate sense, is a division of a university; for example, College of Business."

    "University: A large postsecondary institution that offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs."


    Mr. E. heat index of 108 here today. Balmy for this neck of the woods......eh Jimmy?

    Kevin
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 24, 2005
  5. me again

    me again Well-Known Member

    In the United States, there is no difference between a college and a university. But in Great Britain, there is a difference. For example, a university is the name of the school, while a college is a subdivision of the university, to wit:

    University of Example
    - College of Law
    - College of Medicine
    - College of Business

    It seems that the United States is heading in that direction, though it may take a long time to achieve. Many state colleges have switched nametags to become state universities with no internal changes other then the name change.
     
  6. DL-Luvr

    DL-Luvr New Member

    College vs University

    A college can be either a stand alone institution (Amherst College) or an administrative unit of a university (College of Education). Outside of academia, it can also refer to a professional society i.e., American College of Physicians, Royal College of Surgeons etc.

    We tend to think of colleges as liberal arts institutions granting bachelors and masters degrees, but not doctorates. And then there are a few institutions such as Dartmouth College, Boston College, the College of William and Mary and Bryn Mawr College that are really universities, but have chosen to retain the word college in their title, probably for historical reasons.
     
  7. DL-Luvr

    DL-Luvr New Member

    College vs University

    A college as someone stated, can be either a stand alone institution (Amherst College) or an administrative unit of a university (College of Education). Outside of academia, it can also refer to a professional society i.e., American College of Physicians, Royal College of Surgeons etc.

    We tend to think of colleges as liberal arts institutions granting bachelors and masters degrees, but not doctorates. And then there are a few institutions such as Dartmouth College, Boston College, the College of William and Mary and Bryn Mawr College that are really universities, but have chosen to retain the word college in their title, probably for historical reasons.
     
  8. JamesK

    JamesK New Member

    In several countries (such as Australia), college is used by some independent/private schools that offer secondary education.

    Here, as the term university is restricted, many private tertiary institutions choose to call themselves colleges instead (but without the standing of a university).

    Australia used to have several government run colleges (Colleges of Advanced Education) but all of those were upgraded to university status 10-15 years ago.
     
  9. italiansupernova

    italiansupernova New Member

    Well, how about "Vincennes University" in Indiana. It's like a residential community college. They only offer up to associate degrees.
     
  10. Guest

    Guest Guest

    It is sweltering here in Johnson and Shelby counties. I became physically ill last evening after mowing and trimming.

    The forecast for tomorrow is 96!
     
  11. Guest

    Guest Guest

    It is sweltering here in Johnson and Shelby counties. I became physically ill last evening after mowing and trimming.

    The forecast for tomorrow is 96!
     
  12. Mr. Engineer

    Mr. Engineer member

    It is currently 89 degrees on my second story den. I was outside most of day trying to take out a stump in my backyard (can't get a stump grinder back there). -- wow - I think I got sunburnt!

    I talked with a few friends in Vegas, Phoenix, and Tuscon. Wow - I am glad I don't live there. They are hating life. My brother who lives in Granite Bay (north of Sacto) sat in his pool all day long - (looking like the beached whale he is - lol)
     
  13. cehi

    cehi New Member

    I may be wrong.......Boston College is probably the only college with many schools and colleges within the college as "Boston College". Please see: http://www.bc.edu/schools/ Yes, Boston College also offer many doctoral degrees (Ph.D's). Yes, Boston College is a research institution. I guess, Boston College defies the nomenclature for universities. Thank you.
     
  14. cehi

    cehi New Member

    I may be wrong.......Boston College is probably the only college with many schools and colleges within the college as "Boston College". Please see: http://www.bc.edu/schools/ Yes, Boston College also offer many doctoral degrees (Ph.D's). Yes, Boston College is a research institution. I guess, Boston College defies the nomenclature for universities. Thank you.
     
  15. cehi

    cehi New Member

    I may be wrong.......Boston College is probably the only college with many schools and colleges within the college as "Boston College". Please see: http://www.bc.edu/schools/ Yes, Boston College also offer many doctoral degrees (Ph.D's). Yes, Boston College is a research institution. I guess, Boston College defies the nomenclature for universities. Thank you.
     
  16. Mr. Engineer

    Mr. Engineer member

    What about Stanford Universities real name:

    The Leland Stanford Junior University. What is with the "Jr" thing?
     
  17. cehi

    cehi New Member

    Not my intention. My many apologies for the triple post. Thank you.
     
  18. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    They don't have much of a choice. "Boston University" is already taken, and "Newton University" (where part of BC is located) doesn't have quite the same ring. :D
     
  19. CalDog

    CalDog New Member

    Leland Stanford Jr. University

    Leland Stanford founded the school as a memorial to his son, whose full name was Leland Stanford Jr.
     
  20. JamesK

    JamesK New Member

    Apparently

     

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