THE ACADEMIC YEAR

Most baccalaureate degrees are designed to be completed in four academic years of full-time study. Bachelor's degrees lead to work or further study at the graduate level. Associate's degrees, generally awarded by community colleges (or junior colleges), are designed to be completed in two years of full-time study. Associate's degrees lead to work or ongoing undergraduate study at a four-year institution.

Most academic years consist of two 15-week semesters.*

The academic year usually begins in August or September and finishes in May or June with a short "winter" break, usually in December or January. A summer term in June, July, and/or August might be held, but summer enrollment at the undergraduate level is usually not mandatory.

Years
Freshman: 1st year
Sophomore: 2nd year
Junior: 3rd year
Senior: 4th year

*Other common calendars include the "trimester" system of three equal terms running from 10 to 12 weeks each and the "quarter" system of four equal terms running 10 weeks each. A student must attend three of the four quarters to be considered full-time.