University & College
Frequently Asked Questions
These are general questions related to commonly used terms in college. Want to know
more specific questions related to UW? Check out the UW Culture FAQs.
The terms "college" and "university" are often used interchangeably. A university
is usually comprised of multiple degree-conferring colleges. The University of Wyoming
is comprised of six undergraduate colleges and the College of Law. In addition, there
are a number of degree options and academic departments within each college.
A liberal arts education focuses on critical thinking and communication skills necessary
in an ever-changing job market. A liberal arts degree covers the humanities, social
sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics. According to Gerald Greenberg (Syracuse
University), “the liberal in liberal arts and liberal education does not stand in contrast to conservative. Rather, it derives from the Latin liberalis, associated with the meaning of freedom. Liberal, not as opposed to conservative, but as free, in contrast to imprisoned, subjugated, or incarcerated.” A liberal education would enable people to function successfully as free citizens (Strauss, Washington Post, 2 April 2015).
Undergraduate programs follow high school and lead to an associate's (two-year) degree
or a bachelor's (four-year) degree. The University of Wyoming does not offer associate
degrees, but many community colleges offer them. Graduate programs follow a bachelor’s
degree and lead to a master’s or doctoral degree (PhD).
Distance education occurs when a student and an instructor are in different locations. Learning occurs via online, video, audio, or combination (hybrid) deliveries. Courses
offered online are designated with section numbers in the 40s (Example, ENGL 1010-40).
Hybrid courses are classes offered in a classroom but accessible to students in other
communities. They are designated with section numbers in the 80s (ENGL 1010-80). Distance
students also have access to online resources such as advising, tutoring, and other
educational opportunities.
Essentially there is no difference any more. While historically, correspondence courses
existed where you used postal mail to complete a degree, now it is all online.
An undergraduate major is the study of a body of knowledge in a subject area of interest.
Most undergraduate majors at the University of Wyoming result in either a Bachelor
of Science degree or a Bachelor of Arts degree.
A concentration (also called option or program area) is a collection of courses within
a major that focuses on a particular subject area. Not all majors require the selection
of a concentration. International Studies and Family and Consumer Sciences are just
two examples of UW majors that do require this.
