Parent Institution: The parent institution in a multi-institutional system is the main unit through which all the institutions, branches, and programs are linked as a unit.
Part-Time Student: An undergraduate or first professional student enrolled for fewer than twelve credit hours in a semester or quarter, or a graduate student enrolled for fewer than nine credit hours in a semester or quarter. A semester credit hour is equivalent to 750 clock minutes of instruction; a quarter credit hours, to 500 clock minutes of instruction. The hours of instruction must be spread over no more than sixteen weeks.
Placement Service For Program Completers: Assistance for students in evaluating their career alternatives as well as in obtaining full-time employment upon leaving the institution.
Post Baccalaureate Certificate: Requires completion of an organized program of study requiring 30 credit hours beyond the bachelor designed for persons who have completed a baccalaureate degree, but which does not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of master.
Post-master Certificate: Requires completion of an organized program of study of 60 credit hours or more beyond the master degree, but does not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the doctor level.
Postsecondary Certificate, Award or Diploma (less than one academic year): Requires the completion of a program that would be completed in less than one academic year (2 semesters or 3 quarters) or less than 900 contact hours by a student enrolled full-time.
Postsecondary Certificate, Award or Diploma I (at least one but less than two academic years): Requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level of instruction of at least one but less than two full-time equivalent academic years, or designed for completion in at least 30 but less than 60 credit hours, or in at least 900 but less than 1,800 contact hours.
Postsecondary Certificate, Award or Diploma II (at least two but less than four academic years): Requires completion of an organized program of study at the postsecondary level of instruction of at least two but less than four full-time equivalent academic years, or designed for completion in at least 60 but less than 120 credit hours, or in at least 1,800 but less than 3,600 contact hours.
Postsecondary Education: The provision of a formal instructional program whose curriculum is designed primarily for students who have completed the requirements for a high school diploma or its equivalent. This includes programs whose purpose is academic, vocational, and continuing professional education, and excludes a vocational and adult basic education programs.
Predominant Calendar System: The method by which an institution structures most of its courses for the calendar year.
Private For-Profit Organization: An organization licensed to operate which is subject to the federal and state tax codes.
Private Non-Profit Organization: A religious, educational, or benevolent organization authorized to operate in a state which is recognized as non-profit under the appropriate state and/or U.S. statutes. This status is normally determined by legal procedure and Internal Revenue policy.
Program: A combination of courses and related activities organized for the attainment of broad educational objectives described by the institution: (Source: IPEDS).
Program With No Formal Award: Any formally organized program with stated occupational objectives and well defined completion requirements that does not lead to a formal award.