The American System of Higher Education

Unlike most European university systems, the American system of higher education encourages experimentation, particularly during the first two years of university experience.

The University’s requirements are, therefore, divided into two categories: the Proficiency and General Distribution requirements

The General Distribution courses expose the student to English Composition and Literature; areas of the Humanities such as Art History, Literature, Philosophy, Religion and Theater; the Natural Sciences, (Mathematics and Computer Science); and the Social Sciences (Economics, Political Science and Psychology). In these courses, students are encouraged to explore subjects not yet familiar to them, broaden their intellectual interests, and discover previously unrecognized aptitudes and abilities. They equip the student to select an area of specialization as a degree candidate in the Junior and Senior years.

Within each degree program, there are specific requirements to be met by the student who wishes to earn a degree at John Cabot. These requirements include core courses, deemed by the Faculty to be essential to the discipline, and comparable to the requirements for the same degree at other recognized and accredited colleges and universities in the American system of higher education. In addition to the core requirements, students select electives that support the core program and courses in other discipline areas of particular interest.

After students complete the General Distribution Requirements, they may work toward the Bachelors of Arts.

As an American international university, John Cabot attaches special importance to skills in written and spoken English. At the beginning of their education at the University, all students are required to take a sequence of courses in English composition and literature, with the goal of developing the ability to think logically, to communicate accurately and clearly, and to appreciate the beauty and force of the English language, as reflected in its rich literary heritage. These skills will be used and reinforced throughout students’ careers at the University, and in life-long learning. An English Composition placement examination is given to determine the entry level for each entering student in this important sequence of courses.

Generally, courses at John Cabot University carry three units of credit. The academic year is divided into two semesters of fifteen weeks each, beginning in September and January. In one semester, a student normally enrolls in five courses, earning 15 credits in the semester and 30 credits in the year. Two summer sessions of five weeks each allow students to take one or two additional courses. To earn the Bachelor’s degree, a student must complete 120 credits (40 courses), and to earn the Associate of Arts degree, a student must complete 60 credits (20 courses).