The UK's Times Higher Education released the 2011-2012 World University Rankings on October 6. The California Institute of Technology unexpectedly topped the list, while Harvard University lost its top position for the first time in 8 years, tying for second place with Stanford University. Among the top 10 schools, the United States occupies 7 seats.
The latest rankings show that among the top 200 universities globally, half are concentrated in the United States and the United Kingdom, with 75 American universities and 32 British universities making the list.
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The leading position of the US economy in the world also determines the high level of its culture and education. In the eyes of Americans, everyone should have the opportunity to receive the best education to develop their individual talents and abilities. Since the early 19th century, this ideal of compulsory education has been continuously supported by the public. Many leaders in politics and education have pointed out that the prosperity and strength of the United States are, in fact, due to the popularization of education.
American universities currently implement a degree system consisting of associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, representing 4 different academic levels across undergraduate and graduate education. Since an associate degree is only a qualification certificate for completing 2 years of junior or community college and is not a necessary stage for pursuing a bachelor's degree, the US degree system is essentially a 3-level structure. According to the nature of the degree, it is generally divided into academic (research) degrees and professional degrees.
In addition, American universities also award honorary degrees. Such degrees do not reflect academic achievement but are a recognition of those who have made outstanding contributions to society.
