STU operates internationally and recognizes the importance of introducing non-U.S. faculty and students to the structure of the American higher education system.

In the United States, bachelor’s degrees typically require four years of study, while master’s degrees generally take two years to complete. The American system emphasizes academic exploration—especially during the first two undergraduate years—encouraging students to experiment across disciplines.

Academic requirements at U.S. institutions are typically divided into four categories:

• General Education Requirements (GER): Foundational courses in core liberal arts disciplines, such as history, literature, philosophy, mathematics, computer science, economics, political science, psychology, and religion. These courses are designed to broaden intellectual interests and foster critical skills.
• Core Curriculum and Concentration Area: Courses central to the chosen field of study, aligned with national standards in that discipline.
• Major Electives: Additional courses supporting the concentration.
• General Electives: Courses outside the major that reflect personal interests or interdisciplinary curiosity.

Student classifications are based on completed credit hours:

• Freshman: Fewer than 30 credit hours
• Sophomore: 30–59 credit hours
• Junior: 60–89 credit hours
• Senior: 90 or more credit hours
• Transfer Student: Enrolled in a new university or program after prior postsecondary experience