Common Data Set 2019-2020
CDS Definitions P
age 30
Continuous basis (for program enrollment): A calendar system classification that is used by institutions that enroll students at any
time during the academic year. For example, a cosmetology school or a word processing school might allow students to enroll and
begin studies at various times, with no requirement that classes begin on a certain date.
Cooperative education program: A program that provides for alternate class attendance and employment in business, industry, or
government.
Cooperative housing: College-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing in which students share room and board expenses and
participate in household chores to reduce living expenses.
*Counseling service: Activities designed to assist students in making plans and decisions related to their education, career, or personal
development.
Credit: Recognition of attendance or performance in an instructional activity (course or program) that can be applied by a recipient
toward the requirements for a degree, diploma, certificate, or recognized postsecondary credential.
Credit course: A course that, if successfully completed, can be applied toward the number of courses required for achieving a degree,
diploma, certificate, or other recognized postsecondary credential.
Credit hour: A unit of measure representing an hour (50 minutes) of instruction over a 15-week period in a semester or trimester
system or a 10-week period in a quarter system. It is applied toward the total number of hours needed for completing the requirements
of a degree, diploma, certificate, or recognized postsecondary credential.
Cross-registration: A system whereby students enrolled at one institution may take courses at another institution without having to
apply to the second institution.
Deferred admission: The practice of permitting admitted students to postpone enrollment, usually for a period of one academic term
or one year.
Degree: An award conferred by a college, university, or other postsecondary education institution as official recognition for the
successful completion of a program of studies.
Degree-seeking students: Students enrolled in courses for credit who are recognized by the institution as seeking a degree or
recognized postsecondary credential. At the undergraduate level, this is intended to include students enrolled in vocational or
Differs by program (calendar system): A calendar system classification that is used by institutions that have occupational/vocational
programs of varying length. These schools may enroll students at specific times depending on the program desired. For example, a
school might offer a two-month program in January, March, May, September, and November; and a three-month program in January,
Diploma: See Postsecondary award, certificate, or diploma.
Distance learning: An option for earning course credit at off-campus locations via cable television, internet, satellite classes,
videotapes, correspondence courses, or other means.
Doctor’s degree-research/scholarship: A Ph.D. or other doctor's degree that requires advanced work beyond the master’s level,
including the preparation and defense of a dissertation based on original research, or the planning and execution of an original project
demonstrating substantial artistic or scholarly achievement. Some examples of this type of degree may include Ed.D., D.M.A., D.B.A.,
D.Sc., D.A., or D.M, and others, as designated by the awarding institution.
Doctor’s degree-professional practice: A doctor’s degree that is conferred upon completion of a program providing the knowledge
and skills for the recognition, credential, or license required for professional practice. The degree is awarded after a period of study
such that the total time to the degree, including both pre-professional and professional preparation, equals at least six full-time
equivalent academic years. Some of these degrees were formerly classified as “first-professional” and may include: Chiropractic (D.C.
or D.C.M.); Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.); Law (L.L.B. or J.D.); Medicine (M.D.); Optometry (O.D.); Osteopathic Medicine (D.O);
Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); Podiatry (D.P.M., Pod.D., D.P.); or, Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.), and others, as designated by the awarding
Doctor’s degree-other: A doctor’s degree that does not meet the definition of a doctor’s degree - research/scholarship or a doctor’s
degree - professional practice.
Double major: Program in which students may complete two undergraduate programs of study simultaneously.
Dual enrollment: A program through which high school students may enroll in college courses while still enrolled in high school.
Students are not required to apply for admission to the college in order to participate.
Early action plan: An admission plan that allows students to apply and be notified of an admission decision well in advance of the
regular notification dates. If admitted, the candidate is not committed to enroll; the student may reply to the offer under the college’s
Early admission: A policy under which students who have not completed high school are admitted and enroll full time in college,
usually after completion of their junior year.
Early decision plan: A plan that permits students to apply and be notified of an admission decision (and financial aid offer if
applicable) well in advance of the regular notification date. Applicants agree to accept an offer of admission and, if admitted, to
withdraw their applications from other colleges. There are three possible decisions for early decision applicants: admitted, denied, or
not admitted but forwarded for consideration with the regular applicant pool, without prejudice.
English as a Second Language (ESL): A course of study designed specifically for students whose native language is not English.
Exchange student program-domestic: Any arrangement between a student and a college that permits study for a semester or more at
another college in the United States without extending the amount of time required for a degree. See also Study abroad.