Seminar: A form of small group instruction, combining independent research and class discussions under the guidance of a professor.

Senior: A fourth-year student at a high school, college, or university.

Social Security Number: A number issued by the U.S. Government to jobholders for payroll deductions for old age, survivors, and disability insurance. Anyone who works regularly must obtain one. Many institutions use the Social Security Number as a student identification number.

Sophomore: A second-year student at a high school, college, or university.

Special student: A student at a college or university who is not enrolled as a candidate for a degree. Also may be referred to as a non-degree, non-matriculating, or visiting student.

Subject: Course in an academic discipline offered as part of a curriculum of an institution of higher learning.

Survey course: A course that covers briefly the principal topics of a broad field of knowledge.

Syllabus: An outline of topics to be covered in an academic course.