Each university is divided into faculties, which in turn are divided into departments or programs which manage their respective carreras or majors.
Students follow a set plan of study for each semester.
The duration of the first degree, or grado, ranges from three years for programs in technology to five years for humanities. After finishing this program of study, a thesis or a set of special comprehensive examinations is sometimes required before the degree is given. Usually the name of the degree designates the type of study that was completed. Another examination has to be taken in order to be accepted for programs at the master's and Ph.D. levels. The courses are evaluated by means of written or oral examinations, papers and in-class participation on a numerical scale that ranges from 0 or 1, minimum, to 5, excellent.