What Is the Difference Between Degree Majors and Minors at Universities in the U.S.?

In the United States higher education system, a major and a minor are both components of a student’s academic program, but they serve different purposes and have different requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the difference between degree majors and minors:

Major: A major is the primary area of study that a student chooses to focus on during their undergraduate degree program. It represents a concentration of coursework and academic requirements in a specific field or discipline, such as English, Biology, Psychology, Computer Science, etc.

Completing the requirements for a major typically involves taking a sequence of courses in that field, often including foundational, intermediate, and advanced-level courses. Majors usually require a significant number of credit hours, typically around one-third to one-half of the total credits required for graduation. Upon graduation, the major appears prominently on the student’s diploma and academic transcript, indicating their specialization in that particular field.

Minor: A minor is a secondary area of academic focus that students may choose to pursue alongside their major. It represents a smaller concentration of coursework in a specific field or discipline, typically requiring fewer credits than a major.

Minors allow students to explore interests outside of their major field of study or to complement their major with additional expertise in a related area. Completing the requirements for a minor usually involves taking a smaller number of courses in that field, often including introductory and intermediate-level courses.

Minors are optional and not required for graduation at most institutions, but they can provide valuable skills and knowledge in a specialized area. While minors are listed on a student’s academic transcript, they are generally not as prominently featured as majors.

In summary, majors represent a student’s primary area of specialization and require a significant commitment of coursework, while minors offer additional academic depth or breadth in a secondary area of interest. Both majors and minors contribute to a well-rounded undergraduate education, allowing students to tailor their academic experience to their interests and career goals.