What Does it Mean to Major in Something?

Selecting a major is one step towards a college degree.

A major, also known as an academic major or concentration, is a focus of study, particularly at the college or university level. Some variations exist, based on school and location, but many of the basics are the same.

History

In 1910, Harvard President A. Lawrence Lowell eliminated the elective system of education at his school. This system allowed students to choose any classes they wanted, which generally led to choosing the easiest classes, with little concern for actual education. The academic major was introduced, which featured a selection of concentrations from which to choose, each with specific classes and requirements that a student needed to fulfill.

Selecting a Major

Many students attend college without knowing what they plan to major in. Most programs have core requirements -- specific classes that students must take regardless of major -- that may include simple math, writing and history classes. Some schools prevent students from selecting a major in the first year or two, requiring them to take a variety of classes and decide later, based on their experience, what they plan to study.

Considerations

Although most schools now use the system of academic majors, some exceptions exist. Brown University has very few requirements, similar to the old Harvard style, but does have significant carer counseling to help students maximize their education. Other schools, such as the University of Chicago, have a very large and stringent core curriculum that students must take, giving all students a shared, wide-ranging knowledge base. In this case, students still select a major, but it takes up less class time than in most schools.

References

• "The New York Times": What Every Student Should Know