University Courses of Study

Most undergraduate degree programs require students to complete a concentration of courses, called a major, in a particular academic field such as history, biology, mathematics, business, or computer science. Majors require students to complete a significant, predetermined number of courses in that field. Typically, half the courses taken to complete a major are designed for upper-division (third- and fourth-year) students. Many colleges and universities encourage or require students to complete an academic minor as well as a major. A minor also requires a concentration of courses in a particular field, but with less stringent requirements. Some students broaden their course of study still further by pursuing two independent majors.

Most colleges and universities also offer interdisciplinary majors or academic programs that allow students to take courses in a number of fields. For example, students who major in an international studies program may take courses in history, economics, political science, foreign language, and other fields. Other examples of interdisciplinary studies programs include environmental studies, women's studies, African American studies, peace studies, and ethnic studies.

Graduate and professional degree programs typically require students to complete a set of courses in a specialized academic field. Most graduate degree programs require students to conduct original research in that field and to communicate their findings in an examination or in a long academic essay known as a thesis, or in a book-length work called a dissertation. In professional degree programs, students acquire practical knowledge and skills for careers in such areas as business, law, and medicine.