Degree vs. major: What's the actual difference?

Hey guys! I keep hearing the terms 'degree' and 'major' used interchangeably, but I'm not sure if they mean the same thing. Can anyone help clarify the difference between the two?

Hello! You're right to think that the terms 'degree' and 'major' aren't precisely the same thing, although they are closely related. Here's a brief explanation to help clarify:

A degree refers to the level of academic achievement you obtain upon graduating from a college or university. Degrees typically come in three levels: associate's (usually earned at community colleges), bachelor's (earned at four-year colleges and universities), and graduate (master's, PhD, or professional degrees earned after completing a bachelor's). The most common bachelor's degrees are Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.).

A major, on the other hand, refers to the primary area of study within a particular degree. Your major determines the specific courses you must complete and the depth of knowledge you are expected to achieve in a particular subject. For instance, if you're pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree, you may choose to major in English, History, Psychology, or any other area of focus offered by your institution. Your major helps define your specialization or academic interest within the scope of your degree.

So, in summary: a degree refers to the level of academic achievement you earn, while a major describes the specific focus of study within that degree. They're related concepts, but not interchangeable terms. I hope that clears things up!