Concentration vs Major: What's the difference?

I've seen colleges use the terms 'concentration' and 'major' when talking about academic programs. What exactly is the difference between the two? Can you provide any examples of colleges that use one term over the other? Thanks!

When it comes to college academics, the terms 'major' and 'concentration' can sometimes be used interchangeably, but they often refer to distinct aspects of a student's course of study.

A major is the primary field of study that a student chooses to focus on during their undergraduate years. It typically requires a prescribed sequence of coursework and culminates in a degree in that subject area. Examples include biology, psychology, or computer science. Most colleges require students to declare a major, and it's common for students to switch majors as they explore their interests.

A concentration, on the other hand, is usually a more specific and narrower area within a major. It's designed to help students specialize even further in their chosen field. Students pursuing a concentration will take additional courses that focus on a particular aspect of their major. For example, a psychology major may choose to concentrate in developmental psychology, social psychology, or cognitive psychology. However, not all colleges have concentrations, and not all majors offer the option to pursue a concentration.

Different colleges may use these terms differently. For example, Harvard University refers to its majors as concentrations, while Brown University has both majors and concentrations, which allow students to specialize within a major. At Stanford, students may choose majors that also offer the option to pursue sub-plans, which are similar to concentrations. It's essential to research each specific college's terminology and offerings as you explore potential academic programs.

To sum up, while the terms 'major' and 'concentration' can sometimes be used interchangeably, they generally refer to different levels of academic focus. A major is a student's primary area of study during their undergraduate career, while a concentration allows students to specialize even further within their major. The meanings and usage of these terms can vary among colleges, so it's essential to review each college's specific programs and language when researching academic options.