What's the difference between a major and a minor in college?

Hey all, I'm a bit confused about the whole major and minor thing in universities. Could someone break down the main difference between the two and do I need to have both when I apply to college?

Hi there! I'm happy to help clarify the difference between majors and minors in college.

A major is your primary area of study and the field in which you will earn your degree. Majors typically require a certain number of credit hours and coursework, with some requiring more than others. For example, engineering or science majors may have a heavier course load compared to liberal arts majors. In general, you'll need to complete a variety of classes within your major, including general education, elective, and core courses specific to the field.

A minor, on the other hand, is a secondary area of study that complements your major. It allows you to explore an additional subject outside of your major without having to meet the same level of requirements as a major. Minors generally require fewer credit hours and coursework than majors, making them a nice addition to help broaden your academic interests.

When applying to college, you are usually only required to declare your major, and some colleges even allow you to apply as "undecided" if you're not sure what you want to major in. A minor is not a requirement, but rather an option for students interested in studying a secondary subject along with their primary major. Many students don't declare a minor until after they have started college and have a better idea of their academic interests.

To sum it up, a major is your primary area of study leading to your degree, while a minor is a secondary area of interest that complements your major. Declaring a minor is optional, and typically, you don't have to declare one when applying to college.