Definitions of majors, minors and specializations

Definition of a Major

A major consists of a minimum of 30 credits within a well-defined discipline or group of disciplines. The major allows students to develop a significant degree of expertise in an area of study. The exact courses, credit requirements, prerequisites and electives for each major will vary. An outline of these requirements is included in the departmental program areas in the university catalog. In some majors, the opportunity for a concentration in the discipline is accommodated via a specialization (see below).

Definition of a Minor

A minor consists of a minimum of 15 credit hours outside of the major. The minor enables a student to develop a secondary degree of expertise in an area of study in addition to his or her major academic program of study. While a minor program is intended to enable students to develop some degree of expertise in one area of study, it may be interdisciplinary. The completion of a minor is optional. The minor may be chosen to support the major, to offer greater job opportunities to the student on graduation or to provide recognition of study in a second academic area.

To receive a minor, a student must also complete the requirements of a major of a baccalaureate degree concurrently from the university. Course work must include a minimum of nine upper divisional level (300+) credits and students must complete courses as indicated in the catalog. The student’s transcript shall indicate the minor.

Definition of a Specialization

Some majors may include an area of specialization. A specialization consists of a sequence of a minimum of 15 credit hours of course work within the major. Course work must include a minimum of nine upper divisional level (300+) credits and students must complete courses as indicated in the catalog. Where appropriate, the transcript shall indicate the major and the specialization.

Elective Courses
All students are required to take elective courses to fulfill their academic credit requirements. Students can choose electives with the help of their advisors, who will guide them on which electives are appropriate for their program.

Free Elective
Free electives refer to courses that are not mandatory for fulfilling general education, major, or minor requirements. Some majors have a specified number of free elective credits for students to complete their degrees. Free electives allow students to take courses in their field of study or gain additional skills, explore other majors, or take courses for personal interest. Please note that "free" does not imply that the courses are free of charge.

Upper-level Elective
Some degree programs require upper-level elective courses designated as 300 and 400-level courses. Upper-level electives are available in all colleges and can be taken in a different discipline from the student's major or degree program.

Disclaimer: Courses offered as part of special programs and specialty courses, such as music and drama, cannot be taken as electives. Students are advised to consult with their advisor to confirm their eligibility for elective courses.