What is the Difference Between Major and Degree?

The difference between a major and a degree lies in their definitions and purposes within the context of higher education:

• Major: A major refers to the specific academic field you study, such as accounting, music, engineering, or mathematics. It is the primary specialization of a student and is ideally in line with their interests and career goals.
• Degree: A degree indicates the level of education you have completed or are pursuing. Degrees are divided by discipline and level of study. Students can pursue associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. There are two main types of bachelor's degrees: a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA), with the difference lying chiefly in the subject matter involved.

In summary:

• A major is the specific area of study you focus on while pursuing a degree.
• A degree is the certification you receive upon completing a program of study at a college or university.

Both the major and degree are important for understanding the scope and focus of your education, as well as the opportunities available to you upon graduation.

Comparative Table: Major vs Degree

The main difference between a major and a degree lies in their focus and scope. Here is a table that highlights the differences between the two:

In summary, a degree is the overall qualification earned after completing a specific course of study, while a major is the more specific area of focus within that qualification. For example, a student may earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in their chosen field of study, which encompasses both major and non-major courses.