In American University what does Majors & Minors mean?

Question

I invite your answers

Answer 1

In many other countries, when you go to a university you pick a course and that is almost all you study, except perhaps for a few things that support that subject.  University in the U.S. is a bit different.  At most universities you take a variety of classes.  Most students begin by taking what are called general education or core classes, which are designed to make students generally educated - usually such things as English, mathematics, history, etc.  Then you are expected to choose a major, which is what you might call a "course", or subject matter.  Students take perhaps 1/3 of their classes in this major.  They may also have a minor, which is a secondary course requiring fewer classes than a major.  Finally, most students take some "electives", which are classes of their choosing, usually outside the major or minor.

Answer 2

At American Universities the term "major" means what you have taken most of your classes in. In other words, your focus. Most universities have "core" classes or "general education" classes, which usually takes up the first two years. They can be filled with everything from math, science, english, history, political science, etc. After you complete these requirements, you only take classes within your major or focus.

A minor is like a major where you take all similar course, but just not as many as your major. So, for example, I took 10 classes for my English major, but I only needed 5 classes for my Art History major. Minors allow you to focus on some subject without having to devot as much time as you do with a Major.