Author
Home > Education > What is the Difference Between Major and Bachelor?

Guilherme Mazui

•3 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Major and Bachelor?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The difference between a major and a bachelor's degree lies in their focus and scope. Here are the key distinctions:

  • Major: A major is a specific field of study that a student focuses on while pursuing their degree. It represents about 12 classes within the 40 classes required to earn a bachelor's degree. Majors can be in various disciplines such as arts, science, commerce, or business administration. Examples of majors include psychology, communication, computer science, and engineering.
  • Bachelor's Degree: A bachelor's degree is an undergraduate academic degree awarded by colleges and universities after completing a course of study, usually composed of 120 credit hours. It typically takes 4 years of study to complete a bachelor's degree, but there are accelerated degree programs available online. The two most common types of bachelor's degrees are the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science.

In summary, a major is the specific area of focus within a bachelor's degree program, while the bachelor's degree is the overall academic credential earned upon completion of the required coursework.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Major and Bachelor?
  • Comparative Table: Major vs Bachelor

    • Comparative Table: Major vs Bachelor

    Here is a table comparing the differences between a major and a bachelor:

    Basis of Comparison Bachelor Major
    Meaning A bachelor refers to a degree itself, which consists of several subjects that may or may not be related to each other. A major focuses on one subject or a small group of interconnected subjects.
    Type Degrees come in four types: bachelor's, master's, associate, and PhD. Majors can be in various subjects, such as math, computer science, or English.
    Composition A bachelor's degree comprises courses from three categories: general education courses, major courses, and electives. A major usually comprises approximately 12 courses of a bachelor's degree program, and students must decide and declare a major while attaining a bachelor's degree.
    Concentration A bachelor's degree with a concentration includes both the major and the concentration in the full degree name, with both written in lowercase (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a concentration in Statistics). A major is a "main area of concentration" in an undergraduate education, and students must complete a certain number of classes within their chosen major to earn a bachelor's degree.

    In summary, a bachelor's degree is a comprehensive qualification that includes general education courses, major courses, and electives, while a major is a specific field of study within a degree program that students must declare and complete to earn their bachelor's degree.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.