Starting your college journey means you’ll probably run into words you don’t recognize or understand very well. That’s normal! We’re here to break it all down for you in the College Knowledge Basics series, specifically how and why these definitions matter at Colorado State University.
Terms like major and minor might be floating around the world enough to be fairly well known, but what is a concentration? What’s an academic program? And how do they all fit together at Colorado State? Let us give you the specifics on these big academic terms at CSU to start you off on the right foot in the college journey.
#1. Major
If there’s a term you already know, it’s likely the college major. A major is the main academic track a student focuses on while in college, and will be on your diploma when you graduate. Each major has a specific set of criteria and courses you must meet to graduate with that degree.
You can select a major when you apply to Colorado State University, or even after you become a student here if you’re not sure what you want to study. Some majors are competitive, which means they have additional requirements to be admitted into the major or to progress in the major.
At Colorado State, you can explore majors anytime during your college search. You can learn more about specific majors by joining tours or other events on campus.
#2. Concentration
This definition is a little tougher. A concentration is specialization that lives within some (not all) majors at CSU, so you can focus on an area you’re most interested in. For example, you can major in Art with a Drawing concentration. Some majors require you to select a concentration, while others don’t. To complete a concentration, you’ll need to take a specific set of classes that are offered within your major.
#3. Minor
Unlike concentrations, a minor can pair with your major OR be totally separate. To complete a minor, you’ll need to take a specific set of classes outside or alongside your major. Minors require more classes than concentrations, but less than your major. Minors are optional, but getting one comes with some big benefits, including learning a side discipline or getting more experience to put on your resume.
#4. Program
This one’s a little tricky because people use the word “program” in a variety of ways. Sometimes you’ll hear your major referred to as a program. Sometimes you’ll hear an academic track referred to as a program. It’s a fluid term, and we always recommend you clarify if needed.
