At Marshall University, you can choose from more than 80 undergraduate majors and areas of Emphasis. So, what’s the difference between a degree program, a major, and an area of emphasis? Read on to learn more.
Program. Major. Area of Emphasis. What’s the Difference?
A program is a series of courses or learning experiences that lead to a degree. At Marshall, an undergraduate degree program may offer more than one major, and it typically takes four years or 120 credit hours to complete a degree.
A major is a field of study that requires at least 24 credit hours for completion. A major can be offered within one department or a combination of departments. As part of a degree program, it has its own unique curriculum distinct from other majors.
An area of emphasis is a specific subject area of study with limited course offerings. An area of emphasis falls under a major within a degree program. A minimum of 12 credit hours can be expected for an area of emphasis at the undergraduate level.