Skip to Main Content

Academic Terms

Major

A major is a program of study that offers both depth and breadth in a particular academic discipline. The requirements and the curriculum for a major are determined by the academic department offering the major with the appropriate approvals of the High Point University faculty and the Office of Academic Affairs. A major must consist of a minimum of 30 credits and ordinarily not exceed 80 credits. Please refer to the appropriate academic department section for more details on a specific major.


Concentration

A concentration is an approved set of courses within a major that define a specialty area or specific field of study. The requirements and the curriculum for a concentration are determined by the academic department offering the concentration with the appropriate approvals of the High Point University faculty and the Office of Academic Affairs. Generally, students complete a portion of the core major requirements and then select focused courses to complete the concentration. A concentration must consist of a minimum of 15 credits and ordinarily will not exceed 30 credits. Please refer to the appropriate academic department for more details on a specific concentration.


Minor

A minor is a program of study that offers less depth and breadth than a major. Minors may either complement a major or function as a standalone sequence of coursework. The requirements and curriculum for a minor are determined by the academic department offering the minor with the appropriate approval of the High Point University faculty and the Office of Academic Affairs. A minor must consist of a minimum of 18 credits and ordinarily will not exceed 25 credits. Please refer to the appropriate academic department for details on a specific minor.