Northern Michigan University – Components of a Degree
Academic Program Terminology and Definitions
Baccalaureate (Bachelor’s) degrees are comprised of a number of components which, together, complete the requirements for a degree. Below is a basic outline of those components.
Degree Component |
Definition | Transcript Table (displayed on transcript) |
Requirement/Eligibility | Relationship to other degree components | Min. Credits |
Liberal Studies/ General Education | A set of courses designed to address a range of learning outcomes | No | Required for all students | Courses may be double counted if they are also part of the student’s major or minor. | 30-40 |
Major | A primary field of study names as a specific degree program. | Yes | Required for all students. Some majors have specific admissions and retention requirements | Courses may not be double counted toward a second major or a minor. Total credits required for the major must be met, even if specific courses are transferred in for less credit. | 32 |
| Concentration (sometime called track) | A set of disciplinary or interdisciplinary courses within a major | Yes | Required for students in a major which includes a concentration or track | For majors that provide multiple paths to completion. Not optional – majors with a concentration must declare a concentration (no non-concentration path) | 12 |
Minor | A secondary field of study. Optional unless required by the student's primary (major) program of study. | Yes | Required by some, but not all, majors | Some minors are tied to specific majors. Most are not. Courses may not be double counted toward a second minor or a major. Total credits required for the minor must be met, even if specific courses are transferred in for less credit. | 16 |
Other Required
| A set of related disciplinary or interdisciplinary courses | No | Required by some, but not all, majors | Complimentary to the major; may be double-counted within second major or minor. Usually comprised of courses from academic departments outside the major department. | None
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