What is a major? A major field of study is a concentration of courses in one subject, usually 30 to 60 credit hours depending on the program. When a major is selected, a faculty member in that subject becomes the student’s advisor. A listing of majors can be found in the 2005-2006 Shepherd University Catalog, page 46. Generally a student must select a major and a minor.

What is a minor? A minor is a field of study is similar to the major with less coursework.

Exceptions to Major/Minor Combinations: Because are more major courses required, Comprehensive Majors do not select minors nor are minors needed in Double Majors programs.

Programs of Study: All majors are organized under Degree Programs (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelors of Fine Arts; Bachelors of Arts – Elementary or Secondary Education, Bachelor of Science, and Regents Bachelor of Arts - RBA). The 128 credit hours needed for graduation are divided between courses in the major, minor (if needed), general studies, and electives. Click here for a complete list.  Pie chart examples of the how these programs would look like are as follows:

EXAMPLE of a Bachelor’s Degree with Major/Minor Combination
	Note: Students may maintain the "undecided" major status until they have either completed 32 credits or 3 semesters, whichever comes first
EXAMPLE of a Bachelor’s Degree with Comprehensive Major

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Last modified: Friday March 09, 2007.