{"id":3739,"date":"2021-08-26T09:45:28","date_gmt":"2021-08-26T14:45:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/rehabilitation-sciences-technology\/?page_id=3739"},"modified":"2025-06-20T09:51:44","modified_gmt":"2025-06-20T14:51:44","slug":"what-is-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/rehabilitation-sciences-technology\/students\/undergraduate-academic-advising\/what-is-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the difference between a major, minor and certificate?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Majors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your major is your primary area of study.  Undergraduate students in CHS must be admitted to one of the majors to earn a baccalaureate degree.  Please note: Admission to major is separate from admission to 51ÁÔÆæ.  Students typically apply for formal admission to a major after completion of one or more semester(s) of coursework.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A minor is like a \u201cmini-major,\u201d a grouping of classes around a specific subject matter, typically between 18-30 credits. A minor must be combined with a major\/degree program. A minor is noted on your official 51ÁÔÆæ transcript and adds another layer of professional knowledge to your degree, enhancing your r\u00e9sum\u00e9 and prospects in today\u2019s competitive job market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certificates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A certificate is like a \u201cmini-minor,\u201d a concentrated set of classes grouped around a particular subject matter, typically between 15-21 credits. Unlike a major or minor, however, the courses typically come from several academic departments.  It can be combined with a major\/degree program, and some are available as a stand-alone option for individuals, including working professionals, wishing to expand their knowledge in a particular subject area. A certificate is noted on your official 51ÁÔÆæ transcript and adds an additional dimension of knowledge to your academic record and professional r\u00e9sum\u00e9. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n