What is the difference between a major, minor and certificate?

Majors

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 UWM.  Students typically apply for formal admission to a major after completion of one or more semester(s) of coursework.

Minors

A minor is like a “mini-major,” 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 UWM transcript and adds another layer of professional knowledge to your degree, enhancing your résumé and prospects in today’s competitive job market.

Certificates

A certificate is like a “mini-minor,” 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 UWM transcript and adds an additional dimension of knowledge to your academic record and professional résumé.