Academic Program Terminology

NJIT Academic Program Terminology

Undergraduate Major (or "Major"): A field of study designated by a prescribed set of courses in an academic discipline. When combined with specific general education and cognate courses, the successful completion of the requirements within the major leads to an undergraduate degree in that area of study. A major has been approved by the State and accredited through the Middles States and/or other accreditation bodies.

Minor: A field of study designated by a prescribed set of courses in an academic discipline, but with fewer required courses than needed for a major. The minor is formally designated on the transcript.

Option: Refers to alternative curricula leading to a degree in a sub-field of the major discipline. Each option is separately accredited. (e.g. in Engineering Technology).

Specialization: A sub-field or area of study within an academic major.

Graduate Degree Program (or "Program"): A defined curriculum leading to a graduate degree.

Dual Baccalaureate Degrees: Two separate degrees awarded on the completion of the requirements within each of two majors, satisfaction of the general university requirements, and at least 30 credits more than is required for either degree.

Double Major: Completion of the requirements for two separate majors with fewer than 30 additional credits.

Dual Masters Degrees: Two separate degrees awarded on the completion of the requirements within each of two degree programs.

Accelerated Baccalaureate/Masters Degree Programs: Two separate degrees awarded on the completion of the requirements of both degrees, with a specified number of courses that can be applied toward the requirements for both degrees.

Joint Degree Programs: A degree program in which two or more institutions together award one degree.

Coordinated Degree Programs: A degree program involving two or more institutions for which the curricula are coordinated and each institution awards its own individual degree.

Concentration: Uses of this term should be eliminated (substitute "Specialization").