<P> An academic major is the academic discipline to which an undergraduate student formally commits . A student who successfully completes all courses required for the major qualifies for an undergraduate degree . The word "major" is also sometimes used administratively to refer to the academic discipline pursued by a graduate student or postgraduate student in a master's or doctoral program . </P> <P> An academic major typically requires completion of a combination of prescribed and elective courses in the chosen discipline . In addition, most colleges and universities require that all students take a general core curriculum in the liberal arts . The latitude a student has in choosing courses varies from program to program . An academic major is administered by select faculty in an academic department . A major administered by more than one academic department is called an interdisciplinary major . In some settings, students may be permitted to design their own major, subject to faculty approval . </P>

What is a major in a bachelor degree