What Are Degree Subjects?

A degree subject is a specific area of study you choose to focus on at a university or college. When you complete your studies, you receive a degree, which is an official qualification.

For example, if you want to become a doctor, you study Medicine. If you want to design buildings, you might study Architecture. These are your degree subjects.

Common Degree Subjects

Here is a list of common degree subjects you might hear or read about:

• Arts and Humanities: Literature, History, Philosophy, Languages, Drama.
• Social Sciences: Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Political Science.
• Science and Mathematics: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science.
• Engineering: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering.
• Business and Law: Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, Law.
• Health Sciences: Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy.
• Education: Primary Education, Secondary Education.

How Do We Talk About Degree Subjects?

You can use different phrases to discuss what you or others study:

• To ask: "What are you studying?" or "What is your major?" (In American English, major means your main subject.)
• To state: "I am studying Psychology." or "I'm doing a degree in Law."
• To talk about the past: "She studied History at university." or "He has a degree in Computer Science."
• To talk about future plans: "I want to study Economics." or "My dream is to get a degree in Medicine."

Examples

• My sister is studying Architecture because she loves designing buildings.
• He hopes to get a degree in Business Administration to start his own company.
• Many students choose Computer Science because of the job opportunities.
• What degree subject did you choose for university?
• She is passionate about Literature and reads many books for her course.

Practice

Common mistakes for Spanish speakers

Spanish speakers sometimes confuse career with degree or subject. Remember:

• "Career" is your professional path over many years (e.g., a career in medicine).
• "Degree" is the qualification you get after university (e.g., a Bachelor's degree).
• "Subject" is the specific area of study (e.g., the subject of Biology).

Also, be careful with prepositions:

• Correct: "I am studying Law." (No preposition needed before the subject itself)
• Incorrect: "I am studying for Law."
• Correct: "I am doing a degree in Law." (Use in with degree + subject)

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a course and a degree subject?

A degree subject is the main field of study you pursue at university, like Psychology. A course is usually a specific class or module within that subject, for example, Introduction to Social Psychology might be a course within a Psychology degree.

Can I use major instead of degree subject?

Yes, in American English, major is very common and means your main degree subject. For example, "My major is English Literature." In British English, subject or field of study is more common.

What are some common types of degrees?

The most common types are a Bachelor's degree (the first degree after high school), a Master's degree (a postgraduate degree), and a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy, a research degree).