A major is your primary area of study at McGill. For example, you could pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree with a Major in History, Linguistics, or Sociology, to name just a few possibilities. The specific requirements for a major vary from program to program.
A minor is an area of secondary concentration. Some faculties offer a concentration or specialization within a Bachelor degree program. For example, you could pursue a Concentration in International Business within the Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) degree.
Students often pursue a minor that complements their major. But for most non-professional programs*, you can study a completely different subject in another faculty. Our flexible program structure is designed to offer more choice and help you build a degree at McGill that truly reflects your academic interests and passions.
Once you begin your program at McGill, your academic advisor can help you determine if (and which!) minors could be a good fit for you.
*Professional programs, such as Engineering or Education, are regulated by a professional order and have a predetermined course structure.
For more definitions, head to our Terminology guide.