major in

Meaning

This phrase is used to specify a student's primary field of study or specialization at a college or university. It is most common in North American higher education. You use it as a verb, followed by the subject you are focusing on.

Examples

• She decided to major in biochemistry because she wants to work in cancer research.

  She decided to major in biochemistry because she wants to work in cancer research.

• Are you going to major in computer science or software engineering?

  Are you going to major in computer science or software engineering?

• He majored in history but ended up working as a financial analyst.

  He majored in history but ended up working as a financial analyst.

• I'm planning to major in graphic design, though my parents want me to study business.

  I'm planning to major in graphic design, though my parents want me to study business.

• Many students change their minds about what to major in during their first year.

  Many students change their minds about what to major in during their first year.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I am majoring at economics.

  ✓ I am majoring in economics.

  The correct preposition to use with the verb 'major' is 'in', not 'at'.

• ✗ My sister majors computer science.

  ✓ My sister is majoring in computer science.

  'Major' is an intransitive verb in this context and requires the preposition 'in' before the subject. It is also more natural to use the continuous form when currently studying.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you want to work on Wall Street, you should probably ___ finance.

  💡 Focus on a specific subject as your main college study.

  Show answer

  major in

• He is going to ___ English literature because he loves classic novels.

  💡 Choose a primary field of study.

  Show answer

  major in