August 31, 2009
The Canon of College Majors Persists Amid Calls for Change
Robert Nickelsberg, Getty Images
The fields students major in have been remarkably constant over the years, but new disciplines are on the rise. One is sustainability, in which some 70 colleges now offer academic programs.
According to lore, the academic terms "major" and "minor" first appeared in 1877, in a Johns Hopkins University course catalog. By the middle of the 20th century, the specialized major had become standard practice at almost every American college. Sophomore year: Agonized conversations with parents, and then the declaration of a major. Junior and senior years: Upper-level course work. Graduation day: A diploma that certified your skills in psychology, or physics, or, as the old joke goes,
This is an article for subscribers only. You may access this article by purchasing a:
Print Subscription
Digital Subscription
Already have an account? Log In Now.
-
First Person
-
The Chronicle Review
-
Government
