* Major: A major is the student's primary area of study. It requires a significantly larger number of credits (courses) than a minor and represents the student's primary academic focus and specialization. Graduating students typically earn a degree *in* their major (e.g., a Bachelor of Arts in History). The major determines the core of their knowledge and skills.
* Minor: A minor is a secondary area of study. It requires fewer credits than a major and allows students to explore a subject area of interest outside their primary focus. It supplements the major, broadening the student's knowledge base and potentially providing valuable complementary skills. A minor is not required for graduation, and a student can choose to have multiple minors or none at all. A minor is usually noted on the transcript but doesn't usually impact the degree name itself.
In short: The major is the main course, the minor is a side dish. You need the main course to graduate, but the side dish enhances the overall meal.