The terminology below is used to describe majors, specializations, teaching minors, and sub-categories within them as noted.
For detailed information on academic program terminology, visit https://aacc.msu.edu/ucc/curriculum/curriculum-resources/policy.
Area of Emphasis
A set of disciplinary or interdisciplinary courses exclusively for teacher certification programs. Final approval is integral to the degree certification process.
Cognate
A set of related disciplinary or interdisciplinary courses. Final approval is integral to the degree certification process.
Concentration
A set of disciplinary or interdisciplinary courses within a major. Final approval is integral to the degree certification process.
Undergraduate Certificate
Constructed in selected fields as complements to degree programs or minors or as distinct offerings. Issuance of an undergraduate certificate signifies completion course work, co-curricular experiences, or specified training.
Type 1 - Directly related to, yet distinct from, a degree program or programs offered by an academic college, department, or school.
Type 2 - Distinct entity not related to a degree program or minor.
Type 3 - Distinct entity designed for external stakeholders and guest students not related to a degree program or minor.
Type 4 - Distinct entity designed for undergraduate students and guest students.
Type 5 - Directly related to a degree program as part of the degree program’s requirements.
Graduate Certificate
Constructed in selected fields as complements to degree programs or as distinct offerings. Issuance of a graduate certificate signifies completion of course work, specified professional training, skills, or competency levels.
Type 1 - Directly related to a degree program as part of the degree program's requirements. Final approval is integral to the degree certification process.
Type 2 - Distinct entity not related to a degree program. Final approval may be separate from or concurrent with the degree certification process.
Type 3 - Distinct entity not related to a degree program. Final approval is granted by the academic unit.
Type 4 - Distinct entity at the University level not related to a degree program. Final approval is recommended by the administering unit and The Graduate School and is separate from the degree certification process.
Major
A primary field of study named as a specific degree program. Final approval is integral to the degree certification process.
Minor
A secondary field of study at the undergraduate level. Final approval is concurrent with the degree certification process.
Graduate Specialization
An interdisciplinary program of thematically related courses. Final approval is concurrent with the degree certification process.
Teaching Minor
A group of single subject or group subject courses required by the State of Michigan exclusively for teacher certification programs. Final approval is separate from the degree certification process.