How do college majors work?

Question

I know that the major is what the degree is for and minors help to learn the major. But is the major started during the third year of college and during the first two years, I'm taking classes that will help me learn that major?

For example: If I already finished High School but still want to take Calculus classes for an Engineering major: 

1. Would I be able to learn it during the first two years and start the major the next two years? 
2. Or does the major start the very first year and I can take Calculus at the same time? 
3. Or am I out of luck and cannot take Calculus at all? 
4. Or is there some other way I could learn it before I go to college?

loveisunquestionable · Accepted Answer

I just registered for classes for my freshman year in college. Yes, usually the first 2 years are for general education and the remainder is for your major. I'm taking general ed but i also am taking a couple classes for my major during my first year just to get them out of the way. My college gave us a list of classes they recommend we take individually so maybe yours will too. The calculus class can be taken at any time, as long as your eligible to be in college level calculus. Good luck!

Howard · Answer

A major is just a set of classes grouped together that demonstrate proficiency within a field.
First year is usually reserved for general education.
You generally start your core major courses in your 2nd-4th years.
You can take Calculus whenever so long as you leave enough time for the courses that it serves as a prerequisite to.

How do college majors work?

2 Answers