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Language Foundation

intended major

An intended major is the main subject in a college or university course of study that a student plans to choose as their special area of study.

In plain English

A major is a student's primary academic subject at a college or university. "Intended" shows that it is the subject the student plans to choose as the area they will study in special depth.

In context

Here, the expression labels the planned main subject a student expects to choose as their special area of study in a college or university course of study.

Situation
Applying for admission, scholarships, financial aid, and following decision status
What it communicates
labels the planned subject field

Meaning limits

The term by itself does not establish that the subject has already been officially chosen or will remain the final choice.

Examples

“Although Maya listed chemistry as her intended major, she had not officially declared it.”

Core meaning

“During orientation, each student met with an adviser to talk about an intended major.”

In context

  • major Broader Term

    An intended major is a planned choice within the broader category of a student's main subject of study.

  • declared major Contrast

    A declared major has already been officially chosen, while an intended major does not by itself show that.