How Many Real Majors Exist? Analyzing Common Modules in Bachelor Programs

It is difficult to give an exact number as it would depend on the specific universities and programs being considered. However, it is likely that there are fewer actual majors than the current list of degrees suggests, as many programs share common core modules and areas of study. By combining these common elements, it may be possible to create a smaller number of more focused and specialized majors that better reflect the actual knowledge and skills being taught in these fields.

For instance, calculus, linear algebra, and programming are three modules that are taught within study plans of computer science, computer engineering, and electrical engineering degrees. If we list out all the study plans and combine common core modules, how many actual number of majors do we have compared to the current list of degrees? While the CIP code 2020 lists a vast number of bachelor degrees, analyzing shared core modules could reveal a smaller number of distinct majors, offering a more accurate representation of the knowledge and skills acquired in these programs.