Quick answer: A course of study is the academic program you completed or are enrolled in, usually your major or degree program (for example, "Bachelor of Science in Nursing" or "Computer Science"). A field of study is the broader subject area your education falls into (for example, "Healthcare," "Engineering," or "Business"). On most US job applications, both questions are really asking what you studied, so write your major (and minor, if relevant). A single course is one class, like "Introduction to Psychology." In the UK, "course" often means your whole degree program.
You're filling out an online job application, everything is going fine, and then the form asks for your "course of study." A few fields later, it asks for your "field of study." Are they the same? Different? Is this a trick question?
It's not a trick. The terms overlap a lot, and forms use them inconsistently. This guide explains what each one means, how they differ from "major" and "course," and exactly what to write on applications and resumes.
What Does "Course of Study" Mean?
A course of study is a planned program of classes that leads to a qualification, such as a degree, diploma, or certificate.
In the US, on job and college applications, "course of study" usually means:
- Your major ("Psychology," "Mechanical Engineering")
- Your degree program ("Bachelor of Arts in English," "Associate of Applied Science in Nursing")
- A certificate or vocational program ("Medical Assistant Certificate," "HVAC Technology")
Examples of a course of study:
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
- Certificate in Paralegal Studies
- High School Diploma (General Studies or College Prep track)
In education policy and law, "course of study" can also refer to the official curriculum a school or district must teach, but on job applications it's about your own program.
What Does "Field of Study" Mean?
A field of study is the broader academic discipline or subject area your education belongs to. It's the category, not the specific program.
Examples of fields of study:
- Business (majors: accounting, finance, marketing, management)
- Engineering (mechanical, civil, electrical, software)
- Health sciences (nursing, public health, kinesiology)
- Social sciences (psychology, sociology, economics)
- Humanities (English, history, philosophy)
- Natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics)
- Computer and information sciences
- Education
- Fine and performing arts
Some forms use "field of study" when they really want your major, so if there's only one box, write your major.
Course of Study vs. Field of Study vs. Major vs. Course
- Field of study: the broad area. Example: Business
- Course of study: your specific program. Example: Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing
- Major: your primary subject specialization within a degree. Example: Marketing
- Minor: a secondary specialization. Example: Psychology
- Concentration / specialization / emphasis: a focus within a major. Example: Digital Marketing
- Course: a single class. Example: Consumer Behavior (MKT 310)
In the UK, Ireland, and Australia, "course" often means your whole degree program ("I'm doing a law course at Leeds"), while individual classes are called "modules" or "units."
What to Write on Job Applications
If the form asks for "course of study"
Write your major or program name:
- "Nursing"
- "Computer Science"
- "Business Administration – Finance"
- "Medical Assistant Certificate"
If the form asks for "field of study"
Write your major, or the broader field if the dropdown asks for a category:
- "Engineering" (if choosing from a list)
- "Mechanical Engineering" (if it's a free text box)
If you have two majors or a minor
Write both, separated by a comma or "and": "Economics and Mathematics," or "Psychology (Minor: Business)."
If you didn't finish your degree
Write the program you studied and note it's incomplete elsewhere on the form, or in your resume. See how to list an unfinished degree.
If you're still in school
Write your intended major, and list the expected graduation date where the form asks. See how to list a degree in progress.
If you only have a high school diploma
Write "High School Diploma," "General Studies," or "N/A" if the field is required and doesn't apply.
How to Show Your Course of Study on a Resume
On a resume, you don't need to label it "course of study." Just list it in your education section:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing | University of Texas at Austin | May 2026
Minor: Spanish | GPA: 3.7
Add relevant coursework (specific classes) if you're early in your career:
Relevant coursework: Pharmacology, Adult Health Nursing, Pediatric Nursing
See relevant coursework on a resume, how to list a minor on a resume, and how to list a degree on a resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an example of a course of study?
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Associate Degree in Nursing, Master of Business Administration, or Certificate in Welding Technology.
Is course of study the same as major?
On most US applications, yes. "Course of study" usually means your major or degree program.
What is the difference between field of study and major?
A field of study is the broad discipline (Engineering). A major is your specific specialization within it (Civil Engineering).
What should I put for course of study if I didn't go to college?
Write "High School Diploma," your vocational program, or "N/A" if nothing applies.
What does "area of study" mean?
It's another way of asking your field of study or major. Write your major or program.
Is a course of study the same as a course?
No. A course is one class. A course of study is the full program of classes that leads to a qualification. (In the UK, "course" can mean the whole program.)
Present Your Education Clearly
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