Revolutionizing Engineering Education: VTU's Major & Minor Degree Programs

 Written by: Dr. Roopa D N, Assistant Professor.

In the traditional undergraduate engineering education structure, students typically choose a specific engineering discipline (such as mechanical, civil, electrical, etc.) at the beginning of their undergraduate studies, and their coursework is largely focused on that discipline. While students may have some flexibility in choosing elective courses, there isn't a formalized system of major and minor degrees.

However, as we evolve and update academic structures over time, Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belgaum, Karnataka (JSS Academy of Technical Education, Bengaluru is Affiliated to VTU) have introduced major and minor degree programs to provide students with more flexibility and opportunities for interdisciplinary learning.

From the student point of view: What is this new concept?

The concept of major and minor degree programs in higher education typically refers to a structure that allows undergraduate students to specialize in one primary subject area (the major) while also exploring a secondary area of interest (the minor) to a lesser extent.

What is a Minor Degree Program?

A minor degree program serves as a secondary, specialized area of study complementing a student's primary degree program or major. While the major represents the primary field of expertise, a minor enables students to delve into additional interests or acquire proficiency in a related or distinct discipline. To foster employability and provide in-depth knowledge in burgeoning fields typically not covered in the undergraduate credit framework, AICTE has introduced the concept of a ‘Minor Degree’ in emerging areas. For instance, students pursuing a major degree in Civil Engineering have the option to pursue a minor degree program in disciplines like Computer Science and Engineering, Data Science, or Cyber Security.

For further information click here: https://online.vtu.ac.in/faq