What is a minor as opposed to a major in college?

The simple answer is number of credits. Generally each department within a college or university sets forth X number of credits (and classes) are required for a major and Y number of credits (and classes) are required for a minor. A major has more requirements than a minor. It is generally pretty cut and dried. You can usually find the specific requirements in the college handbook; increasingly one can find the information online. The specific requirements do vary from school to school.

AnswerLike previously said, the difference between Major and minor is the amount of credits. But also, A major is like the main focus on your career goal and a minor can be something to compliment it. For example, My major is elementary education. But, i also have a minor in spanish. The purpose of the minor is so that i may be able to teach elementary students spanish as well. Or another example can be a major in Business and minor in Finance, or a Major in Nursing and a minor in Biology. I think that's a good way to explain it.