Columbia College students who matriculated prior to Fall 2024 may choose either to major or concentrate in a discipline. Concentrations usually have fewer requirements and thus free up a student’s schedule to take other classes of interest. These students do not need to have a major to graduate and may instead choose a concentration. Please note that in the case of "Special Concentrations" (for example, the Special Business Management Concentration), a student must choose a major or a concentration in addition to the special concentration in order to graduate.

Columbia College students who matriculated starting in Fall 2024 or beyond must have a major to graduate and can additionally choose to add one or two additional programs of study (as long as they are not electing three majors). Minors involve less requirements and free up students' schedule to pursue a range of subjects.