Should “Finance Major” Be Capitalized?

The capitalization of “finance major,” like many academic program titles, depends heavily on context. There isn’t a universal rule that applies in every situation. Understanding the general guidelines for capitalization will help you make the right decision.

Proper Nouns vs. Common Nouns

The core principle governing capitalization is the distinction between proper nouns and common nouns. Proper nouns are specific names of people, places, organizations, or things. They are always capitalized. Common nouns, on the other hand, are general terms for categories of things and are usually not capitalized, except when they begin a sentence.

When to Capitalize “Finance Major”

“Finance Major” should be capitalized when it refers to a specific, formally named program or department within a particular institution. For example:

• “She is a student in the Finance Major at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.” (Here, “Finance Major” is part of the formally recognized program name at that school.)
• “He is meeting with the head of the Finance Major.” (This implies a specific department or program head.)
• “The Finance Major curriculum has been updated.” (Refers to the curriculum of a specific program.)

Essentially, if “Finance Major” is used as a title or part of a formal name, capitalize it.

When Not to Capitalize “Finance Major”

“Finance major” should not be capitalized when it’s used as a general descriptor of a field of study. For example:

• “He is a finance major.” (Describes his area of study, not a formal program name.)
• “She is interested in becoming a finance major.” (General interest in the field.)
• “Many students choose to be a finance major because of the job opportunities.” (General statement about a type of major.)

In these cases, “finance major” is simply describing the student’s academic focus and should be treated like any other common noun phrase (e.g., “English teacher,” “biology student”).

The Hybrid Case: Course Titles

Course titles often include the word “finance.” Individual course titles are usually capitalized, regardless of whether they refer to a specific program. For example:

• “He is taking Introduction to Finance this semester.” (Course title is capitalized.)
• “She is enrolled in Corporate Finance.” (Specific course name.)

Consistency is Key

Regardless of the specific rule applied, maintaining consistency within a document or piece of writing is paramount. Choose a style and adhere to it throughout. If you are writing for a specific institution or publication, consult their style guide for guidance on capitalization.

In summary, determine whether you’re referring to a specific program name or a general field of study. That will guide your decision on whether or not to capitalize “finance major.”