carrera
/kaˈreɾa/
In Spanish, the phrase 'college major' is translated as carrera.
The term is used to describe the specific subject or field of study a student specializes in while earning a university degree. To express that you are 'majoring in' a subject, you typically use the verb estudiar (to study) followed by una carrera or the name of the specific subject.
Which one should you use?
While English distinguishes between a 'major' (the subject of study) and a 'career' (the professional path), Spanish often uses carrera to refer to both the specific degree program and the professional path itself. In some academic contexts, particularly in Spain, grado may be used to refer to the specific degree or level of study.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word grado is common when referring to the specific degree or level of study.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈreɾa/
Did you know?
- The word carrera literally means 'race' or 'track'. This frames a college major not as a static subject of study but as a competitive race toward a professional finish line.
- Spanish does not have a direct equivalent to the American concept of a 'double major'. Students typically must choose one carrera or complete two separate degrees in succession.
- The term carrera shares its roots with the Latin word carrus, meaning a wheeled vehicle, much like how the English word 'career' relates to the 'track' or 'path' of a vehicle.
Examples in context
- Mi carrera universitaria es Ingeniería Industrial.My college major is Industrial Engineering.
- Mi especialización universitaria es Medicina.My college major is Medicine.
- Mi carrera es Psicología.My major is Psychology.
- Estoy estudiando Ingeniería Civil.I'm studying Civil Engineering.
- Voy a comenzar mis estudios de grado en Derecho.I'm going to start my college major in Law.
- ¿Cuál es tu carrera?What is your major?
- Él eligió una carrera muy difícil.He chose a very difficult major.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are meeting for the first time at a university party.
- DanielHola, soy Daniel. ¿Qué carrera estudias?Hi, I'm Daniel. What is your college major?
- LucíaHola, soy Lucía. Mi carrera es Medicina.Hi, I'm Lucía. My major is Medicine.
- Daniel¡Qué bien! Es una carrera muy difícil.That's great! It is a very difficult major.
- LucíaSí, pero me gusta mucho.Yes, but I like it a lot.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry carrera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries carrera, CC BY-SA 4.0.
