What “Course of Study in High School” Means on Applications

This generic question appears when the job application is copied from a college application form. It is a boilerplate question because high school students don’t major in anything!

But don’t worry; there are two different ways to describe your course of study in high school.

First Way to Answer: Be as Informative as Possible

By default, you can write “General high school diploma.”

However, it is possible to be more informative by writing:

• Business studies: If you completed business courses in high school, you can write “Business” and add courses completed, such as bookkeeping or money management, you name it!
• Arts: If you were in a high school for the arts, you can write “Arts” and mention the main subjects, such as calligraphy, art history, portraiture, etc.
• Sciences: If you were in a science high school, you can write “Sciences” and mention the main subjects you completed, such as physics, astronomy, future studies, etc.
• STEM or non-STEM: In some schools, the last two high school years focus on STEM subjects such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses. If you were in such a high school track, write “STEM” (or non-STEM otherwise).

If you want to be even more specific, you can add some information about your curriculum:

• College Prep: If you took Honors or AP classes, write “College Prep.”
• Vocational education: If you studied in a vocational high school, write “vocational education” and add your major: automotive, culinary, cosmetology, etc.
• IB: If you completed an International Baccalaureate program, you could put “IB” or “International Baccalaureate program.”

Second Way to Answer: Leave It Blank or Write “Not Applicable”

When asked for your course of study on a U.S. job application, it is usually on a form with a row for each level of school and a column for “major.”

In other words, there is an ambiguity in the application form!

If a job application asks for your major (or area of study) in the high school section, you can leave it blank.

You can also write “N/A” or “Not Applicable.”

Why Employers Care About Your Course of Study in High School

High schoolers all follow the same core course of study, including English, mathematics, science, and social studies classes.

However, choosing from classes outside the required curriculum is also possible. These courses are called elective classes. Electives include courses about personal finance, entrepreneurial skills, world politics, etc.

Some employers ask about your course of study to know your interests besides the high school curriculum. If you followed electives, feel free to mention them, as they will demonstrate your curiosity.

The Bottom Line

If a job application asks you one of these questions:

• What was your major or area of study in high school?
• What was your course of study in high school?

It is a boilerplate question!

You can either leave it blank, write “N/A,” or mention some of the courses you took in high school.

You can also list the courses you liked the most. A hint about your favorite courses would be sufficient but don’t sweat it. It’s not a big deal if you leave it blank!

Similar Questions Asked When Filling Out a Job Application

• What Is Your Major Area of Study?
• The Meaning of “Highest Academic Level” on Job Applications
• What Does “High School Diploma or Equivalent” Mean?

About The Author

Nathan Brunner is a labor market expert.

He is the owner of Salarship, a job board where less-skilled candidates can find accessible employment opportunities.

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