noun
specialized subject; major
Refers to a student's chosen area of specialization, typically in a university context. Equivalent to 'major' in English.
大学では経済学を専修科目に選んだ。
I chose economics as my major at university.
専修科目の授業は少人数で行われる。
Classes for specialized subjects are conducted in small groups.
専門科目 is a more common term for 'specialized subject' or 'major subject'. 専修科目 is less frequent but carries the same meaning, often used in formal academic contexts.
Compound of 専修 (senshū, 'specialization') and 科目 (kamoku, 'subject'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is a straightforward academic compound.