specialized subject; major
Refers to a student's chosen area of specialization, typically in a university context. Equivalent to 'major' in English.
I chose economics as my major at university.
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.