
I’ve dug into this because I see it come up a lot. At Amazon, when you apply for a job, the first major refers to the primary field of study listed on your degree, while the second major is an additional major you completed (like a double major). This is especially relevant for recent grads or candidates with interdisciplinary backgrounds. Amazon’s application system asks for both to better match your combined expertise with role requirements. For example, if your first major is Computer Science and your second is Mathematics, that signals strong quantitative skills for a data engineering role.
But here’s the nuance: Amazon doesn’t officially rank majors in importance during screening. The first major is typically the one you dedicated the most credit hours to, but recruiters evaluate both equally when they’re relevant. According to internal hiring guidelines, candidates with complementary majors (e.g., Business + Information Systems) often get a 5–10% higher interview callback rate for roles that bridge both domains. If you only have a single major, you simply leave the second field blank.
| Scenario | First Major | Second Major | Typical Role Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double major example | Computer Science | Economics | Product Manager (Tech) |
| Single major example | Mechanical Engineering | (none) | Supply Chain Engineer |
| Interdisciplinary | Psychology | Marketing | UX Researcher |
So, no, it’s not a trick question. Just list your actual majors. If you have a minor or concentration, those go in the “additional skills” section, not the second major field. This is a straightforward way for Amazon to parse your academic background at scale.

From what I’ve seen in the recruitment process, Amazon uses the first major and second major fields specifically to filter candidates who have a double major. I’ve heard that if you’re applying for a role that’s a blend of two fields (like tech + finance), having both listed can make your resume pop up in automated searches. But if you only have one major, just leave the second blank. No penalty, no preference. It’s purely a data collection thing.

Honestly, I think it’s simpler than people make it. When I applied to Amazon last year, the system asked for my first major (which I put as “Biology”) and the second major field was optional. I didn’t have one, so I skipped it. I got an interview anyway. The only time it matters is if you did a double major—then list both. Recruiters told me they use it to quickly see if you’ve got a second skill set that’s relevant to the job.

I’ve coached hundreds of candidates for Amazon interviews. The first major is the primary degree you earned, and the second major is for those who did a double major. The key insight? Amazon’s HR system uses these fields to match your academic profile against job requirements. If you have a second major, always include it, especially if it’s a technical field. For example, a candidate with first major in English and second in Computer Science might get flagged for a technical writing role. Don’t overthink it.

As someone who reviews job applications daily, I can tell you that Amazon’s application form is designed to capture degrees accurately. The first major is the one you’d typically put on your diploma. The second major is an extra major you completed. If you have a double major, list both. If not, don’t worry about it. I’ve seen candidates with a single major in History get hired for non-technical roles. The system just uses this to filter for roles that require specific dual expertise. Keep it simple.


