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Aizah
Student
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What should I consider when choosing a college minor?
Junior in high school.
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12 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hello Aizah. Choosing a college minor is an important decision, here are a few things to consider:
First, you need to think about your interests. What subjects do you enjoy learning about? A minor is a chance to study something you're passionate about without making it your main focus. For example, if you want to major in business but love writing, you could minor in English or journalism. This can make college more enjoyable and help you develop a variety of skills.
Second, you should consider your career goals. Some minors can help you in your future job. For instance, if you want to work in international business, a minor in a foreign language or international studies could be helpful. Employers often like when students have knowledge in more than one area.
Third, you need to think about the time and effort. A minor usually requires several extra classes. Make sure you're willing to take on the extra work and that it won't delay your graduation. Talk to your college advisor to plan your classes wisely.
Finally, you might need to explore what each college offers. Not every school has the same minors, so when you look at colleges, check out their programs. Some schools may let you create your own minor, which gives you more flexibility.
First, you need to think about your interests. What subjects do you enjoy learning about? A minor is a chance to study something you're passionate about without making it your main focus. For example, if you want to major in business but love writing, you could minor in English or journalism. This can make college more enjoyable and help you develop a variety of skills.
Second, you should consider your career goals. Some minors can help you in your future job. For instance, if you want to work in international business, a minor in a foreign language or international studies could be helpful. Employers often like when students have knowledge in more than one area.
Third, you need to think about the time and effort. A minor usually requires several extra classes. Make sure you're willing to take on the extra work and that it won't delay your graduation. Talk to your college advisor to plan your classes wisely.
Finally, you might need to explore what each college offers. Not every school has the same minors, so when you look at colleges, check out their programs. Some schools may let you create your own minor, which gives you more flexibility.
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
When choosing a college minor, there are several things to consider. You must look at your current college major, your future career goals, and your current personal interests to determine which one will fit you the best.
Look at the college/university course catalog, to see what the course requirements are (also check with an academic advisor, to set up a class schedule and see if it fits with your major), and review the options with your academic advisor to make sure you can complete the minor without delaying your graduation or adding unnecessary costs to your education.
Also determine how a minor could enhance your major, providing new skills or knowledge that would make you more competitive in the job market. An example might be if you were a Business major, you might consider a minor in Economics or Psychology.
Identify which minors could improve your career prospects or open up new career paths for you. You might also consider choosing a minor that challenges you in an area where you want to improve. Possibly in writing, communications, or other humanities.
Look at the college/university course catalog, to see what the course requirements are (also check with an academic advisor, to set up a class schedule and see if it fits with your major), and review the options with your academic advisor to make sure you can complete the minor without delaying your graduation or adding unnecessary costs to your education.
Also determine how a minor could enhance your major, providing new skills or knowledge that would make you more competitive in the job market. An example might be if you were a Business major, you might consider a minor in Economics or Psychology.
Identify which minors could improve your career prospects or open up new career paths for you. You might also consider choosing a minor that challenges you in an area where you want to improve. Possibly in writing, communications, or other humanities.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Aizah,
Before you think about a minor, have you decided on a major? Your most important decision will be the career you want to aim for and the major that will best support you in reaching that goal. You CAN do a minor, but you don't NEED to have a minor.
You'll have required courses for your major plus gen ed requirements and electives. That allows you to take courses you are interested in. In many cases that will be enough of a workload. If you really want to do a minor, find out from your university how many credits you need to take. It makes sense if your minor complements your major and gives you an edge for the career you want. Keep in mind that a minor will result either in a higher workload or you'll delay your graduation and increase the cost of your education. Also, keep in mind that you want to keep a high GPA instead of just squeaking by. Also also, consider if an internship or a research project might be a better way to spend your time if you want to stand out.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Before you think about a minor, have you decided on a major? Your most important decision will be the career you want to aim for and the major that will best support you in reaching that goal. You CAN do a minor, but you don't NEED to have a minor.
You'll have required courses for your major plus gen ed requirements and electives. That allows you to take courses you are interested in. In many cases that will be enough of a workload. If you really want to do a minor, find out from your university how many credits you need to take. It makes sense if your minor complements your major and gives you an edge for the career you want. Keep in mind that a minor will result either in a higher workload or you'll delay your graduation and increase the cost of your education. Also, keep in mind that you want to keep a high GPA instead of just squeaking by. Also also, consider if an internship or a research project might be a better way to spend your time if you want to stand out.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Aizah !
And now for a different perspective on the subject of College Minors. Selecting a minor at most colleges is optional and not actually required. You do not need a Minor. You can choose one, but it's not necessary. The important subject would be your Major, one that aligns with the career you want to prepare for.
Depending on the specific college, the number of credits required for a college minor in the U.S. typically ranges from 15 to 30 credits. That would be estimated 5 to 10 classes in a Minor subject (at 3 credits each class). Only choose a Minor if you really believe that it will benefit you in the job market. If you decide to take a Minor, it will require official documentation at your college and the minor will appear on your diploma, so make sure that it either aligns with your Major or that it's in a subject that you want to transition to later on. In general, a university requires students to submit a formal declaration, often involving signatures from departmental advisers, to officially add a minor to their degree program. Check about this process with the exact college you will attend.
So think of it more like whether or not you should declare a minor. Then find out how many credits you will need to take to fulfill that minor at the college you'll be attending. My advice is to consider how the minor will fit in your schedule if you will be taking a heavy Major that entails lab work, presentations, projects and internships. See how many classes in your minor can double as Required Courses for your degree, if those courses count towards your minor. Meet with your Academic Advisor on campus for a discussion about the process and anticipated manageability of a minor considering your Major. Find out if your college has Summer Sessions and if courses in your selected Minor are offered in a Summer Session, but the first thing to find out is how many classes you have to take for the particular minor at your specific college.
So even though you don't really need a Minor in college, if you choose to have one, consult with the college about the process and detailed information because it's not automatically provided unless you ask.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
And now for a different perspective on the subject of College Minors. Selecting a minor at most colleges is optional and not actually required. You do not need a Minor. You can choose one, but it's not necessary. The important subject would be your Major, one that aligns with the career you want to prepare for.
Depending on the specific college, the number of credits required for a college minor in the U.S. typically ranges from 15 to 30 credits. That would be estimated 5 to 10 classes in a Minor subject (at 3 credits each class). Only choose a Minor if you really believe that it will benefit you in the job market. If you decide to take a Minor, it will require official documentation at your college and the minor will appear on your diploma, so make sure that it either aligns with your Major or that it's in a subject that you want to transition to later on. In general, a university requires students to submit a formal declaration, often involving signatures from departmental advisers, to officially add a minor to their degree program. Check about this process with the exact college you will attend.
So think of it more like whether or not you should declare a minor. Then find out how many credits you will need to take to fulfill that minor at the college you'll be attending. My advice is to consider how the minor will fit in your schedule if you will be taking a heavy Major that entails lab work, presentations, projects and internships. See how many classes in your minor can double as Required Courses for your degree, if those courses count towards your minor. Meet with your Academic Advisor on campus for a discussion about the process and anticipated manageability of a minor considering your Major. Find out if your college has Summer Sessions and if courses in your selected Minor are offered in a Summer Session, but the first thing to find out is how many classes you have to take for the particular minor at your specific college.
So even though you don't really need a Minor in college, if you choose to have one, consult with the college about the process and detailed information because it's not automatically provided unless you ask.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Jay Thompson, MPH
Consultant
3
Answers
Marietta, Georgia
Updated
Jay’s Answer
When picking a college minor, think about what interests you and what might help you in your future career. It’s good to choose something you enjoy, but also something that can give you extra skills or options after graduation. Make sure the minor fits with your schedule and major so you don’t get overwhelmed!
Serena Smiley
Data Science/Engineering
1
Answer
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Serena’s Answer
- Fill in gaps in your major with minors. If you're majoring in a Sociology/Political Science major, then minor in something like data science/computer science. And vice versa.
- If you want to major in something but it seems too demanding, get a minor in it instead. You'll get the core skills needed to promote it on your resume/applications but won't have the burden of the whole degree/upper division courses.
- Use it to pursue a passion/interest, but keep in mind, you're paying for those classes.
- Instead of minoring, take language classes. College is the best place to learn a language.
- If you want to major in something but it seems too demanding, get a minor in it instead. You'll get the core skills needed to promote it on your resume/applications but won't have the burden of the whole degree/upper division courses.
- Use it to pursue a passion/interest, but keep in mind, you're paying for those classes.
- Instead of minoring, take language classes. College is the best place to learn a language.
Christina Davis
14
Answers
Updated
Christina’s Answer
I feel that it’s important to complement your major with additional courses. For example, if you're studying art, I recommend taking classes that enhance your understanding and skills in that area. I studied museum and curator studies, but I also took business courses, graphic design, and marketing to support my career. Additionally, I enrolled in some political science classes because they helped me articulate my work more effectively.
Kangana Patel
Student
40
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Kangana’s Answer
Hey Aizah,
When choosing a college minor, consider things you are interested in or a specialization you want to pursue in your prospective field. For example, someone who is a finance major but is interested in music or psychology can minor in any of those fields. This not only allows them to learn about/explore what they like but also opens up doors in which they can potentially work in a music or psychology company in a finance position. At the same time you can major in finance and minor in something such real estate, data analytics, entrepreneurship, or accounting. These are still within the business world but help you develop a niche or specialization, which can make you more competitive when applying for jobs or internships.
But overall sit with yourself and take some time and figure out what do you truly want for yourself in the future or what are you interested in/passionate about.
I hope this helps, let me know if you want suggestions based on your major or interests!
When choosing a college minor, consider things you are interested in or a specialization you want to pursue in your prospective field. For example, someone who is a finance major but is interested in music or psychology can minor in any of those fields. This not only allows them to learn about/explore what they like but also opens up doors in which they can potentially work in a music or psychology company in a finance position. At the same time you can major in finance and minor in something such real estate, data analytics, entrepreneurship, or accounting. These are still within the business world but help you develop a niche or specialization, which can make you more competitive when applying for jobs or internships.
But overall sit with yourself and take some time and figure out what do you truly want for yourself in the future or what are you interested in/passionate about.
I hope this helps, let me know if you want suggestions based on your major or interests!
David Chou
Project Management
28
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
David’s Answer
When picking a college minor, consider how it fits with your major and future job plans. A good minor can boost your knowledge in a related area or give you new skills, like combining education with psychology or computer science with business. Think about what you enjoy, so it feels fun rather than stressful. Look at the course requirements to ensure they fit into your schedule without delaying graduation. A minor should be helpful, not too much to handle.
Justin Connor
CAT Insurance Director
4
Answers
Broomfield, Colorado
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Hi there! That's a fantastic question. You have two exciting paths to consider: (1) choose something that aligns with your major or career goals, or (2) pick something you're passionate about, even if it's not the most profitable choice for a major. As an Economics major aiming for Law School, I decided to minor in Philosophy. It interests me and complements my major, plus it can be beneficial for LSAT tests. I hope this helps you on your journey!
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Aizah,
There are many different things that you should consider when deciding a college minor. You should decide what your major is, what your career goals are, what your personal interests are and how a minor will help enhance your education. Minors can be very good in enhancing your major and can help you explore different paths or possible other opportunities to different fields than your major. Consider what makes sense for your major, how your minor will relate to your personal goals and consider your credits to make sure that it works with your degree. Best of luck to you!
There are many different things that you should consider when deciding a college minor. You should decide what your major is, what your career goals are, what your personal interests are and how a minor will help enhance your education. Minors can be very good in enhancing your major and can help you explore different paths or possible other opportunities to different fields than your major. Consider what makes sense for your major, how your minor will relate to your personal goals and consider your credits to make sure that it works with your degree. Best of luck to you!
Margarita Mendy
orthoptist
26
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Margarita’s Answer
Just to support other answers ....
Pick something that goes along with your major but does not overpower it.
You do not want to spent time on totally different tasks or skills just for fun. Use your time and effort productively and to your future benefit.
For example, you may like photography and want to learn this skill perfectly. However, do not take up photography for medical major unless you'll use medical photography as your future skill (most likely you will not).
Be selective and add something that will bring you advantage over other candidates in your major.
Pick something that goes along with your major but does not overpower it.
You do not want to spent time on totally different tasks or skills just for fun. Use your time and effort productively and to your future benefit.
For example, you may like photography and want to learn this skill perfectly. However, do not take up photography for medical major unless you'll use medical photography as your future skill (most likely you will not).
Be selective and add something that will bring you advantage over other candidates in your major.