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What are the benefits of choosing a minor?
I am considering choosing a #college-minor when I get into college. What are the benefits and/or drawbacks to minoring and majoring at the same time?
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Chris’s Answer
I think that this depends upon A.) What type of job you are going for and B.) what are the expectations of that job?
Positives: Minors can be intellectually rewarding. Perhaps you have a hobby or interest that you want to get in, but don't necessarily want to utilize as a job. (Maybe you LOVE history or psychology, but don't want to be a history teacher or a psychologist as a profession). Some degrees will give you a 'minor' by themselves... for example - Engineering almost ALWAYS includes a minor in Mathematics, because of the amount of math utilized. Minors can give you a bit more variety in a resume, make you stand out a bit among your peers. It shows that you are not just getting your degree for a 'Stamp of approval' - but that you have a passion and depth that goes beyond the classroom or your immediate degree focus. Furthermore, sometimes you can get into an alternative if (*gasp) you find that you don't like what you majored in. Maybe those 'Minor' credits could turn themselves into a 'Major' down the road if you don't have the roadmap of your life completely planned out upon exiting high school.
Negatives: Often, this costs additional time (which equates to lots of 'money'). While college is about the edification of one's intellect - its also become prohibitively expensive in many places. With many schools charging $500 - $1000 per semester hour, having a minor without classes that go with your major means that you'll be shelling out several thousand dollars to get your minor. This could set you back an additional semester or 2 and 9 - 15 credit hours (a standard semester is 9 - 12 hours). Furthermore, since different departments do not ensure that all courses are compatible, you might not be able to fit your minor into a normal, contiguous schedule. (example - I was in band and played French Horn, but I had to give it up in college because band practice was ALWAYS at the same time as my primary engineer classes). Furthermore - some more technical degree plans may have a "don't care" attitude about your minor. (most engineering hiring managers probably do not care about your knowledge of ancient cultures and anthropology)
Positives: Minors can be intellectually rewarding. Perhaps you have a hobby or interest that you want to get in, but don't necessarily want to utilize as a job. (Maybe you LOVE history or psychology, but don't want to be a history teacher or a psychologist as a profession). Some degrees will give you a 'minor' by themselves... for example - Engineering almost ALWAYS includes a minor in Mathematics, because of the amount of math utilized. Minors can give you a bit more variety in a resume, make you stand out a bit among your peers. It shows that you are not just getting your degree for a 'Stamp of approval' - but that you have a passion and depth that goes beyond the classroom or your immediate degree focus. Furthermore, sometimes you can get into an alternative if (*gasp) you find that you don't like what you majored in. Maybe those 'Minor' credits could turn themselves into a 'Major' down the road if you don't have the roadmap of your life completely planned out upon exiting high school.
Negatives: Often, this costs additional time (which equates to lots of 'money'). While college is about the edification of one's intellect - its also become prohibitively expensive in many places. With many schools charging $500 - $1000 per semester hour, having a minor without classes that go with your major means that you'll be shelling out several thousand dollars to get your minor. This could set you back an additional semester or 2 and 9 - 15 credit hours (a standard semester is 9 - 12 hours). Furthermore, since different departments do not ensure that all courses are compatible, you might not be able to fit your minor into a normal, contiguous schedule. (example - I was in band and played French Horn, but I had to give it up in college because band practice was ALWAYS at the same time as my primary engineer classes). Furthermore - some more technical degree plans may have a "don't care" attitude about your minor. (most engineering hiring managers probably do not care about your knowledge of ancient cultures and anthropology)
Anne Harvey
Environmental Scientist at Philadelphia Water Department
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Anne’s Answer
Personally, I believe a minor is beneficial. You may get to college and decide you only want to concentrate in one area of study, and that's fine. It's your education, so do what feels right for you.
By having a minor, it gives you a greater knowledge in another field (in addition to your major). My minor was what allowed me to qualify for the job I have now. Having a certain number of extra credits in an additional field of study, may present more opportunities when you enter the job market. It may also make your resume stand out.
Sometimes a single major does not allow you to explore other areas of study that you want to know more about. A second specialization can broaden your horizons and opportunities.
By having a minor, it gives you a greater knowledge in another field (in addition to your major). My minor was what allowed me to qualify for the job I have now. Having a certain number of extra credits in an additional field of study, may present more opportunities when you enter the job market. It may also make your resume stand out.
Sometimes a single major does not allow you to explore other areas of study that you want to know more about. A second specialization can broaden your horizons and opportunities.
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Kushaan’s Answer
Great question! This really depends on the minor and how connected it is to your major.
If you have a combination such as "Major in Engineering and Minor in Spanish" - two different disciplines - you may have to take classes in completely different buildings, have very discrete requirements, and thus a workload with more volume as very little classes would overlap. At the same time, this is a great boost professionally since you not only are seen as someone with two strengths but now also have a functional advantage.
If you have a combination such as "Major in Finance and Minor in Marketing" - two programs that are both in business - you may have many courses that overlap and thus wouldn't be as much of an additional workload. You would definitely have a strategic advantage in a business career as you know two different business disciplines but this may not be as much of an asset outside the business world.
In my opinion, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. I did a minor in Technology Entrepreneurship and it helped me meet a host of new people I wouldn't have met in my major and always provoked intriguing questions from employers. You just have to decide if it's within your bandwidth and interest to do so.
college college-minor
If you have a combination such as "Major in Engineering and Minor in Spanish" - two different disciplines - you may have to take classes in completely different buildings, have very discrete requirements, and thus a workload with more volume as very little classes would overlap. At the same time, this is a great boost professionally since you not only are seen as someone with two strengths but now also have a functional advantage.
If you have a combination such as "Major in Finance and Minor in Marketing" - two programs that are both in business - you may have many courses that overlap and thus wouldn't be as much of an additional workload. You would definitely have a strategic advantage in a business career as you know two different business disciplines but this may not be as much of an asset outside the business world.
In my opinion, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. I did a minor in Technology Entrepreneurship and it helped me meet a host of new people I wouldn't have met in my major and always provoked intriguing questions from employers. You just have to decide if it's within your bandwidth and interest to do so.
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