A minor in college is a secondary area of study, usually consisting of a smaller number of courses than a major, that complements and enhances a student’s primary degree program.
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A minor in college is similar to a major in that it is a focused area of study, but it is usually not as extensive. Typically, a minor requires completion of fewer courses than a major, typically about 18-24 credits. A minor offers an opportunity to study a secondary area of interest, which can complement and enhance a student’s primary degree program.
According to US News & World Report, selecting a minor can demonstrate “intellectual curiosity, a willingness to engage with challenging coursework, and the ability to balance multiple responsibilities.” Choosing a minor is a chance for a student to pursue a passion or interest, and broaden their knowledge in a specific subject area. Additionally, it can make a student more well-rounded and marketable to future employers.
It is important to note that some majors require students to choose a minor as part of their degree program. For example, students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education may be required to choose a minor in a related subject such as Psychology or Special Education.
When choosing a minor, students should consider their interests, career goals, and the potential benefit the minor can provide. Some popular minors include Business, Psychology, Communications, Computer Science, and Environmental Studies.
To summarize, a minor in college is a focused area of study that complements and enhances a student’s primary degree program, providing an opportunity for intellectual curiosity, broader knowledge, and potential career benefits. As Confucius once said, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
Here is a table of popular minors and their potential benefits:
| Minor | Potential Benefits |
|---|---|
| Business | Understanding of financial management and entrepreneurship |
| Psychology | Understanding of human behavior and mental health |
| Communications | Improved oral and written communication skills |
| Computer Science | Programming and problem-solving skills |
| Environmental Studies | Understanding of environmental issues and sustainability |
See a video about the subject
The YouTube video presents the best college degree minors for students to consider. The video suggests that technology degrees, while great, can be too specific and advises students to major in it and minor in another subject. The video goes on to discuss the top five college minors for students, which includes communication, math-related degrees, computer science, business-related degrees, and finally, the most important minor is something students are passionate about. According to the YouTuber, minors can supplement a major, broaden students’ skills and make their resume stand out. Students need to choose the right minor for them, should do their research before making a decision, and should decide before the end of their sophomore year.
Some additional responses to your inquiry
A minor is a secondary area of specialization beyond a college major. Undergraduates typically complete 16-30 credits to earn a minor. College students do not have to declare a minor to graduate. Undergraduates may use minors to complement their major or explore a different discipline.
How to choose a minor in college
- 1. Consider your major and interests Think about your major and consider which courses or specialty areas have gained your attention.
- 2. Identify an area you want to improve
Declare a minor
- 1. Make sure you understand the general university requirements for minors. Lower-division classes can apply to both your major and your minor.
At most colleges, undergrads complete 16-30 credits for a minor. Like a major, college students must declare their minor. Depending on the school, students may declare a minor with the department or by contacting an academic advisor.
Undergrads must complete approximately 18 credit hours (or approximately 6 courses) to earn a minor. Students are not required to declare a minor to earn a degree. Every student in college eventually decides on a college major – their primary academic focus and the subject most of their classes will surround.
People are also interested
Are minors in college worth it?
There are some clear benefits to earning a minor. Undergrads can complement their major and develop interdisciplinary strengths with a minor. What’s more, a minor lets students explore fields outside their major. A minor might even help you out after graduation as you look for jobs.
Does your minor show on your degree?
Response: Completion of a minor appears on the diploma and official transcript. A student must petition a department to enter a minor it offers.
What is the best minor to have?
Answer will be: The Best Minors for the New Decade
- Creative Writing. Creative writing isn’t just for future novelists or poet laureates.
- Multimedia Journalism.
- Urban Studies/Planning.
- Environmental Science.
- Queer Studies.
- African (or Africana) Studies.
- Business.
- Animal Studies.
How does a major and a minor work?
Response will be: In a Bachelor’s Degree, the Major is the main focus of your studies and the Minor is a secondary specialization. Your Major should be the field of study in which you wish to pursue a professional career, while the Minor can be either a complementary subject to that goal or a further exploration of a hobby or interest.
Is a college minor worth it?
Response: Sure, if you enjoy the study of psychology then a minor might be worth it, especially if you want to keep your options open for the future. However, if you have to spend extra semesters in college to get that minor than you will have to take this costs into account when deciding if a minor is “worth it.”.
What is a college minor is and why it matters?
The answer is: Simply put, a minor is a secondary academic discipline—another subject to focus on in addition to the major. If a student has multiple interests—even interests that don’t directly connect to each other–they can minor in another field. Many people minor in subjects that support their major.
Do you receive a degree for a minor in college?
You do not get a degree for a minor. Since minors are intertwined with majors, students receive a degree for their primary concentration, and the minor is often mentioned on their transcripts. You can’t get a degree for a minor independent of your major.
Is a college minor worth it?
The response is: Sure, if you enjoy the study of psychology then a minor might be worth it, especially if you want to keep your options open for the future. However, if you have to spend extra semesters in college to get that minor than you will have to take this costs into account when deciding if a minor is “worth it.”.
What is a college minor is and why it matters?
Answer to this: Simply put, a minor is a secondary academic discipline—another subject to focus on in addition to the major. If a student has multiple interests—even interests that don’t directly connect to each other–they can minor in another field. Many people minor in subjects that support their major.
Do you receive a degree for a minor in college?
As an answer to this: You do not get a degree for a minor. Since minors are intertwined with majors, students receive a degree for their primary concentration, and the minor is often mentioned on their transcripts. You can’t get a degree for a minor independent of your major.