hile the basis for any college degree is the major of study that one chooses to focus on, there are certain academic additions, like minors, that one can choose to enhance their portfolios and expand their education. Perhaps you have wondered about how many minors you can get, or if minors are right or necessary for you. You wonder if you should get one directly tied to your field or go for something new.
The reality is much simpler. Your degree is your own. And you must always choose what makes you the most comfortable. So…
- How many minors can one have?
- How to choose the right minor(s)?
- What are the alternatives for minors?
Let’s work through these questions together.
How many minors can you have?
The truth is that how many minors one can have will ultimately depend on one’s school. Reaching out to your assigned academic advisor- the person who reviews your transcripts- is the best way to learn, not only how many you can have, but how many are right for you. Although the question of how many minors one can have is ultimately determined by the school’s policy, and should be researched as such, it is important to determine for yourself how many minors you would want to take personally.
However, there are some things to consider:
- How busy is your schedule?
- Are there certain careers you want? What do they say about minors?
Knowing how important minors are for the industry you want to go into is crucial to understanding if they are right for you. Some minors happen to work with a major, but others might be useless to include on an application. Choosing one solid minor might be better on an application than a collection of minors that do not really have any connection to your field of study.
However, it is also important to know if a minor would really help you.
- Am I trying to expand my studies?
- Does the minor actually introduce me to new course materials?
Nobody wants to spend time or money on classes that reiterate knowledge that is already known. But if the program provides skills, perspectives, or certifications that complement your long-term goals, then the added time and cost may be worth the investment.
How do you choose the right minor(s)?
When choosing the right minors, there are some important questions to ask yourself:
- Does your minor give you the skills for your desired career?-- It is imperative that, if you know what you want your career to be, you take a minor program that best maximizes noticeability on your future application.
- Does your minor complement your field of study?—It does need to be a minor that utilizes repetitive classes, but minors should complement the field you are majoring in. If your major is the entrée, then your minor is your side dish.
- Does your minor cause any scheduling issues?—When choosing which minor you want to pursue, you must research the classes in the program and see if they will conflict with classes for your major program.
To clarify, here are some examples of a minor complimenting a major:
- A business major might get a minor in communications to help prepare them for life in middle management.
- A psychology major getting a minor in professional writing to sharpen their language and ability to communicate.
If you are still having trouble finding a minor that best complements your major, take this quiz for some guidance.
What are the alternatives to minors?
It is important to separate minors from other academic pursuits.
Double majors
The way one earns their degree is by first declaring a major of study, which is the collective sum of courses in a specific field. A double major simply means completing the required classes for two distinct fields of study within one degree. That means that you graduate with one diploma that includes both majors listed on the transcript.
The benefits of a double-major include:
- Helps your resume stand out.
- You gain broader skills and knowledge.
- Prepare for interdisciplinary careers and/or graduate programs.
However, you should consider workload, credit requirements, and scheduling conflicts when attempting to complete a double major.
Dual degrees
Perhaps the most ambitious of the alternatives to minors includes dual degrees. While a double-major focuses on multiple majors under one field of study, this separates the majors by field of study. If you graduate with a dual major, you will be given two separate diplomas. Pursuing this path can be appealing for students who know they want to bridge two very different areas. For instance, someone interested in both nursing and business might combine a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration to prepare for leadership in healthcare management. While niche, this option allows students with lofty goals to work for an incredible portfolio.
The upsides of a dual degree?
- Broader specialization: twice the knowledge across fields.
- Multiple diplomas look better on resumes.
- Shows dedication to studies.
However, it is important to note that Dual Degrees often require more time and tuition than the normal degree program. Course loads may also be more excessive.
Certificates
The opposite end of the spectrum would have to be certificates.
How do I know if certificates are right for me?
- They are focused on more specific skills: specialized skills that include only a small group of classes that are focused on strengthening one area of focus.
- Course requisites are considerably smaller than the other alternatives. This allows for multiple certificates to stack up without spending too much money or time.
While certificates are a great way to use any open electives in your program, or fill/substitute classes for your school’s requirements, certificates may not be as impressive on a resume, even compared to something as a minor. Ultimately, a certificate is best paired with a related field or goal to your major program.
Extracurriculars
Academic extracurriculars allow you to build your interests outside of the classroom that could be useful for real-world scenarios, and can even add a nice touch to your future job applications. Extracurriculars provide depth in an area without the burden of credits or class requisites; however, it should be noted that some extracurriculars can still have an enrollment fee and cost money for events. The most important thing that extracurriculars allow is the chance at networking- no matter what field you are studying in, networking is an important skill you will need postgraduation, and extracurriculars will give you the chance to meet like-minded individuals who share your hobbies, interests, or skillset.
Many extracurriculars also allow you to have more flexible schedules. Whether you choose to undergo a minor or not, extracurriculars should still be encouraged.
How do I know what is right for me?
Ask yourself the following questions:
- What are my career goals? Will this option really stand out on my resume or portfolio? Or is this more of a personal interest or inquiry?
- How many resources can I put toward this? Remember that time is a resource just as much as money is. If a minor is not something you would have to go out of your way to acquire, then it might be a nice addition. Always weigh costs with upsides.
- What is the workload like? For a minor, this means more classes than the usual filler electives. That can often mean more work. Is that something you are willing to accommodate?
- What do my advisors recommend? Whether it be your academic advisor or a trusted source, it is always best to weigh your options with others.
While you may hear that it is common to acquire a minor in college to complement your major, it is ultimately up to you to decide what is best for you. Value the opinion of others whom you trust and have confidence in, whatever it is you decide to do.
