Sparks blog: Do I need to choose a minor?

by Mr. Michael Wagner

When students enter college there are so many decisions to make. Where are you going to live? What dormitory will be right for you? What classes do you need to register for? What clubs or activities should you get involved in? Do you try to get a job and earn extra money? The list goes on and on.

Pursuing your major

But one must remember the main purpose for attending college. What you study in college prepares you for what you will do after college. Students pursue post-secondary education to ready themselves for a career that will be both worthwhile and fulfilling. To achieve this goal a student will choose their major--the main concentration of courses they will study throughout college.

Adding a minor

However, many students at college will also pursue a minor. A minor is a course concentration that can be within their choice of major or it can be completely unrelated to their major. Let’s look at these a little more closely.

A minor can be achieved by choosing required courses within the department of your major. The minor will be achieved alongside the major, usually without having to take extra courses or having to add additional time to achieve both. Alternately, a minor can be an opportunity for students to explore interests in another field of study outside of their chosen major. You might want to learn more about a subject matter that interests you, it may complement your major, or it may be an area of study that you are interested in working in other than your major.

Here are some additional facts about considering a minor:

· A minor is usually not required to receive a degree

· A student does not have to declare a minor, like a major

· A minor does not require the same amount of credit hours as a major

· A minor may allow you to pursue a passion, while still studying for a career-oriented degree

· A minor will show up on an official college transcript

Though it is not required, there are many benefits to earning a minor in college. It provides the opportunity to strengthen skills, to widen one’s viewpoint and knowledge, and to develop a deeper sense of purpose in life. A minor can be a great way to enhance your college experience.

Michael Wagner, MAED is a founder and the Knowledge Pilot for Launch Education. Mr. Mike has assisted hundreds of students around the world on their college pathways.