What's the purpose of a college minor?

Hi everyone! I've been hearing about college minors but I'm not really sure what they're used for. What do you do with a minor and how does it benefit your college education? Thanks!

Hello! A college minor is a secondary concentration of courses that allows you to study a subject other than your major in a less extensive manner. The purpose of pursuing a minor is to gain additional knowledge and skills in an area that interests you, complements your major, or enhances your employability.

By choosing a minor, you can broaden your education and explore your passions outside your major field of study. For example, if you're majoring in biology but also have an interest in business, you can minor in business to gain a foundational understanding of management principles and practices. This combination could be beneficial if you plan on following a career path in science-related industries or if you want to work in the pharmaceutical or biotech sectors.

Minoring in a subject also helps you enhance the depth of your education and make connections between different fields. For example, if you're majoring in computer science, minoring in a field like psychology or design can help you develop a more human-centered approach when creating software or interfaces. These interdisciplinary combinations can enable you to stand out to potential employers and pave the way for unique career opportunities.

Keep in mind that requirements for a minor vary depending on the college and the specific program. Typically, a minor consists of around 15 to 26 credit hours (or 5 to 9 courses) within a specific area of study. It's essential to consult your college's course catalog or speak with an academic advisor to understand the specific requirements and benefits of the minors you're considering. Good luck!