A major is your primary area of study, requires the most coursework and credits, and is the degree title that will appear on your diploma and transcript. A minor, on the other hand, is a secondary area of study that complements or broadens your main field of study, requires fewer credits, and doesn’t lead to a degree. Minors appear on your transcript, letting graduate schools and employers know the additional areas of expertise you’ve pursued and the skills you’ve developed beyond your major.
A minor allows you to dive deeper into topics you love, gain valuable skills, and create a more well-rounded education without the commitment of taking on an additional major. Pursuing a minor in college is a great way to explore interests beyond your major and expand your academic experience. Whether it complements your field(s) of study or introduces you to something new, a minor can help shape your academic and professional path.
What are the benefits of a minor?
Minoring in a subject offers a range of academic, professional, and personal benefits. Academically, it broadens your knowledge, develops critical thinking, and can complement your major by adding depth or new perspectives. Professionally, a minor can help you stand out to employers, expand career options, and develop transferable skills like communication, analysis, or technical expertise. On a personal level, it allows you to test a potential career path and gain confidence and mastery in a second field, all of which can enrich your overall college experience and future opportunities.
Does a minor have to be related to my major?
A minor doesn’t have to be related to your major; it can reflect a subject you’re passionate about, such as visual or performing arts. For example, a chemistry student who loves art might pursue a minor in studio art, while a finance major with a background in choir could choose a minor in music. Minoring allows students to further develop personal skills, explore diverse interests, and balance their passions with their coursework — all while earning their degree.
Will adding a minor lengthen my time in college?
Most students can complete their minor and major in the traditional four-year timeline. In rare instances, you may need an additional semester to complete all of your requirements, as it depends on the number of credits needed and the amount of overlap between your major and minor courses.
Can I have more than one minor in college?
Many students can pursue more than one minor in college. Because some credits may overlap between your major and minor, it’s important to check with your department chair about the required credits.
How do I choose the right minor?
To find the minor that best suits you, it’s important to take into account your interests, passions, career goals, and workload. Some areas of study require more work and time, so it’s important to think about how it can affect your college experience.
Because faith plays a central role in his life, neuroscience and psychology double major Bradley Szubryt ’26 chose to minor in religion, allowing him to stay deeply engaged with Carthage’s faith community. “I work in the Center for Faith and Spirituality, which relates to my religion minor. I have worked in a few programs, one being Bible on Tap, in which me, the pastor, and our members go out to Kaiser’s Pizza and talk about our religious beliefs.”
Kinsey Bakhaus ’27
Kinsey Bakhaus ’27, a communication major, decided to add a minor in public relations after guidance from a professor helped her recognize its potential impact on her future career. “Professor Colleen Palmer has greatly impacted my college experience. I enjoyed having her as a teacher so much that I added a public relations minor, which has opened my eyes to exciting career possibilities in the field.”
S. Heard ’27
A double major in game development and studio art, S. Heard ’27 added a minor in animation to further develop the creative skills needed to pursue a career in video game design. “While I’d love to start my own developing studio, I’m especially curious about game art and 3D modeling, which my animation minor has helped me explore.” This combination of majors and a minor has given them hands-on experience in game art, a key element in achieving their goals.
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