What Is a College Minor?
College is a time for exploration. A minor allows you to dive deeper into a subject outside your primary scope of study. Students choose a minor to enhance their career possibilities, refine a skill, or explore a subject they’re interested in but don’t want to specialize in fully.
What’s the difference between a major and a minor?
There are a few major differences between majors and minors (pun intended).
For one, it’s required to choose a major in college. A major is your primary focus and determines what classes you need to take and prepares you for a desired career path after graduation. Minors, on the other hand, are not required. They are an optional supplement to a major and you don’t need one to graduate.
Also, majors require more credits to complete than minors. Credits are earned by taking the necessary classes required for a program. Most minors at Columbia require 18 to 24 credits to complete, and the classes that count toward different programs of study can be discussed with an academic advisor.
How do you minor in something?
Like you declare a major, you declare a minor. An academic advisor can help you map out what classes you need to take and when in order to graduate on time. If your interests change as you go along, a minor can be dropped without impacting your graduation schedule.
Can you have multiple minors?
Students can have multiple minors, but it can be challenging to complete all the necessary credits to graduate on schedule with a major and multiple minors. Some classes will give you credits that count toward multiple programs, but it’s important to stay focused on completing your major and graduating on schedule.
What are popular minors at Columbia College Chicago?
Columbia offers 59 minors across eight schools, and students can choose a minor in a different school than their major. The top five most popular minors are;
Is a minor worth it?
Although a minor may not appear on your diploma, the knowledge and skills you gain in a minor program can elevate your college experience and build your resume for future career opportunities. Completing a minor can expand your portfolio and let you explore topics that interest you as you pursue another field of study. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which path to take but if you want to expand your skills and give yourself a career boost, minors are a great way to do that
