Via cc: Vancouver Film School

When students decide on their major, a lot of the time they disregard thinking about a minor. Majors are required to be declared when you are studying for your bachelors at a university but minors are often not a requirement to obtain. For those of you who don’t know the difference between a major and a minor, here is a simple breakdown according to University Language Services (ULS):

“Your college major is the primary subject you want to study and the field in which you want to find a job after graduation.

While your college major is your primary field of study, your college minor is a secondary field that is often (but not always!) related to your major.”

Choosing a minor related to your major

The first option you having when deciding on a minor, is picking one that compliments your major.  Often time, courses that are required to be taken for your major intertwine with classes required for a related minor.  This makes achieving your choice of major and minor simpler because classes will double credit for both.  When the two are related, it shows that you are specialized in your field of study and it adds more on top of the experience you receive while studying. An example of having related major and minor would be a student studying communications with a minor in journalism.

Choosing an unrelated minor

Via cc: Melyviz

The next option would be to select a minor that isn’t related to your major at all.  Students usually do this for a personal balance or to fulfill other needs. There can be great benefits when your minor is far from similar to your major.  It can show future employers that you are well rounded and it is a great way to show your passion.  For example, a student could be majoring in engineering because they are talented with numbers and would like to hold a career in that field.  But because they have a passion for painting, they can minor in  art history.

Overall, students should seize the opportunity to receive a minor because it could possibly be the key factor to differentiate you between another person trying to get the same job post graduation. Check with your university to see what minors are available for you today!

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