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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-  If you are still in secondary school, or if you have completed secondary school, but have not attended any additional academic coursework, then you will applying to study an Associate’s Degree, or a Bachelors degree as a first year student, or “freshman”.

-  If you are currently attending or have attended a university, but you have NOT graduated from that institution with a degree, then you would be applying to a U.S. university as a “transfer” student in order to complete a bachelor’s degree.

-  If you have finished and received a degree from a university, it is likely that you can apply for admission into a Master’s Degree program in the U.S.

Learn more tips on finding a university here.

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What do you want to study?

Graduation ceremony CC License ajw_93

Do you already know what you want to study? Most international students usually have a strong idea or preference for what they want to major in, either because more planning is needed to attend school so far from home or because of traditional fields they are expected to enter.  Its important to have an idea of what field you want to pursue as it can affect the university or college you are applying to.

Are you sure that’s what you want to study?

American higher education allows you much more flexibility than almost any other system. If after you start your chemical engineering course, you decide you would rather be a physics, business, or Spanish major – no problem. Talk to your college advisor (usually a professor you are assigned at the beginning of the year) and ask whether you will be able to transfer into a different major without having to take extra classes. Many classes can transfer into another major, especially within your first and second year.

If you are receiving sponsorship or a scholarship from your company or government make sure they will cover your tuition for your chosen major.  If you are required to choose a specific field, you will need to ensure that you will be able to enroll at a college with that major. Remember, not all colleges and universities have every field of study available, you will need to research their list of “undergraduate majors” (for a bachelors degree) or “graduate major” for a masters or PhD.

Undeclared

An undeclared major allows a person who has not yet decided what they will be studying or focusing on in college. In general a bachelors degree requires 120-130 credit hours, with each class averaging 3 credits. For most majors (other than engineering) you will be required to take general classes your first year, these classes are applicable to most majors and will allow you to “test the waters” and see whether you enjoy the course and want to continue your studies in that field.

Consider a minor in another field of study

A minor is a way to receive a specialty in a discipline without taking all of the courses required that a full major would need. Its an excellent way to establish your proficiency in an area that you may not feel you will be able to find work in (such as a minor in theatre, music, Spanish, etc) but would enjoy learning more about. You may also choose a minor or in an field where it would be a compliment to your degree, such as a minor in economics for a Business major or a language minor if you plan to work internationally for example.

Graduation at UC Santa Barbara CC License Daniel Imfeld

What about a double major?

A double major is completing 2 full degree requirements, some of the classes may count towards both specializations. Generally you earn one Bachelors degree with 2 majors if both are in the same school or college (ie both from College of Arts and Sciences or both from Business school). You may also choose to earn simultaneous degrees from two separate schools at the same time such as a bachelors in Architecture as well as a degree in English.

Due to the heavy demands the double major or simultaneous degrees require, your college advisor or dean of the school will have to approve your choices. This is a very difficult tract, but can work for some students especially if you are interested in a field your sponsorship or scholarship will not cover. For example, you would be able to complete a degree in business (covered by your scholarship) while completing a separate major in sound engineering, music, screen writing, or any other major you are interested in.

You can always find more information as a current student by speaking to your advisor or if you are a prospective student, ask the dean of admission or admission counselor questions about choosing your major and whether a minor is a good choice for you!

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