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Ask Dr. Syl: To Minor or Not to Minor?

Dr. Syl

Dear Dr. Syl,

I am currently a freshman in college and am trying to figure out whether I should add a minor along with my major and if it would help me in the long run?

-From College Majors and Minors

 

Dear College Majors and Minors, 

Congratulations on choosing a major! That can be a complex part of the college process. I did not decide on my sociology major until my sophomore year after I took a few sociology courses and decided that I really enjoyed it. While I was taking the courses, I also noticed that women’s studies complimented my major very well so that is how I choose my minor.  

I believe adding a minor would be a good idea because it will be a secondary area of study and additional concentration that can enhance your total educational experience. Aside from being a resume builder, a minor can also become an added area of expertise that you can utilize to market yourself in the work world.  A minor can be used to enhance the value of your major or even broaden the scope of its focus.  It can also be a foundation for a second degree if you choose to further your education.  

I suggest you find out what options your college/university offers and make an appointment to speak with your counselor to make a more informed decision about your minor.  In my experience, some of the courses I took were requirements for both my major and my minor, which made it easier to complete both.  I also felt less pressure in those courses since they really honed in on an area in which I was most passionate about.

 

Good luck on choosing your minor!  

From Dr. Syl.

 

P.S.- If you have any questions you would like answered, please submit them here.  Stay tuned for the next segment of Ask Dr. Syl every 15th of the month!!

Author: Dr. Sylvia Landaverde

Sylvia, also known as Dr. Syl, is a first generation college student with a B.A. in sociology with a minor in women’s studies from California State University, Long Beach, an M.P.A. from Cal State Dominguez Hills, and her Ed.D in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. Dr. Syl lives with her fiancee and two-year-old son and enjoys travel, volunteer work and spending time with her family.

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