Since a major involves more comprehensive learning of a subject than a minor, choosing to double major may mean more time spent in school. Conversely, if you decide to opt for a minor instead, this can easily be completed within a typical four-year time span. This brings about another difference between double majors and a combined major and minor. Because majors require that you complete more courses, there is less leeway in your academic schedule to choose other classes of interest.
Some studies have found that pursuing a double major may increase your earning potential. For example, one piece of research noted that individuals with a double major in two STEM fields STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics tended to have higher earnings than those with only one STEM major. Another potential benefit of doing a double major over a major and minor is that it can give you more career options. If you are unsure whether it would be best to double major or to declare a minor instead, Saint Leo University is here to help.
Our student advisors are available to discuss which option may be best based on your specific career goals. They can even help you select your courses and keep you on track with your education so you have everything you need to graduate within your desired timeframe.
Contact us today to start this discussion toward enhancing your future. This means simultaneously earning two majors that fall under the same degree type e. Not everyone agrees on the value of a double major , though. Unless the course requirements for the majors align closely, pursuing two majors may extend your graduation timeline beyond four years. A minor is a secondary focus, after your major, that allows you to pursue a personal interest and demonstrate extra value to future employers.
Guidance counselors are divided over the value of declaring a minor in college. Guidance counselors are divided over the value of declaring a minor, as it can easily prolong the time to graduation if not carefully scheduled. To complete a minor, students typically take around half as many credits in a secondary subject as they take for their major.
Another difference between a major and a minor is that a major appears on your diploma, while a minor doesn't.
Despite this, minors can provide extra detail on a resume when appropriate. In some fields, a minor allows graduates to display their specialization or get a head start if they plan on pursuing another degree. For example, students who plan on becoming high school teachers often minor in education and major in the topic they want to teach.
Income data indicates that college tends to pay off , but not all majors offer the same financial benefits. Many science, technology, engineering, and math STEM majors top PayScale's list of the highest-paying jobs that require a bachelor's degree. Areas of study that lead to lucrative career opportunities attract many students. This means that some of the most academically challenging majors are also some of the most competitive. However, not all learners are cut out for the rigors of STEM curricula.
Many students who enroll in these fields ultimately decide to switch majors. While it's important to understand the projected income of different majors when considering your educational options, this shouldn't be your only concern. Search entire site:. What is the difference between a major and a minor? Explore ECU. My Studies. Study At ECU. As the text box is a rich text editor, please take care in ensuring the content meets the usability and accessibility standards. URL Name. Career counselors can provide students with interest inventories and questionnaires that highlight potential majors and career paths based on survey results.
Moreover, career centers have access to upperclassmen and alumni that can provide valuable insight to help make informed decisions. Students with a minor in accounting, for instance, are prepared for entry-level positions, but their major degree may be marketing or finance. Minor degrees are selected from fields that increase knowledge or skills in the major discipline. Minor degrees are basic courses required for major degrees. Every accounting major has completed courses for the minor degree before taking the required major classes.
However, the student cannot minor in the same discipline as his or her major. Note that the elective courses for the minor degree are courses that are required for the major degree.
Keep in mind that this minor is not for accounting majors. It is, however, ideal for all related business majors. A college minor provides students with the opportunity to learn skills and knowledge in another discipline. There are several benefits of choosing a minor. For example, a student majoring in marketing may pursue a minor in sociology, which on paper, may seem a bit random, but upon close investigation, and when explained correctly, it becomes clear that this combination can give the job applicant an edge.
Sociology is the study of the development of society and the structures that impact it. Marketing is the study of how businesses promote and sell products using advertising and market research.
A sociology minor buttresses a marketing major well because the student learns what types of structures and cultural components impact human behavior within groups and communities, which can lead to increased accuracy and effectiveness in marketing to various segments of the population. Articulating this to potential employers certainly gives a distinctive edge over the applicant without a minor, with all other things being equal.
Aside from the career utility a minor brings, it can allow you to pursue other passions in addition to the one represented by your major. Perhaps you have a love of music or film but you do not want to make a career out of it. A minor allows you to explore and study these areas while maintaining the main goal of completing your major. While this may appear on the surface as doing something just for fun, remember that although employers do value expertise, they also value individuals that have diverse interests and are willing to learn something outside of their comfort zone.
An academically unrelated minor also shows a diversity of learning aptitude that shows employers your ability to switch between different types of content areas and modalities. In a world that has moved from an industrial economy to a thought economy, a major and minor can show employers that you think in an interdisciplinary manner, which may mean you can make connections that others do not see because of your broad worldview.
Many of the most successful people can solve problems and find creative solutions through cross-disciplinary methods. Lastly, a minor can wind up being valuable if you decide to go back to school and pursue a graduate degree.
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