Minors That Pair Well With Any Major
Posted: February 15, 2024 | Author: Fae Dutson | Read Time: 3 minutes
Have you ever thought about getting a minor to bulk up your degree? You’re not the only one! Minors are a great way to diversify your degree and take full advantage of your undergraduate education. However, it can be hard to decide which minor may be best suited for your major. With that in mind, each academic advisor at SUU was asked the following question: “Are there any minors that you would recommend to most or any students, no matter their major? If so, is there a reason why these in particular are useful?” The academic advising team gave some great ideas in return, and the following is a list of their responses:
Communication
Several of SUU’s academic advisors across departments recommended a communication minor, stating that most employers highly value interpersonal skills. There are three different types of communication minors that students can accrue, those being: Media Studies, Messaging and Human Interaction, or Strategic Communication. Many advisors cited the benefits of this minor as being the key to standing out in any future career. Whereas most modern companies rely on email and text messaging to communicate with coworkers and clients, those with the ability to communicate interpersonally usually have a better network and cultivate more opportunities.
Entrepreneurship
This minor was suggested because it helps any major learn how to market themselves and get a leg up in their future careers. Hannah Davis, an academic advisor from the School of Business advising department, had this to say: “Art majors can learn what they need to know to open their own studios or companies, Family Life and Human Development majors can learn how to build their own counseling practices, pre-med students can learn how to keep a medical practice going; I could go on.”
Graphic Design
A Graphic Design minor teaches not only how to create visuals that enhance your brand, your space and yourself, but it also enhances the computer and technology skills that are necessary for the modern workplace. Learning how to use programs that are standard in your industry eliminates an extra learning curve, and can set you apart from the competition for a job or promotion down the road.
Geology
Isaac Wilson, an online academic advisor, recommended a geology minor. “Geology is a foundational science that helps us understand our origin and place in the world as well as active processes that shape Earth today,” he said. “It's one of the fields that can change the day-to-day thought processes of students.” In other words, we all live in and around geology every day, so it’s in our best interest to understand the world around us no matter what path or career we take. Isaac finished by saying, “The earth is a puzzle, and geology is the skeleton key!"
Family Services
“It is about how to ‘human’ better. How to be a better partner, a better parent, a better son, a better daughter,” said Derek Wood, a student success advisor from the College of Education and Human Development. “It helps you understand more of who you are and where you come from and gain some perspective on the kind of adult you want to become.” He commented on the necessity of understanding people in every career field. “In my mind, it doesn't matter what field you are going into, it is likely you will be dealing with people in your personal and professional life. Wouldn't it be nice to know how to do that better?”
It is up to you whether or not a minor is on your path to the workforce, so don’t dismiss its possible benefits. The information you learn while attaining a minor amplifies not only the quality of your education but can be a great advantage to your future career and overall life. No matter how specific your degree may be, there’s always a way to implement the additional mastery of a life skill by getting a minor. Hopefully, this list was able to assist you in finding one that works for you. If not, there are over fifty options for you to choose from, which can be found here: https://www.suu.edu/programs/
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