Picking your college major or minor is one of the biggest academic decisions you’ll make. But let’s face it—it can also feel confusing, especially for international students or those who are the first in their family to achieve this milestone. Navigating a new educational system as an immigrant is a unique challenge, and the terminology alone can be overwhelming.
In the US college system, your major and minor will shape both your college experience and career direction. So, understanding your options and how to make them work for your particular interests and goals is key. This Remitly guide breaks down the difference between major and minor degrees, why they matter, and how to choose the right ones based on what you’re into and where you want to go.
You don’t need all the answers yet, but knowing how majors and minors work together is a great starting point. Let’s dive in.
What is a college major?
Your major is your primary area of academic focus throughout college. It’s what you’ll study in-depth, meaning it will significantly influence your future career.
How do majors work?
Majors are tied to specific departments, such as English, biology, or computer science. However, you’ll also be required to supplement your core studies with general education courses, helping you become more well-rounded.
Usually, a major requires between 30 and 60 credit hours to complete. This translates to roughly 10 to 20 classes, depending on your college’s academic structure. You’ll complete a progression of classes, starting with the basics, before moving into more advanced, specialized courses.
College majors in real life
Let’s say you major in biology. That means you’ll take core classes like Introduction to Biology, Fundamentals of Ecology, and General Chemistry, then later take advanced courses like Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics. You may also conduct lab experiments, participate in research projects, or even pursue internships in a biology-related field.
As the main subject area where you’ll build expertise, your major will appear prominently on your diploma. You might graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biology or something similar, depending on your college.
After graduation, you’ll probably apply for job titles like biologist, ecologist, or research scientist. This way, your major will significantly define your career path going forward.
What is a college minor?
A college minor is a secondary field of study you could opt to pursue alongside your major. It requires fewer classes than majors and is not a requirement to graduate, but a minor can enhance your education in meaningful ways.
Do I need a minor in college?
Minors are optional but helpful if you have multiple interests or want to strengthen your resume. They allow you to explore another passion, develop a new skill set, or complement your major.
You could choose a minor that complements your major, or pick something entirely different to broaden your skills. It also lets you explore another subject area without committing to a second major. So, while you don’t need one to complete your main degree, a minor could help you become a more attractive candidate for employers.
This secondary academic focus typically requires 15 to 20 credit hours, which is about five to seven classes. Your minor will appear on your transcript and, depending on your school, may also be reflected on your diploma.
How minors work in real life
Maybe you’re a business major who also loves languages, so you choose a minor in Spanish. Your core area of study is still focused on business, but your minor gives you the chance to dive into Spanish language and culture.
Additionally, this combination could boost your chances of landing international business roles, tourism-related jobs, or opportunities to work abroad.
Key difference between major and minor degrees
Both majors and minors are important in higher education in the US, but they serve different academic and career purposes. Let’s break down the core differences in simple terms.
| Feature | Major | Minor |
| What is it? | Primary field of study | Secondary area of focus |
| Is it required? | Yes | No |
| Credit load | Higher, 30 to 60 credits | Lower, 15 to 20 credits |
| Does it appear on your degree? | Yes | Sometimes, but this varies by school |
| How will it impact your career? | Strongly influences career direction | Helps you stand out or specialize in your field |
When and why to add a minor
Minors aren’t required in college; in fact, many students graduate without ever declaring one. But if you have multiple interests or want to build a more well-rounded resume, minors can be a powerful tool.
How majors and minors work together
A major gives you the depth of knowledge in one area, while a minor gives you breadth. Together, they create a unique college path as well as a specialized professional profile.
For instance, if you major in computer science and minor in psychology, you could potentially work in user experience (UX) design. Alternatively, if you major in political science and minor in journalism, you’ll be well-prepared for political reporting or policy writing roles.
Why consider a minor?
Here are some reasons why you might want to consider one and how it can benefit you both personally and professionally:
- Showcase versatility
Adding a minor to your degree shows that you’re multidimensional and flexible. Employers and graduate schools value candidates who can demonstrate a range of skills and perspectives. In a constantly evolving job market, being able to blend disciplines can make you more adaptable and more attractive to future opportunities.
- Pursue a passion
Sometimes, the best reason to choose a minor is because you love a subject. Maybe it’s not part of your career path—yet—but it brings you joy, balance, or personal joy. College is one of the few times in your life when you can learn just for curiosity’s sake; take advantage of that!
Maybe you love photography, music, or creative writing. Adding a minor in the arts can give you the creative outlet you need to feel motivated and inspired throughout your college years. A passion-based minor also keeps you connected to the things that make you unique. Even if it doesn’t directly lead to a job, it may help you build confidence, communication skills, or emotional intelligence—all traits that will benefit any career path.
- Stand out in competitive fields
With about 38% of Americans now holding a bachelor’s degree, many students graduate with similar qualification levels. So, how do you stand out in a crowded field? A carefully chosen minor adds value to your degree and helps you showcase a unique combination of skills. It will help you stand out to recruiters, land competitive internships, and strengthen graduate school applications.
For example, a political science major with a data analytics minor builds both critical thinking and technical skills, which is ideal for careers in public policy, urban planning, or nonprofit research. Or, say you major in environmental science and have a minor in communication. You’ll be ready not just to study ecological systems, but also to educate and influence others through public outreach, sustainability campaigns, or even green marketing.
- Test the waters in a new subject
If you’re interested in a subject, a minor allows you to explore it before making it your main or backup plan. You can take a few classes, see how you feel about the subject, and gain some experience, without fully committing to changing your major. It’s a great way to dabble in another discipline while keeping your academic path flexible.
This is especially helpful if you started college undecided, feel pulled in multiple directions, or are considering graduate school in a different field. Say you’re an English major but have been thinking about switching to psychology. You could start with a minor in the latter to get a feel for it. If you end up loving it, you could decide to double major or get a master’s degree after graduation.
Pros and cons of adding a minor
Consider these pros and cons before adding a minor:
PROS
- You’ll expand your knowledge in two different areas.
- You may qualify for a broader range of jobs.
- It shows you’re focused, curious, and willing to go the extra mile.
CONS
- Requires careful planning.
- You might take more time to graduate.
- It could leave you with fewer electives to choose from.
- It might not offer a significant advantage unless in complementary fields, like economics and statistics.
How to choose a major and minor
How do you choose a major and minor? This is where many students often feel stuck. But don’t worry—you don’t need to have your whole life planned out at 18, but taking these practical steps could help:
Step 1: Identify with your interests
What classes excite you? Which topics do you find yourself researching for fun? Where do your strengths lie? The answers to these questions offer excellent clues about what discipline might be a good fit for you.
Step 2: Think about your goals
Do you want to work in a specific field, attend grad school, or build a creative portfolio? Your academic plan should support your next step.
Research entry-level jobs in fields you’re curious about to see which majors are often requested. For instance, if you want to become a lawyer, combining a major in political science with a minor in philosophy or English could prepare you well for the LSAT and law school.
Step 3: Talk with your academic advisor
Every college has academic advisors who can walk you through requirements, timelines, and smart major-minor degree combinations. They can help you:
- Map out your degree plan
- Compare your options
- Check which credits transfer or count toward both
- Avoid overloading your schedule
Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance at your college.
Step 4: Try intro classes first
Not sure what to choose? Take a few introductory classes in different subject areas in your first year. Many schools let you wait until sophomore year to declare a major.
Step 5: Check degree requirements
Each major or minor has specific course lists. Ensure you understand required classes, prerequisites, grade point average (GPA) requirements, and deadlines for declaring your choice.
You don’t need all the answers today
Your college major and minor will shape your academic journey and professional career. But remember, you don’t need to have everything figured out from day one. Your interests and goals will probably change—and that’s okay.
The best way to build a meaningful path is to stay curious. Try new subjects, ask questions, and explore what excites you. Whether you declare a major right away, add a minor later, or change direction completely, you’re still moving forward.
Still figuring things out? That’s normal. Talk to your advisor or try an elective: you might find your future, one class at a time.
FAQs
Do all colleges offer minors?
Most US colleges do, but the selection can vary by school. Larger institutions tend to offer more choices, while smaller colleges may have fewer minors. Always check your school’s website or course catalog, or talk to a department advisor to know your options.
What’s a double major?
A double major means completing all the requirements for two distinct degrees. It’s a bigger commitment than a minor, but it might be worth it for students with a strong interest in two fields. For example, if you double major in economics and math, you will gain deeper expertise and can target more specialized jobs or grad programs. However, it will be more work, so you’ll need to plan early, possibly take summer classes, and choose fewer electives.
Can I have more than one minor?
Yes! Many students double minor, which means combining one major with two minors. Just be aware of time constraints and credit requirements. Some programs may limit double-counting courses between majors and minors.
Can I change my major or minor later?
This is actually very common. Many students change their major or minor at least once during college, especially after their first year of classes. Your school expects you to grow and evolve, and understand that you might take a class that changes your trajectory. If so, talk to your academic advisor and review the steps needed to change your degree so you don’t miss any graduation requirements.
Will a minor help me get a job?
Yes, it can. While a minor won’t replace job experience, it can signal your range of skills, complement your major, ensure you’ll stand out in competitive industries, and help you qualify for more specialized roles. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing job and have a minor in graphic design, that’s a big plus to hiring managers.