Should I choose a minor?

Question

I'm planning on majoring in Journalism, and I have been thinking about choosing a minor in either English or Writing.

Well, first of all, I would like to know if choosing a minor is a good idea (do a lot of people do it?); secondly, I would like to know what would be better: English or Writing; and finally I would like to know if there would be a significant more amount of work?

You should also know that I would like to write for newspapers as a living.

Thanks,



Dennis Radar

Answer 1

If you choose a minor, make it something less similar to your major. This will distinguish you from other journalism majors.

For instance, if you want to report on medical news, choose a minor in a science. If political news interests you, minor in poly sci.

Answer 2

This question would probably get more helpful answers in the Higher education category.

If you want to minor in something, you should make sure of a few things:
a) The minor should not cause you to be in school longer that you need to complete your major unless it will help you get a better payng job (and unless you get a job based on transcripts this is unlikley because minors don't show up on your diploma.)
b)The minor should be in a field you think would help you in your future career, otherwise you're wasting a lot of time and money taking classes that won't help you. (if you wanted to be on TV writing wouldn't help you much but in print journalism it might.)

You should look at the University's listing of required classes to see how much extra work it will be.

Lots of people do take minors, often because they decide to switch majors and have all the classes they need for a minor already.

Many universities require a class in your major that helps you with professional writing in the field you are going into, if this is the case minoring in writing will probably be a lot of work that doesn't do much for you.

Answer 3

Taking a minor isn't a bad idea, but it works out best if you choose something vastly different from your major- to broaden your education. Theoretically, a journalism major should already include a great deal of writing. You might think about minoring in something else, like computer science which could help you adjust as newspapers migrate to the internet...

Answer 4

In your case it would be a bad idea. You should diversify so that you make yourself more marketable to future employers. I suggest instead that you minor in something like Biology, Mathematics, Foreign Languages, Art, etc. If you minor in english or writing, you will not make yourself as appealing to future employers OR publishers. Also, in Journalism, a diversified minor gives the impression that you can approach your work from more than one angle, and can understand complex ideas/situations. Best wishes.

Answer 5

I agree - choose something different than English.

What would you like to write as a journalist about? Business? Religion? Foreign Affairs? If you can answer that question, I think you have your answer on what to minor in.

Answer 6

No.

Never choose a minor.

Especially on the internet. The Feds are looking for adults who choose minors, and you WILL be prosecuted.

Answer 7

hi! i think of it easily relies upon on your needed occupation or occupation. in case you go with to be a instructor, take literature. in case you go with to be a school counselor, you may take psychology. stable success and that i used to be hoping I helped!