Do you have to choose a minor in college? Is it really that big of a deal to have one?

Question

My declared major is English and I am thinking about Journalism for a minor, but I just wondered if you really have to have a minor, if it opens more doors career-wise, etc.

Answer 1

Since most English majors are primarily about literature and not writing, a journalism or communication minor could give you the writing experience you need to work in that industry. If you plan to teach then journalism could add a content area for you and make finding a good teaching appointment a little easier.

If you plan to write for a living then a minor (or two) in a subject content may be more useful to you. You will want to be conversant in whatever field(s) you're writing about. Something like a hard science or even an art will be useful for this.

If you're planning graduate study (an MA or PhD in English) then a journalism minor might be a disadvantage. A minor or near minor in a foreign language would be helpful as would history.

Very often, the minor serves no real purpose but to allow you an organized study of some field that interests you. I did a focus (almost minor) in costume construction and design with my BA in Music. No career relationship there at all except that musicians wear clothes. I just found the subject very interesting.

Answer 2

Well, I don't know how relevant this will be, as I'm an engineering student, but I'll tell you my experience. I was thinking about getting a minor in computer science to go with my bachelor's in aerospace engineering, but I talked to a half dozen companies and they pretty much said that they don't really look at minors when they hire. That may well be different for other disciplines though. I would look and see how much extra work you'd have to do for the minor, and think about it if you think you'd enjoy the classes anyway. For me, it was only about three other classes I'd have to take for the minor, which was well covered by my electives.

Answer 3

You don't have to have a minor. And in your case, having a journalism minor might help you learn more about writing but most employers don't care if you have a minor. But if it's something that you love, then that's what you should focus on. (Most people only get minors to show up other people. I have one major and that's it and I am sooo much happier. But some people with minors they love are happy too. Whatever you want).

Answer 4

I do not think it is a requirment but because there are so many bbasic curriculum classes you my as well take the extras with it to minor. Sometimes the classes you take for you major will double on your minor. Also some of the classes you take for your minor can be the electives you have to take for major. I think a minor does help get a better job if it is some how related to major.

Answer 5

You don't have to choose one, but since you are an English major, I would highly suggest it. I do n't know what you are planning on doing with your degree, but I would choose a minor to compliment your career of choice. For example, if you wanted to be an editor or publisher, I would minor in marketing since they are essentially in marketing for books. If you want to be a journalist, I would pick an area that you would most likely end up writing about, such as business or political science. Good luck!

Answer 6

I never had a minor, but then again I did engineering, which is kinda like a major, but not exactly. It is complicated.

Answer 7

Not important as a major but it will play a big role in your life as well.

Answer 8

Not necessarily, but it does help. Talk to a counselor. They can help you out!