Students and College grads - what's your minor?

[Drummer's Wife]

I'm getting ready to transfer from CC to a university, and am trying to decide on a minor. I was just curious what others have minored in... if you don't mind sharing. Honestly, I'm wanting something 'easier' because I need an excellent GPA for grad school. I've been looking at my transcripts to see what, if anything, that doesn't count towards core classes or my major would fit in with a minor. I'm considering sociology, psychology, linguistics, and spanish right now, though Spanish seems like it would be the hardest, b/c it includes upper level classes that are taught in Spanish. That freaks me out, even though it would probably be the most helpful minor degree.

(I'm in the process of deciding on a major - likely switching from nursing, which is what I've been taking pre-req's for... so that's why I didn't include what I'm hoping to go to school for. I'm only about 80% sure at this point.)

Does it really matter what one minors in? TIA!

[staceychev]

I don't know. I didn't have a minor (just explored different things, and then took more than the reqs for my subject area), and went on to do two masters degrees in two separate disciplines. My lack of minor never came up.

[Juvysen]

I didn't do one. My BS was Biology, but I took a lot of geology and anthropology, just not enough to be counted as a "minor" of either. Actually, part of the problem was that there was too much overlap of requirements with my major, I think? I can't remember... but I mostly just took those classes b/c I liked them.

I have a master's degree, too, and I don't think my minor's (or rather lack thereof) ever come up, either...

My sister had a triple minor (I think?), but I don't think it's gotten her any special treatment. She went on to get a masters degree and now works in the field that her master's was in.

[Drummer's Wife]

Thanks for the responses! Yeah, the minor isn't necessary for grad school - but the college of Arts & Sciences at my university requires a minor. Annoying, IMO, b/c other colleges w/in my school don't insist on one. I just worry about messing up my GPA along the way b/c of grad school applications, yk? I'm really thinking psych or sociology would be easy enough (and still interesting). I'm pretty certain in the real world, minors don't matter. It's not something that is usually listed on job applications, right? Just trying to figure it all out.

[Ianthe]

My minor is Family & Human Development (and Anthropology Major). I choice that one because I was interested in it, and it fits with what I want to do with my major.

[meemee]

i think what might be important is that whatever your decide for your major you should be able to explain how your minor helped with your major. i know many at our school go to med school after doing a major in anthro - just so they can show off their 'roundedness'.

what would help you with the other aspect. sociology is a good option but really easy is a relative term. while it may not require that much studying as say biology, you still have to spend time writing papers or reading.

however if you ARE focused on grad school, the KEY that proffs have told me are two things. 1. establishing a relationship with the proff who you'd like to work under before you apply. 2. volunteer work to show your interest in the field.

if you have done great things, but have pretty low GPA what you have done and ur relationship wth the proff will make a difference.

[Drummer's Wife]

Thanks, Ianthe - I was just looking at the classes required for a minor in Family Studies (probably similar to your program) and I think I would enjoy them -- so I'm glad you mentioned that.

Meemee - Thanks for the advice; I appreciate it. Something that goes along with my major and intended field is what I was thinking - there are just a handful of them, yk? I agree that easy is subjective, and sociology may not be that, for me. I know even with soc 101 there was a ton of reading and writing - so it was still time consuming and though provoking. Just not a ton of memorization, like with A+P. My GPA is really good now, but I'm only a sophomore. I guess I just worry with upper-level courses I'll end up overwhelmed some semesters. I really want an overall GPA of at least 3.75, so getting more than a few B's makes me uneasy. Of course, I'll have the GRE to factor, as well. I still have some time to figure out a minor (I'm assuming I could even change it along the way if need be?), b/c I've realized transferring mid-year isn't the best idea WRT financial aid. So, I won't be applying to the university until next semester, to start Fall '11. Most minors require 18-21 credits in that concentration, so I want it to be something I can do well at (and if it's useful to me, then that's a bonus ).

[Ianthe]

Originally Posted by meemee

i think what might be important is that whatever your decide for your major you should be able to explain how your minor helped with your major. i know many at our school go to med school after doing a major in anthro - just so they can show off their 'roundedness'.

If you are sticking with nursing, then I think anthropology would also be a good minor as well.. as it is all about humans- culture, biology, etc.. sociology would also fit well into that category (but I may be bias because I am an anthro major).. Family Studies would also fit well, depending on what field of healthcare you want to go in.

[CrazyCatLady]

I've done the college thing a couple times (including nursing) and my minor has always been Spanish. For me it makes sense cause it's relevant, useful, and I'm interested in it anyways. But foreign language classes can be a lot of extra work (homework, project, and studying time) so that's definitely something to consider if you're already stressed about time or your GPA.

Child development, anthropology, and family studies are all great options.

[Just Kate]

In undergrad, my major was Spanish and I minored in Development Studies.

In graduate school my major is Clinical Social Work and my minor is Interprofessional Studies.