What is the Difference Between a College Major vs. Minor?

What is a College Major?

A college major is a structured course of study in a specific subject area, such as business, biology, or political science, that provides in-depth knowledge to prepare students for graduate school or a career. With hundreds of options available, students can tailor their major to align with their career goals.

Most programs require at least one-third to one-half of courses to be related to the major, typically around 30 credit hours. The remaining courses are usually general education requirements, which provide a broad knowledge base applicable to many professions.

Students generally need to choose a major before graduation, though many schools recommend waiting until sophomore year to allow time for exploration. It’s also common for students to switch majors as their interests evolve. Some schools offer the option of double majoring, often in related fields. However, this can require more coursework and may extend the time needed to graduate.

What is a College Minor?

Academic minor degrees are secondary fields of study. While majors are more significant and dictate more coursework, minors can also be important. Minors allow students to take classes and train in other disciplines that they may otherwise have little to no involvement with. This can be particularly beneficial for those with many different interests or who want to explore potential backup career options. It’s important to realize that minors are ultimately subordinate to majors, making the latter much more significant.

Unlike designating a major, earning a minor is not required by colleges or universities. Students should still be very intentional regarding this decision, however, as it can impact future career prospects and will likely expand how they think about their careers and life in general.

As with major selections, colleges have set frameworks of required courses that must be completed to earn minors. The amount of choice given to students tends to vary significantly from institution to institution, with some only providing a broader explanation of the types of courses necessary instead of an explicit list. Those interested in designating a minor should always review expectations thoroughly and consider how any additional classwork may impact graduation timelines.

Will Earning a Minor Affect Your Career?

Earning a minor can impact your career, depending on your field. Minors, particularly complementary ones, can be valuable in certain industries, while in others, they may have little effect. Nursing, accounting, and engineering students, for example, must dedicate a lot of time and effort to mastering very specific skills. While useful in their respective areas, this knowledge may not be as applicable to other fields. However, having a minor shows you’ve gone beyond the minimum requirements for graduation, which can impress employers if the skills are applicable to the job.

Minors in fields like cyber security or business are especially beneficial, as many industries rely on these areas. Graduates with minors in these subjects may advance more quickly in their careers. The value of a minor also depends on the employer and industry. Minors related to your major or the job you're applying for are more likely to be seen as assets. For example, a high school English teacher with a minor in counseling may stand out due to the complementary skills.

Selecting a major is not the same as choosing a job, however. While some majors direct learning toward a specific trade, others provide broader learning opportunities that can lead to several different positions and professions after graduation. A biology major, for example, can pursue employment as a biological technician, health communications specialist, pharmaceutical sales representative, or biology teacher. Most majors also provide strong foundations for more specialized training after graduation. And this is when a minor can backfire. Employers may view an unrelated minor or multiple minors as a sign of indecision, which could raise concerns about your reliability and commitment. Focused minors that align with your career goals are generally more effective than spreading yourself too thin.

Should You Earn a Minor or a Double Major?

Many schools allow students to pursue two majors simultaneously, known as double majoring. Deciding between a double major or a minor depends on factors like your graduation timeline, career goals, academic interests, and professional competition.

Typically, earning a bachelor’s degree takes about four years for one major. Adding a second major won’t double this time but will require more coursework, especially if the majors don’t overlap much. Double majors often take longer than minors, but if the majors share many courses, it can be worth the effort, particularly for students with significant college credits from high school.

Double majors can also make your resume stand out more than minors, which can help in competitive job markets or graduate school applications. However, your personal interests matter too—if you're passionate about a second field, double majoring can be a good choice, while a minor might be better for exploring a subject without fully committing. If you're considering switching majors, it might be more efficient to add a second major rather than delay your graduation plan.

Ultimately, your decision should align with your long-term career and personal goals. Double majoring is a big commitment, so it’s important to carefully weigh the options with guidance from an academic advisor.