Choosing a minor is not like a mathematical equation. You can’t add your major plus your interests and divide by your career goal to equal the perfect minor. Even though your choice of minor can’t be figured out mathematically, it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Here’s how you should go about choosing your minor:
Research
Choosing a minor is not like picking what you want for lunch in the UC. You need to research (like you do for school) because there are more than 50 minors available and students can select a minor that is housed under another college in the university.
Carmen Sosa, assistant director of enrollment services in the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, said, “Each student is an individual and has specific goals, interests and strengths that need to be explored to determine what is in their best interest.”
Look at all the minors offered, see which ones interest you and then narrow them down.
Plan ahead
I know procrastination is a student’s best friend, but don’t procrastinate when it comes to choosing your minor. Minors can only be declared after a student has earned 30 credits and before they’ve earned 90 credits. Sosa said it is important to review the course frequency and course pre-requisites for the minor you select. All Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences undergraduate course frequencies are available through the online Course Frequency Report at www.fcas.nova.edu/coursewizard/undergraduate.pdf
“Course rotation is key. If you wait until your 90th credit to declare a minor and that minor is on a two year rotation that’s mathematically not going to work,” she said. “It is important to review course frequency to ensure that the student is able to complete the minor requirements within their planned timeframe.”
Students are encouraged to review their degree requirements and meet with their academic advisors to review and explore possibilities and options for minors. You don’t want to schedule an appointment with your advisor at the last minute only to realize the minor you desperately want is simply impossible to fit in before you graduate.
Mix and match
Choosing a minor can also be fun. Don’t be afraid to choose one that doesn’t complement your major. Sosa said students can select a minor that will complement their major, reflect their personal interests, supplement their future career goals or provide insight to graduate or professional school programs.
Sosa said, “Some of our best performances in the theatre [at NSU] have been biology majors. I’ve had a student with a legal studies major choose a criminal justice minor thinking it would provide them with an overview of the criminal justice system.”
When choosing a minor, remember there is no formula to follow. There’s no right or wrong minor. Choose what is best for you.
