Minor Programs
What is a minor?
A minor is a specific, secondary area of study that a student may decide to pursue in addition to their major. Minor Programs are designed to provide knowledge and information in areas other than those of the student's registered diploma program. Therefore, minors complement the majors, providing the students with other areas of expertise. Minors are listed in the degree diploma.
What kind of minors are there?
All undergraduate students at SU may pursue one, two or more minor programs, regardless of their faculty. In order to declare a minor, students must have declared their major(s) first. A full list of currently offered minor programs can be found HERE.
What are the requirements for declaring a minor?
Please check the Declaration Guidelines Student Resources Minor Website for current information about minor program requirements.
Why choose a minor? What are the benefits of having a minor?
Having a minor carries considerable weight in higher education, as minors add breadth and coherence to your degree and help you achieve a well-rounded profile. Such a secondary specialization clearly provides you with a competitive advantage on the job market, whether you have chosen to compliment your major with a minor in a related area; pursue a minor in a different area, or have followed your passion and have developed expertise in an area of personal interest.
How to choose a minor program?
There are different ways to go about deciding which minor program is right for you. Here are some tips which can help you in this process:
- Choose a Minor to Complement Your Major
If you would like to gain a more developed expertise in linked areas of study, you can select a minor which is closely related to your degree program’s focus. For example, a student in Material Science and Nano Engineering program may consider a minor in Physics, Chemistry or Energy, while a student pursuing a major in Computer Science and Engineering may select a minor in Mathematics in order to enhance their bachelor’s degree. - Choose a Minor to Balance Your Education
Provided you have various interests, even interests that don’t directly connect to each other, you can consider obtaining a minor in a field, which is not closely related to your major. Having a minor in a totally different field can help you expand your general knowledge and understanding of the world. It is true that employers search for graduates with specific expertise, however, they also appreciate well-rounded applicants with specific skill sets. For instance, a student in an Industrial Engineering program may choose to pursue a minor in Business Analytics, Entrepreneurship or Finance and a student enrolled in Management, may considering minor programs such as Psychology and Decision and Behavior. - Choose a Minor That Lets You Follow a Passion
If you have always been interested in one field but have chosen to pursue a career in a different field, then this is a great way to combine both. It is perfectly reasonable to choose a minor that will allow you to explore an area you personally enjoy. Following your personal fascination will provide you with an opportunity to explore a myriad of topics and enhance your knowledge in a certain field. Regardless of your major, do not hesitate to consider minors such as Gender Studies, Psychology, Arts and Criticism.
Who can help me choose my minor?
To gain more information about the minors, you can contact the related Diploma Area Advisors.
If you are not sure what path is right for you, you can discuss your plans with BADA Advisors and/or Career Counselors. You can schedule an individual appointment online.