Why Pursue a Minor in Psychology?

There is a lot of information about majoring in psychology, but another option is to pursue a minor in psychology. What are the benefits of pursuing a psychology minor?

What is a Minor?

A minor is a course of study that can be paired with a major field of study to complement your academic plan. Students pursuing a major can opt for a minor as a way to make themselves a more attractive candidate for employment or to simply hone their skills. A minor is a great way to help an undergraduate college student specialize their degree to a higher level.

Why Pursue a Psychology Minor?

A minor in psychology is a great way to supplement a variety of majors. Because human interaction is a huge part of almost all careers, a minor in psychology can be a big boost. Students pursuing a minor in this field will learn the fundamentals of how humans think, feel and act. By learning these important elements, students will be more effective in their interactions both personally and professionally. Some great choices to pair a psychology minor with include business, medicine, nursing, human recourses, social services, education and many, many more. Another great reason to pursue a psychology minor is to better understand those around you. Having a background in psychology is helpful when interacting in a relationship, parenting and understanding the people around you.

Is it Hard To Earn A Psychology Minor?

Earning a minor is relatively easy. Most majors require a certain amount of general education classes, major classes and leave allowances for electives. This is a great place for a minor. According to the rules at the University of Southern California (similar to most other colleges and universities), a minor requires a minimum of 16 units with some requiring as many as 20-24 units. Courses for a minor may overlap with the students major, a second minor, or general education requirements. However, there must be at least four courses that are unique to the minor and do not overlap with your major, another minor, or general education requirements.

Will a Minor in Psychology Slow Down Earning My Degree?

Earning a minor does not have to slow down the process of earning a college degree. By carefully planning your course selections, earning a major and a minor can be done in the traditional four years. Some students even manage to pursue more than one minor in the traditional course of study. It can be helpful to meet with an academic advisor or mentor in order to best plan a course of study.

Earning a psychology minor can be an excellent way to advance your potential career. It can also be a helpful personal and professional tool. With the addition of as few as 16 credits, a students can make their education even more attractive to potential employers.