July 11, 2025

What Is a Minor in University

A simple guide to understanding minors in the US educational system

Not sure what a minor in university is or whether you need one? This simple guide answers the most common questions about university minors and explains how they differ from majors.

If you’re starting your university journey in the United States, you’ve probably heard the word “minor.” But what is a minor in university, and do you really need one?

This article covers everything you need to know about university minors, including:

What a minor actually is

How a minor can help your career

The difference between a major and a minor

Whether you should get a minor or not

We’ve also created a comprehensive downloadable guide specifically designed for international student athletes. This resource includes everything you need to understand about both majors and minors in the US educational system.

What Does a Minor Mean

A university minor is an optional, secondary academic focus of study pursued alongside a major. It requires fewer classes and can be either related to your major or a completely different field you are passionate about. Choosing a minor allows students to explore an area of interest, enhance their skills, and broaden their knowledge.

For example, by picking a major in Biology and adding a minor in Communication, you get to learn about both areas. This combination could prepare you for careers in healthcare education, science communication, public health, or medical journalism.

Unlike your major, a minor won’t be the central focus of your degree, but it will appear on your university transcript, showing that you put in extra work to expand and complement your knowledge.

Do You Need a Minor in University?

No, you don’t! While students need to declare a major, a minor is totally optional. Many students complete their degrees without ever declaring one.

If you’re curious about a subject and feel confident you can manage the extra classes, go for it. But if you already have a full course load and training schedule, you might decide to stick to your major—and that’s a smart choice too. It’s important to understand your individual situation and how a minor may affect your schedule.

How Many Credits Is a Minor?

Most college minors require 15 to 21 credits, which equals around 5 to 7 classes. Some minors might include specific courses you must take, while others let you choose from a list.

Always check your university’s course catalogue or ask your academic adviser for the exact requirements. Also, if you’re a student-athlete, be sure to check how this fits with your athletic schedule!

How Many Years Is a Minor?

Students typically complete their minor alongside their major, so they’re usually able to finish their degree within the standard four years. However, there are a few reasons why some students may need extra time to complete their minor:

Declaring a minor late

Scheduling conflicts with required courses

Changing majors or minors multiple times

If you plan ahead and talk to your adviser, you can usually finish both on time without a problem.

Difference Between Major and Minor

Major	Minor
Main subject of your degree	Secondary subject
Required to graduate	Optional
Usually 40–60 credits	Usually 15–21 credits
Appears on diploma and transcript	Appears on transcript only
Deep, in-depth learning	Broader overview

We’ve been mentioning “major” a few times throughout this guide. Are you new to college terminology and not sure what a major is? Check out our article on what is a major to understand college majors and how they work!

Why Choose a Minor in University?

1. Complement Your Major
A well-chosen minor can make your major even stronger. It helps you look at your main field of study from a different angle, giving you a deeper or broader understanding of what you’re learning.

For example, if you’re majoring in Business, a minor in Economics or Marketing can help you understand the “why” behind business decisions. This combo can make your education more complete and more useful after graduation.

2. Balance Your Education
Sometimes your major is super focused (lots of maths, science, or theory), and you just want to explore something different or dive into a subject you’re also passionate about. A minor can add variety and keep things interesting.

If your major is Engineering, minoring in something like Art or Communication can give you creative outlets and help you develop other ways of thinking.

3. Build Skills for Your Career
A minor can help you develop practical skills that your major doesn’t cover but are still important for your future career. The right minor can boost your CV, prepare you for internships, and give you tools that are actually useful in the real world.

For example, majoring in Sports Management but minoring in Business or Communications can prepare you for leadership roles in the sports world.

How To Choose a Minor in University

For more information on academic paths, download our full guide for international student-athletes on choosing a college major in the US.

If you have any questions about minors or the US college system, Keystone Sports is here to help you. We support student-athletes in finding the right university, securing a sports scholarship, and choosing the academic path that fits their goals. From recruitment support to academic advice, we’ve helped over 15,000 athletes succeed in the US college system.

Ready to take the next step? Complete our free evaluation form and our team will get in touch with you.

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About the author

Lorena Montañés

Lorena Montañés, SEO Specialist at Keystone Sports, played DI football at California State University, Fresno, while earning degrees in Mass Communication & Journalism and Psychology. She later earned an MBA in Business Analytics while coaching at a Division II university. Now, her goal is to encourage other student-athletes to pursue their dreams and have a life-changing experience.