6 Things to Consider When Declaring a Minor
by Alexis M Peters ‘20
It’s my junior year at USC, and I have decided to declare a minor. You can do it too! Sometimes it feels like it’s way too late to change your mind. It feels like it’s way too late to try something new or discover a new passion. I know that feeling. I thought I was too old to wander into new academic territory; after all, I’m a junior, and I’m adding a completely new minor to my academic plan.
Maybe there’s a minor you’ve been eyeing or a double major you’re considering, but you wonder if it’s too late, or too much work, or too difficult. First of all, I would recommend that everyone should look into a minor, just because there are so many cool things to study, especially at USC, and your college years are the perfect opportunity to explore your passions and interests. Second, if you are considering adding a minor, there are six things you should take into account:
1. Talk to your advisor.
Your academic advisor can help you figure out just how a minor would fit into the rest of your time at USC, and they’ll even draw up a course plan for you, so you’ve got it all mapped out.
2. Do you want to study abroad?
It’s important to consider whether you want to study abroad. A minor could potentially change your choices over where you go and/or if you have enough credits available.
3. Is there any overlap with your major?
Be sure to check if there is any overlap with your major! If there is, you can kill two birds with one stone and take classes that count for both.
4. Study what you love!
I think it is very important to study the things that make you happy, so adding a minor in an area that fascinates you can boost your overall USC experience. Go ahead and take the plunge!
5. A minor can enhance what you’re studying in your major.
Maybe a neuroscience minor is just what you needed to take your computer science degree to the next level. Or perhaps your film major needs a boost from a minor in popular culture. I’m a Narrative Studies major picking up a minor in Theatre, and I find that understanding the craft of acting can help improve and inform my writing.
6. USC scholarship for double majors and people with minors.
USC actually offers a scholarship for students with double majors or minors (provided you have a GPA of at least 3.75). It allows you to take up to 21 units a semester, which may allow you to graduate on time if you’re pressed for time! Read about it here!
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