Planning your transfer journey? In this episode of our Transfer Basics Series, we break down the role of minors—and why they matter for first-gen, transfer-bound students.
Planning Early: The Key to Managing Majors and Minors
Here’s the deal: if you plan ahead, you can take on multiple majors and minors without delaying your graduation. The key is strategy and timing. When students try to add extra classes at the last minute, it often means spending more time in school.
The bottom line? As long as you finish your degree, do what it takes to get it done. But remember: only universities can award minors. At community colleges, there’s no such thing—what you’re working on there is another major.
Understanding the Difference: Majors vs. Minors
At community college, the term “minor” doesn’t exist. A minor is strictly a university-level academic program. That’s important to keep in mind as you prepare for transfer.
To illustrate, let me use my own academic journey as an example.
A Personal Example: Chicano Studies + Psychology
I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Chicano Studies and also completed a minor in psychology. That meant taking at least 21 units—roughly seven or eight psychology courses—in addition to my general education and major requirements.
On my degree, it reads:
Bachelor of Arts, Chicano Studies, with a Minor in Psychology.
That minor made all the difference. It qualified me to enter a master’s program in counseling, which required some psychology coursework. Instead of majoring in psychology, I pursued my passion for Chicano Studies and strategically added the minor to keep future graduate options open. That decision later allowed me to become a college counselor.
Why Psychology + Business Is a Smart Combination
For many students, especially those majoring in psychology, pairing it with a minor in business can be a powerful combination. Here’s why:
- A business minor can set you up for an MBA program later on.
- It broadens your career pathways by giving you both people-focused and practical, organizational skills.
- It signals to future employers and graduate schools that you have a balanced and versatile background.
When you’re transferring, pull up your university’s catalog and explore the minor requirements—in this case, the business department’s course list. Then, meet with an advisor to officially declare your minor and confirm which community college classes may count toward it.
Credit Requirements and Double Counting
Most minors require around 21 units, though some start with six to nine units you can often complete at the community college level. To make the most of your time and tuition:
- Meet with your academic advisor to map out your courses.
- Look for opportunities where classes can double-count toward general education, your major, or your minor.
- Stay on track to finish your bachelor’s degree while building the right foundation for graduate studies or career goals.
If you follow this path, your degree could read something like:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, with a Minor in Business Administration.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Your Journey
Planning your academic pathway isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s about strategically building a future. Minors may seem small on paper, but they can open major opportunities for graduate programs and careers.
Don’t forget:
- Plan early.
- Explore your university catalog.
- Meet with your advisors.
- Think about how your major and minor together can position you for success.
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