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Katherine
Student
Beloit, Wisconsin
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What does submajoring in a major do for a resume?
I have so many majors that I'm interested in and I would love to be able to pursue as many as I can in as little time as possible and or save money.. Guess I'm also asking how it works as well. #environmental-science #pyschology #sociology
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Jennifer Haden
Higher Education Consultant
123
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Dallas, Texas
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Jennifer’s Answer
Katherine,
American universities offer students the opportunity to major in a field of study in addition to the general education core requirements. For example, this degree plan for the Environmental Science major at SMU outlines the breakdown: https://www.smu.edu/Dedman/Academics/Programs/EnvironmentalScience/CoreRequirements.
In addition to "areas of emphasis" or "concentrations" within the major, students have the ability to minor in fields of study. Minors are five to six courses, typically, that show an organized interest in a subject that augments or enhances a student's particular educational track.
If you're truly undecided or interested in many things, I would recommend selecting a university that has a large and diverse offering of courses and programs, such as a comprehensive research institution. On average, students change their majors in college seven times! You want to be sure that you have the resources available to you to pursue your interests regardless of how many times you change your mind. :-)
choosing-a-major undecided
American universities offer students the opportunity to major in a field of study in addition to the general education core requirements. For example, this degree plan for the Environmental Science major at SMU outlines the breakdown: https://www.smu.edu/Dedman/Academics/Programs/EnvironmentalScience/CoreRequirements.
In addition to "areas of emphasis" or "concentrations" within the major, students have the ability to minor in fields of study. Minors are five to six courses, typically, that show an organized interest in a subject that augments or enhances a student's particular educational track.
If you're truly undecided or interested in many things, I would recommend selecting a university that has a large and diverse offering of courses and programs, such as a comprehensive research institution. On average, students change their majors in college seven times! You want to be sure that you have the resources available to you to pursue your interests regardless of how many times you change your mind. :-)
choosing-a-major undecided
Katherine Peterson
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Katherine’s Answer
I agree with the other author above - choose a university with a wide range of courses so you can try all the things you like! Once you get there, they'll outline what courses are required for majors and minors. Often you don't have to choose until a little while into school, so you can try things before deciding (and can change later too!) You may find that you don't want to go so far as to get an additional 'minor', but just take classes in your areas of interest. I think employers probably look at your major and minor, but wouldn't necessarily add extra 'bonus points' for more minors. The other thing to keep in mind with more than one minors is that this would take away from time doing other extracurriculars which can also be fun and enriching and offer opportunities to get leadership experience, etc.