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Major and minor in different subjects?

Is it possible to major in biology and minor in musical theater at a college that offers both of these classes? I really want to go into the medical field but I've been doing musical theater for 7 years and want to keep doing it during college. im even open to considering musical theater as a career path.

college college-major medicine musical-theatre
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Carolyn’s Answer

Hi River!

Excellent question. You absolutely can! However, just note that depending on the requirements for both your major and your minor, school may take a little longer.

I actually began college with the intention of doing musical theatre and I ended up going into the medical field. I decided on a biology minor because the requirements had a lot of overlap with my medical laboratory science degree, so I was able to finish within 4 years. I was considering a minor in theatre or communications, but it would have taken an extra semester or two (which is more than fine! Just not what I wanted to do at the time). Now, I do theatre on the side, so it is still a big part of my life. Know that it is possible to do both!

If you do decide to go into the medical field and still wish to do musical theatre, I would look into careers that allow this time/flexibility to do both.

I hope this helps!

Carolyn
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Paul’s Answer

Yes, I have seen people majoring and minoring in different subject area. Here are some examples.

History Major
Business Minor

Business Major
Psychology Minor

English Major
Communications Minor

Education Major
Sociology Minor

Art Major
Business Minor

There are a variety of combinations that you can possibly choose from. I always encourage people to check with their advisor, so they can plan out their degree paths.
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Michel’s Answer

Honestly if you are passionate about both and want to go to medical school you can major in music and take prerequisite classes for medical school and as long as you perform well in college and do well on the medical entrance exam you will be a good applicant for medical school. In more recent years schools have been trying to diversify and the life experiences of a music major are important in medicine also.
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PwC’s Answer

Absolutely, you can do it! I'm primarily studying accounting, but I also have a side interest in child psychology. The secret is all about smart planning of your class timetable. This ensures you can fit in all the necessary classes you need to take. It's totally doable!
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Paul’s Answer

Hello River,

If you are passionate about both of those subjects then you should pick those to major and minor in. I did some research and there are many careers for Biology majors like for example a Health Technician, Biologist, Zoologist, and a Biomedical Engineer. If you have a minor in Music Theater it can open up potential for jobs relating to theatre in your area. Hopefully this can help!
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💎 Brooke’s Answer

Yes, you can and should! It's nice to have different subjects - a variety. It will make you stand out.
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Thomas’s Answer

Absolutely, that's not only allowed, but it's also highly recommended!
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PwC’s Answer

Yes! Your minor doesn't have to be related to your major at all. It's actually really nice to have classes relating to your passions and interests. There's more balance in your life that way :)
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello,
Yes, you can do both. I majored in English and minored in art. It can be done. Best of luck to you!!
Michelle
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Scott’s Answer

Absolutely! There are thousands of people who do just that, have a major and a minor and as long as you do all the prerequisite classes you will be fine. The daughter of a close friend of mine played violin her entire life. She continued to perform in college while majoring in chemistry and now she is a pulmonary medicine specialist. Good luck in your pursuit of medicine (unless you wind up on Broadway)!
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Gregory’s Answer

Most definitely! I majored in music for the first two years of college and continued my involvement in music as a minor the last two years and after I started medical school. In the years since I have continued my musical endeavors, playing in symphony orchestras and pick up groups as well as playing the piano at home. As long as I did my pre-medical classes, made sufficient grades, and passed my MCAT's, my medical school interviewers were largely impressed with my musical studies background. It did not work against me.

Look beyond the immediate future and think of what gives you joy and pleasure, and what allows you to be creative. If musical theater does that for you, it will be a great outlet for you when you are in the working world. Or, if you find that musical theater eventually is your professional calling, then you will have the enrichment from having pursued your biology studies while in college too.
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Alan’s Answer

It's a good question. Yes, you can certainly do that. If you wanted to do a double major so as to attain both degrees, you'd almost certainly have to take extra classes, beyond what's required for a single major and what might be covered by any scholarship you might have. But if your intention is a single degree in Biology along with some courses or activities in Musical Theater, that's certainly doable. I would imagine that Musical Theater can be studied in other kinds of settings as well. It's definitely good to be well rounded and have options. You might even find yourself having both careers, time permitting.
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