Is Psychology a Good Minor?

A psychology minor can complement any major because of its broad applicability among different industries. Psychology can be a great minor for many students.

Choosing a minor for your undergrad degree can be a big decision. You will need to decide which courses best complement your college major and ultimately fit with your career goals. Knowledge of psychology is helpful in almost every industry, so choosing a minor in psychology can be a good choice.

The field of psychology is very broad but generally covers human behavior, mental health, child development, and neuroscience. Students can also learn more about clinical psychology and the theories behind the clinical application of psychology.

Earning a minor in psychology can be a great addition to many degree programs. You'll be able to learn more about the field and determine whether you'd like to further your education in psychology in the future.

What Is a Psychology Minor?

A psychology minor is meant to give students the foundational knowledge of psychological research and theory. This typically involves taking classes such as:

What To Expect When Studying a Psychology Minor

While a psychology major will explore psychological theory and research methods more in-depth, a minor in psychology will cover more foundational topics. A minor in psychology typically consists of around 18 credit hours. Most minors have around three required courses, and the rest of the credits can be completed by choosing from a list of electives.

What To Consider When Determining Whether Psychology Is a Good Minor for You

Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding if psychology is the right minor for you. Discussing these questions with a guidance counselor or academic advisor can help you make the best decision.

Does a Psychology Minor Complement Your Major?

Psychology involves understanding how people think and act. Any career involving working with other people can benefit from knowledge of psychology. Some majors that are best complemented by a psychology minor include:

If you think further psychology training would benefit your career, you could consider a double major in psychology or earning a master's degree in psychology. A psychology minor might be a great addition to your grad school application if you intend to pursue a master's degree in this field.

Speak with an academic advisor or someone in the psychology department to learn more about what degree level might be best for your specific career goals.

How Does Minoring in Psychology Benefit Your Career Prospects?

Earning a minor in psychology with a major in a different industry can boost your career prospects by showing employers the scope of your skill set. For example, suppose you want to go into business and have a solid understanding of why people make purchases and what motivates their spending behavior. In that case, you can have a better chance of success than someone without knowledge of what drives human behavior.

Psychology students will be exposed to many different theories that can help them learn more about how people work and also learn more about themselves. This knowledge can improve communication skills and empathy in the workplace.

Is the Subject Associated With the Minor in Demand?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for psychologists is expected to grow by 6% over the next decade. This rate is faster than average compared to other industries, so having some training in psychology is expected to be in demand in the coming years.

Can You Afford To Take More Courses?

The benefit of minoring in psychology is that you typically get to choose which psychology electives you take to satisfy the minor credit requirements. Choose classes that best align with your career goals or prerequisites you might eventually need for a graduate program.

Before enrolling in a psychology minor, consider whether your degree plan has space for these courses or whether you need the credits to put toward your major and general electives.

Does the Minor Align With Your Skills and Interests?

While psychology can be applied to almost any industry, think about how applicable psychology is to your future career. You may find that another minor is more useful to your career path. For example, a student majoring in international business may decide on a Spanish minor to help them learn a foreign language and become a more marketable employee in their industry.

FAQs About Psychology Minors

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about minoring in psychology.

Is It Worth It To Pursue a Psychology Minor?

Yes, pursuing a psychology minor can be beneficial to your career. The subjects taught in a psychology minor can supplement your general education and prepare you for graduate school. Many career options are available to those with a psychology minor, even if they decide not to pursue a full psychology degree.

Is a Psychology Minor Difficult?

A psychology minor is not considered to be particularly difficult, though some people may find it more challenging than others. Some of the more difficult areas of psychology include research statistics and personality theory.

How Long Does It Take To Complete a Psychology Minor?

A psychology minor is included in the bachelor's degree timeline of three to four years; however, the credits needed for a minor can be as low as 18 credits, which can hypothetically be completed in one semester. Most students spread the credits out over a few semesters.

Is Psychology a Respectable Minor?

Yes, psychology is a respectable minor. Psychology is a fairly common minor because it applies to virtually any industry. The course materials are applicable across many careers and are respected by employers.

What Careers Would Benefit From Having a Psychology Minor?

Many career fields can benefit from a psychology minor, including careers in:

political science
computer science
data science
industrial/organizational psychology
social work
school psychologists
healthcare