How to choose the right minor for your business major

Minors are not required for business majors earning a BSBA Degree at CMU but choosing the right one can help you stand out, build relevant skills, and align your education with your long-term goals. 

“Some students need additional credits to reach their minimum of 120 credits to graduate,” said Karen Arthur, director of Business Student Services. “Several business minors can be completed efficiently alongside a BSBA degree.” 

Whether you want to explore a passion, expand your skill set or add versatility to your resume, it’s important to learn about your options. 

Talk to your advisor early

Not every minor fits easily into every major. Starting a conversation with your advisor during your first or second year can help you make informed decisions that keep you on track to graduate. 

“Students should connect with their academic advisor early on to indicate if they are interested in earning a minor,” Arthur said. “Sometimes there are possibilities to double-count one or more courses if students share their interests early.” 

Your advisor can help you explore programs that align with your goals, review course sequences and avoid scheduling surprises down the road. 

Connect your minor to career goals

Choosing a minor isn’t just about picking something you enjoy, it’s about thinking strategically. What are employers in your field looking for? What additional knowledge or skill set would make you a stronger candidate? 

A marketing major might benefit from a minor in psychology, data analytics or communication. A finance major might choose information systems, political science or statistics. Even if you do not complete a full minor, there are still ways to showcase your course accomplishments. 

“Students who complete a portion of a minor might choose to highlight specific courses on their resume with a heading, ‘Additional courses completed,’ under their listed major if they relate to the position they are applying for,” she said. 

You can also consider a certificate program, which typically requires 12 to 15 credits and offers focused, career-relevant experience. 

Make it work within your plan

While minors can offer long-term value, they should not derail your graduation timeline. 

“Some of the faculty who have shared their wisdom with my advising staff over the years have stressed the importance of students earning the BSBA degree not necessarily delaying graduation to earn a minor, but to include a minor in their academic plan if it fits within their graduation goal,” Arthur said. 

The earlier you begin planning, the easier it is to find a path that works. A well-chosen minor can support your goals, strengthen your resume and add dimension to your CMU business education, without extending your time on campus.