Choosing a university major is an important decision, but it does not have to define every aspect of your college experience. As your interests develop, you may discover subjects outside your major that you want to explore more deeply. A university minor can be one way to expand your academic experience, develop new skills, and create a more personalized path toward your future.
At John Cabot University in Rome, students can shape their education through an American liberal arts curriculum designed to encourage curiosity and interdisciplinary learning. With 16 undergraduate degrees and 25 minors, students have opportunities to explore additional fields while pursuing their primary area of study.
But is a university minor worth it? And how do you know whether adding one is the right choice for you?
The answer depends on your interests, academic goals, and how you want to use your university experience. Here are six questions to help you decide whether you should add a minor in college.
1. What Is a University Minor, and How Is It Different from a Major?
A major is your primary field of study and forms the central focus of your degree. A minor is a secondary area of academic concentration that allows you to explore another subject in a structured way.
For example, a student majoring in International Affairs may choose to add a minor in Economics, Psychology, Journalism, or Criminology. An Art History student might explore a minor in Business Administration or Digital Media Arts and Production. A Communications student may decide to deepen their understanding of a particular subject through a minor in Marketing, Political Science, or Creative Writing.
A minor typically requires fewer courses than a major, allowing you to develop knowledge in a second area without changing your primary degree path.
At an American liberal arts university such as JCU, this kind of flexibility is part of a broader academic philosophy. Rather than limiting students to one area of study, a liberal arts education encourages them to explore different disciplines, connect ideas, and discover new interests.
The question to ask yourself is not simply, “What minor should I choose?” but, “What else do I want to learn?”
Sometimes the answer will complement your major directly. Other times, it may take you in a completely different direction - and both can be valuable.
2. Should Your Minor Be Related to Your Major?
Not necessarily.
Choosing a minor that connects closely to your major can help you develop a deeper understanding of a particular field. A student studying Business Administration, for example, may add a Marketing or Entrepreneurship minor. An International Affairs student may choose Political Science, History, or Legal Studies.
But some of the most interesting academic paths emerge from combining different fields. For example, a student studying Psychology may be interested in understanding crime and criminal behavior through the new Criminology minor. A student in International Affairs might explore Journalism to strengthen their reporting, research, and media literacy skills. An Art and Design student may add Entrepreneurship to better understand the process of turning creative ideas into professional opportunities.
These combinations can help you approach complex questions from different perspectives.
There is no single “best” combination. The right minor is one that helps you pursue your own interests and goals.
3. Can a Minor Help You Prepare for Your Future Career?
A minor can help you develop additional knowledge and skills that may be useful in your future career. However, you should not think of choosing a minor as simply checking another box on your resume.
A Journalism minor, for example, can help students develop writing, reporting, media and information literacy, digital communication, and critical thinking skills. These abilities can be valuable across fields such as business, public relations, advocacy, international affairs, marketing, and law.
Similarly, the new Criminology minor gives students the opportunity to explore crime and criminal justice through interdisciplinary perspectives that include sociology, psychology, law, and political science. Students examine issues surrounding criminal behavior, crime prevention, punishment, justice, and public policy.
More broadly, combining different fields of study can help you build transferable skills that are increasingly important in a changing professional environment. As technology and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the workplace, students benefit from developing the ability to think critically, communicate clearly, evaluate information, and approach challenges from multiple perspectives.
At JCU, students can also connect their academic interests with practical experiences through internships, career development opportunities, and professional workshops. This gives students opportunities to explore how the subjects they study can relate to their future goals.
4. What if You Are Interested in a Subject That Is Completely Different From Your Major?
That may be exactly why a minor is worth considering.
One of the advantages of a liberal arts education is the opportunity to explore interests beyond your primary field of study. The subjects that interest you do not always fit neatly into one academic category.
You may be passionate about international affairs but also enjoy creative writing. You may study business while being fascinated by history. You may major in Art and Design while wanting to better understand psychology or entrepreneurship.
A minor gives you the opportunity to pursue those interests in a focused and intentional way.
At JCU, students can choose from 25 minors:
Art and Design
Art History
Business Administration
Classical Studies
Communications
Computer Science
Creative Writing
Criminology
Digital Media Arts and Production
Economics
English Literature
Entrepreneurship
Gender Studies
History
Humanistic Studies
International Affairs
Italian Studies
Journalism
Legal Studies
Marketing
Mathematics
Philosophy
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Having this range of options allows students to create an academic path that reflects more than one interest.
The goal does not have to be becoming an expert in two separate professions. Sometimes the purpose of a minor is simply to explore something you find meaningful, discover a new way of thinking, or bring a different perspective to your major.
5. How Do You Know if Adding a Minor Is Worth the Additional Coursework?
Before adding a minor, it is important to think about how it fits into your overall academic plan.
Ask yourself:
- Do I have a genuine interest in this subject?
- Will I enjoy taking several courses in this field?
- Does it connect with my academic or professional goals?
- Can I complete the required coursework while staying on track with my degree?
- Is there another academic opportunity I would prefer to pursue instead?
You also do not need to decide everything immediately.
Many students arrive at university with a clear idea of what they want to study. Others discover new interests after taking a class, speaking with a professor, participating in an internship, or learning more about an unfamiliar subject.
At JCU, academic advising helps students understand their degree requirements and plan an academic path that aligns with their goals. Advisors can help students explore how a potential minor may fit alongside their major and other university commitments.
5. How Can Studying in Rome Help You Explore Your Interests?
At John Cabot University, your education does not take place on an isolated campus. You study in Rome, a city where history, art, politics, culture, business, and contemporary life intersect.
An Art History student can experience museums, churches, galleries, and archaeological sites throughout the city. A student interested in International Affairs can study in a European capital connected to international organizations and global institutions. Students pursuing Italian Studies can deepen their understanding of language and culture through daily life.
Rome can also provide meaningful context for subjects such as History, Classical Studies, Communications, Journalism, Sociology, Political Science, and Criminology.
The location of JCU can encourage students to make connections between what they learn in the classroom and the world around them. Sometimes those experiences can even inspire a new academic interest.
So, Is a University Minor Worth It?
A university minor can be worth it if it gives you the opportunity to explore a subject you are genuinely interested in while complementing your academic goals and overall university experience.
It can help you deepen your knowledge in another field, develop new skills, make connections across disciplines, or simply pursue an intellectual interest outside your major.
At JCU, students can create a personalized program of study through an American liberal arts education that encourages academic exploration. With 16 undergraduate degrees and 25 minors, there are many opportunities to discover new interests and shape an academic journey that reflects your individual goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a college minor? A college minor allows you to pursue a secondary area of academic study alongside your major. It can help you explore another subject, develop additional knowledge and skills, or create connections between different fields.
Is a minor worth it in college? A minor can be worth it if you are genuinely interested in the subject and it fits well into your academic plan. A minor is not required for every student, but it can provide a structured way to explore an additional field while pursuing your bachelor's degree.
Do you need a minor to graduate from college? No. A minor is generally not required to complete your bachelor's degree. Students should consult their university's academic requirements and advisors to understand the options available within their individual degree program.
Should your minor be related to your major? Not necessarily. Some students choose closely related fields, while others combine very different subjects. Both approaches can be valuable. The best choice depends on your interests, academic goals, and the type of knowledge and skills you want to develop.
Can you choose a minor after starting university? Yes, students often discover new interests after beginning their university studies. The availability and timing of a minor can depend on university requirements and an individual student's academic plan.
What minors does John Cabot University offer? John Cabot University offers 25 minors across areas including business, communications, computer science, the humanities, international affairs, psychology, sociology, art, and more. The two newest minors in Journalism and Criminology began in Fall 2026.
Explore Your Academic Options at JCU
Choosing your major is an important part of your university journey - but it does not have to be the only academic decision you make.
Whether you are interested in adding a complementary field to your major, exploring a completely new subject, or discovering where your interests may lead, JCU offers the flexibility to personalize your education while studying in the heart of Rome.
Explore JCU's full range of undergraduate degrees and minors.
If you'd like to learn more, join one of our upcoming online info sessions or contact us at admissions@johncabot.edu.
