Minor - Definition & Meaning

In the context of education, a minor refers to a secondary field of study that students can choose alongside their primary or major area of study. A minor allows students to explore additional academic interests or gain knowledge in a complementary discipline, enhancing their educational experience and broadening their skill set.

While the specific requirements and options for minors may vary between educational institutions, they typically consist of a set of courses or credits focused on a particular subject area. Minors are often designed to be completed within the same timeframe as the major program, but with fewer credit requirements. For example, a student majoring in Biology may choose to minor in Chemistry to expand their understanding of related scientific concepts.

Minors offer students the opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary studies, develop additional expertise, or explore a passion alongside their primary field of study. They can provide a well-rounded education and demonstrate a diverse skill set to potential employers or graduate programs.

Choosing a minor allows students to tailor their educational journey according to their interests, career goals, or personal aspirations. It can enhance job prospects by adding a complementary area of specialization or provide a foundation for further study in a specific field.

Other Terms Starting With M

Matriculation

Matriculation is the process of enrolling in a college or university as a student. It typically involves submitting an application, providing transcripts of previous academic work, and meeting other requirements set by the institution.

Mastery Learning

Mastery learning is an instructional approach that focuses on ensuring that all students achieve a high level of proficiency in a specific subject or skill before progressing to the next level of instruction. In mastery learning, the emphasis is on students demonstrating a deep understanding and mastery of the content, rather than simply meeting minimal passing requirements.

MOOC

MOOC stands for Massive Open Online Course, which is an online course that is designed to be accessible to a large number of participants from around the world. MOOCs are typically offered by universities, educational institutions, or online learning platforms, and they cover a wide range of subjects and disciplines.

Midterms in School

Midterms in school are academic assessments administered to students approximately halfway through an academic term or semester. Midterm exams are used to evaluate students' understanding of course material and gauge their progress before the end of the term.

Matriculated Student

A matriculated student, also known as an enrolled student, is an individual who has been formally admitted to an educational institution, such as a college or university, and has completed the necessary enrollment requirements.