Ibrahim Gardner
International students with dependents or family obligations may wish to bring their children with them to their country of study. In the US, international students enrolled in academic courses receive F-1 visas, while vocational students require an M visa. The F-1 visa allows adult international students to have their spouses and minor children accompany them on F-2 and F-2 visas for the duration of their academic program. The parents of minor international students on F-1 visas can also apply for a B-2 visa to stay with their child for the duration of their studies. In Canada, minor children who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents must apply for a study permit before entering the country, even if their parents have valid permits.
Characteristics of having a minor as an international student
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a minor | A minor is a secondary specialization or a secondary area of study that you select in addition to your major courses. |
| Requirements for a minor | Less intensive compared to majors, with fewer credit hours and classes to complete. Generally, minors require six or seven courses and approximately 18 credit hours, though specifics can vary depending on the institution and the academic department. |
| Importance of choosing a minor | Choosing a minor at a US university increases your possibilities. It can show future employers that you have a more robust knowledge base. |
| Flexibility in choosing a minor | It is not mandatory to select a minor at most US universities and colleges, and you typically do not have to align your minor with your major. |
| Custodian for minor children | A custodian is a responsible adult, who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, who will take care of and support the minor child. A custodian is optional for minors 17 years of age and older. |
What You'll Learn
Minors are secondary specializations
As an international student, you can choose to have a minor as a secondary specialization. A minor is a set of courses you select in addition to your major courses, contributing to a well-rounded education. It is a secondary area of specialized academic study outside of your major field. While it is not mandatory to select a minor at most US universities and colleges, choosing one can increase your possibilities. For example, a student with a major in sociology and a minor in public relations would be well-suited for PR or communications roles. Similarly, a student with a business major and an art history minor could apply for executive roles at a museum.
When considering a minor, it is essential to be thoughtful and intentional. Ask yourself how this additional field of study will support your interests, goals, and career aspirations. While it can show future employers that you have a diverse knowledge base, it should align with your passions and long-term objectives. It is also important to note that the requirements for a minor are typically less intensive than those for a major, with fewer credit hours and classes to complete. Generally, minors require around six to seven courses and approximately 18 credit hours, but this can vary depending on the institution and department.
To receive a minor, you must also complete the requirements of a major concurrently. This includes a minimum of nine upper-divisional-level (300+) credits and any specified courses outlined by your university. Working with an academic advisor can help you navigate the requirements and declaration process, ensuring you meet the academic eligibility criteria for your desired minor. They can also guide you in choosing electives that align with your program and interests.
In conclusion, as an international student, you can certainly consider adding a minor as a secondary specialization to your academic plan. It is a great way to explore different disciplines, gain fresh experiences, and enhance your career prospects. However, it is important to carefully consider how a minor aligns with your overall goals and to seek guidance where needed.
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They are courses selected in addition to major courses
A minor is a secondary area of specialisation or study that you can choose to pursue alongside your major. It involves taking additional courses that complement your major and enhance your academic experience. While a minor is not mandatory at most institutions, it can provide a well-rounded education and demonstrate a robust knowledge base to future employers.
Minors typically require fewer courses and credit hours than majors, ranging from 5 to 8 courses and 15 to 21 credits. The specific requirements vary depending on the institution and department. Some institutions may offer more flexibility, allowing you to explore different disciplines and pursue your passions.
When choosing a minor, consider how it aligns with your interests, career goals, and major. For example, a computer science major interested in workplace equity may minor in women's and gender studies, or a business major with an interest in Latin America may minor in Spanish. Pursuing a minor in a different discipline can also help you develop transferable skills, such as collaboration and communication, and expand your career opportunities.
It is important to note that the availability of minors can vary significantly between institutions, and not all majors are offered as minors. Working with an advisor can help you navigate the requirements and explore the options available at your institution. They can guide you in selecting a minor that complements your major and aligns with your academic and career goals.
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They contribute to a well-rounded education
International students can certainly have a minor as part of their studies. In fact, international students can take up to two years to explore their options before declaring a major, and many colleges and universities offer flexibility in deciding your major.
Minors contribute to a well-rounded education by allowing students to explore a subfield of their major or a completely different field. A minor can complement a major, helping students to stand out in the job market and on grad school applications. For example, a student with a major in sociology and a minor in public relations would be well-suited to PR or communications roles. A minor can also allow students to pursue another area of interest without committing to a full major course load.
Pursuing a minor can also help students develop in-demand skills that employers value, such as versatility and adaptability. A minor can expose students to different academic disciplines, giving them a broader worldview and helping them to become well-rounded individuals.
However, it is important to note that adding a minor on top of a full course load can be challenging and potentially lead to burnout. Students should carefully consider their decision to declare a minor, ensuring it aligns with their interests, goals, and major, and how it will support their career aspirations.
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They can help you gain fresh experiences outside of your major
As an international student, you can certainly have a minor as part of your degree. A minor is a secondary area of specialisation or concentration, which you select in addition to your major courses. It is a way to gain a well-rounded education and fresh experiences outside of your primary field of study.
Minors are a great way to gain fresh experiences outside of your major, as they allow you to explore a subfield of your major or a completely different discipline. For example, a student majoring in sociology could minor in public relations, which would prepare them for PR or communications roles. Alternatively, a business major could minor in art history, which could lead to executive roles at a museum or even the opening of their own gallery.
Minors can also be used to gain more expertise in an area related to your major, preparing you for an advanced degree or a specific career path. For instance, a history major could minor in classical civilisation to prepare for graduate studies in ancient cultures, or a geology major could minor in hydrology to find work on water issues in California.
Additionally, a minor can help you develop an interdisciplinary skill set that can be attractive to employers. It demonstrates that you have gone above and beyond to gain a broader knowledge base and can provide a talking point during job interviews. However, it is important to consider whether a minor is right for you and how it will fit into your academic and career goals, as it may not always be necessary or beneficial.
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They can help you expand your horizons
As an international student, you can certainly have a minor as part of your degree. A minor is a secondary specialisation that you select in addition to your major courses. It is not mandatory to select a minor at most US universities and colleges, and you don't usually have to align your minor with your major.
Minors can help you expand your horizons by providing fresh experiences and allowing you to study different disciplines. For example, a student with a major in sociology and a minor in public relations would be well-suited to PR or communications roles in academia or non-profit organisations. A student with a major in business and a minor in art history could apply for executive roles at a museum or even open their own gallery.
When choosing a minor, consider the types of professional roles you would find fulfilling, and see which minors can help you get there. Working with an advisor can make declaring your minor easier. They can help you understand which minors you are eligible for and guide you through the requirements and declaration process.
It's important to be thoughtful in your decision and consider how choosing a minor will support your interests and goals. Your choice of minor can impact your career path, so it should be an area that you're passionate about.
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Frequently asked questions
A minor is a secondary specialization that you can select in addition to your major courses. It contributes to a well-rounded education and increases your possibilities. For example, a student with a major in business and a minor in art history could apply for executive roles at a museum.
Declaring a minor can be a great way to gain fresh experiences outside of your major and expand your horizons by studying different disciplines. As an international student, double majoring or declaring a major and minor can show future employers that you have a more robust knowledge base.
No, it is not mandatory to select a minor at most universities and colleges. You typically do not have to align your minor with your major.
The first step to declaring your minor is to make sure you meet the academic requirements at your university or college, which may include certain courses. Working with an advisor can make declaring your minor significantly easier.
