Biology is a fascinating and versatile major that can lead to many different careers. While a major in biology can provide a strong foundation for a wide range of professions, there are many other subjects that can complement a biology degree and make a person more competitive in the job market.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best minors to take alongside a biology major, and how they can enhance a person’s career prospects. At the end of this article, I’ll talk briefly about what I ultimately chose to minor in as a biology major. Let’s get started. 😀
Table of Contents
What Is a Minor?
A minor in college is an optional secondary field of study that a student can choose to pursue in addition to their primary major. It typically requires fewer courses than a major for completion, and it allows students to gain expertise in a subject area that is related to their major or that they have a personal interest in.
For example, a student who is majoring in psychology may choose to minor in sociology, or a student who is majoring in computer science may choose to minor in business. In most cases, a college minor appears on a student’s transcript and is included on their diploma.
Should I Choose a Minor That Is Similar to or Different from My Major?
This ultimately depends on your personal interests and goals.
Choosing a minor that is similar to your major can help you gain a deeper understanding of the subject, which can be especially useful if you plan to pursue a career that requires in-depth knowledge of the field.
On the other hand, choosing a minor that is different from your major can help you develop a broader range of skills and knowledge, which can be beneficial if you want to be versatile in the job market.
Main Takeaway: A minor is a great opportunity to explore other fields and show that you have diverse interests and pursuits. 🙂
Top 5 Minors for Biology Majors
It’s important to carefully consider your options and choose a minor that aligns with your interests and career goals. Without further ado, here are the five best minors for those of you who are majoring in biology.
The best minors for a biology major are:
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Statistics (or Biostatistics)
- Psychology
Finally, be sure to stick around until the end for a bonus minor that you probably never thought of but is also a great option. It’s a unique minor that can really help you stand out. 🙂
1. Chemistry
One of the best minors to take alongside a biology major is chemistry. Chemistry is a natural complement to biology, as it deals with the composition and properties of matter and how it reacts to different stimuli. A good grounding in chemistry can be invaluable for a biologist, as it can help them understand the chemical reactions that occur within living organisms and how they are affected by the environment.
Example: A person with a major in biology and minor in chemistry might conduct experiments to understand how different drugs interact with the human body or how pollution affects the health of plants and animals.
2. Physics
Another great minor to consider alongside a biology major is physics. Physics deals with the fundamental principles of motion, energy, and matter, and can provide a deeper understanding of the natural world and the underlying laws that govern it. A minor in physics can be especially useful for a biologist who is interested in studying the physical properties of living organisms and how they interact with their environment.
Example: Someone with a major in biology and minor in physics might study the fluid dynamics of blood flow in order to understand how the circulatory system works and how it is affected by various factors. This knowledge can then be used to develop treatments for conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure.
3. Computer Science
Computer science is another minor that can be a great complement to a biology major. As the field of biology becomes increasingly reliant on technology, a strong understanding of computer science can be highly beneficial for a biologist. A minor in computer science can help a biology major learn how to use and develop the tools and software that are essential for conducting research and analyzing data in the field of biology.
Example: For example, a biology major with a minor in computer science might be able to develop algorithms to analyze genetic data or create computer simulations to model the spread of diseases.
4. Statistics (or Biostatistics)
A minor in statistics can also be a great addition to a biology major. Statistics is a field that deals with the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, and is an essential tool for conducting research in many scientific fields, including biology. A minor in statistics can provide a biologist with the skills they need to analyze and interpret the data they collect in their research.
Example: A person who majored in biology and minored in statistics may use statistical methods to evaluate the effectiveness of a new drug or to understand the factors that influence the spread of a disease.
5. Psychology
A minor in psychology can be a great option for a biology major. Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior, and can provide a biologist with a better understanding of the mental processes that underlie many biological phenomena. A minor in psychology can also be useful for a biologist who is interested in studying the behavior of animals or the psychological factors that influence human health and well-being.
Example: Someone who majored in biology and minored in psychology may conduct experiments to understand how different stimuli affect the behavior of animals or how different mental states affect the functioning of the human body.
Bonus Minor
Now for our bonus minor: bioethics!
Bioethics is a field of study that focuses on the ethical, social, and legal issues surrounding biomedical research and practices. Studying bioethics provides you with a deeper understanding of the ethical considerations that are often involved in the field of biology and can help you understand the moral implications of your work.
Example: An individual with a biology major and bioethics minor might design and carry out experiments to study the effects of a new drug on a particular disease, while also considering the ethical implications of their work, such as the potential risks to study participants and the responsible use of animals in research.
Why I Minored in Bioethics
I didn’t plan on completing a minor when I entered college. However, I ended up minoring in bioethics after taking a few philosophy courses that I found incredibly fascinating. After doing some research and finding out that my university offered a bioethics minor, I jumped on the opportunity.
In the process of completing my minor, I critically examined modern biomedical topics and issues. Working in medicine comes with a high level of responsibility so it was important to me that I spent time learning about ethical and legal considerations regarding decisions that affect human health and well-being.
I also liked that the design of these courses primarily consisted of small group learning and discussion, which differed from the typical large lecture format of STEM classes. This collaborative classroom approach really enabled me to develop my communication, critical-thinking, and writing skills – all of which have been extremely helpful not only in my other classes but also in so many other aspects of my life.
Lastly, I really enjoyed having classes where I could be more creative and produce my own work instead of always having to think from a more analytical standpoint and memorize material. Overall, my minor in bioethics complemented my major but also acted as a nice counterbalance to the rest of my major-required coursework.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the best minors to take alongside a biology major include chemistry, physics, computer science, statistics, psychology, and bioethics. These subjects can provide a deeper understanding of the natural world and give any biology major a competitive advantage in the professional world.
Conclusion
Nice job on finishing this article! Hopefully, this information was helpful to you. Minoring in a subject is often overlooked, but it’s definitely something that you want to take advantage of as a college student.
For more help on related topics, be sure to check out some of my other college and pre-health advice articles
. See you in the next article! Stay healthy and keep learning.