When it comes to choosing a minor for computer science majors, the options can be overwhelming. With so many different fields of study to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?
We’ve put together a list of the best minors for computer science majors, based on our own experience and research. So, whether you’re looking to focus deeper on a technical subject or broaden your expertise with another discipline, we have a minor that will help you take your skills to the next level.
10 Best Minors that Pair Well with Computer Science
Let’s dive into some of the best minors for computer science majors.
1. Mathematics
It’s no secret that math is an essential discipline for any competent computer science professional.
You will encounter math courses as part of the computer science curriculum whether you decide to minor in math or not. However, by getting a minor in math, you will have the chance to get above-average proficient in optimization of algorithms and machine learning methods.
Furthermore, a strong understanding of mathematics is often required for advanced coursework in computer science theory.
We recommend getting a minor in math if one of your primary interests and objectives is theoretical computer science or machine learning. While getting a minor in math is not easy, it will make you a much stronger computer scientist in the long run.
Difficulty: Medium
Relevant courses: Calculus, Linear Algebra, Discrete Math, Probability and Statistics
Future career prospects: Software Engineering, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Scientist
2. Electrical and Computer Engineering
Computer science and electrical engineering are closely related disciplines. By getting a minor in electrical engineering, you’ll gain an understanding of the hardware side of computing which is critical for building any type of computer system.
You’ll also gain an understanding of analog and digital electronics, microprocessors and embedded systems, which is essential for any computer scientist who plans to work on embedded systems or Internet of Things (IoT) projects.
Electrical and computer engineering is one of the best minors for computer science majors who want to apply hands-on engineering in addition to writing software as classic developers.
Difficulty: Medium-Hard
Relevant courses: Circuit Theory, Digital Design, Embedded Systems
Future career prospects: Embedded Systems Engineer, Robotics Engineer, IoT Engineer.
3. Psychology
Psychology is the study of human behavior and cognition. While it may not seem obvious, psychology is an invaluable minor for computer science majors as it provides a different perspective on how people interact with technology.
This understanding can be applied to design user interfaces that are intuitive and easy to use. It can also help you come up with innovative solutions to technical problems.
Psychology is also essential for fields such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, which try to mimic human behavior.
The most compelling reason to study psychology as a computer science major is that it will help you understand why people use technology the way they do and how to create products that better serve their needs, which can place you two heads above the average engineer who predominantly specializes in technical disciplines only.
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Relevant courses: Cognitive Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction, Behavioral Economics
Future career prospects: UX/UI Designers, Machine Learning Engineer, Software Engineer.
4. Neuroscience
Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field that examines the structure and function of the nervous system. It is a valuable minor for any computer science major as it provides an in-depth understanding of how the brain processes information and can be applied to topics such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics.
Neuroscience can also help you gain a better understanding of how people interact with technology and how to design user experiences that are more intuitive.
Neuroscience and computer science is a true power combination that has a potential to advance the future of both disciplines and the way people interact with the digital world. It is also the promising bond towards creating better AI and brain-inspired intelligent machines.
Difficulty: Medium
Relevant courses: Cognitive Neuroscience, Neurophysiology, Psychopharmacology
Future career prospects: Robotics Engineer, AI Developer, Machine Learning Scientist.
5. Linguistics
Linguistics is the study of language and how it is used. A minor in linguistics can help you gain a deeper understanding of natural language processing (NLP), which is an essential part of artificial intelligence and machine learning. It will also help you design better user interfaces for natural language input.
Linguistics is also an invaluable resource when it comes to developing language-based applications such as chatbots and virtual assistants. With a background in linguistics, you can design delightful user experiences that are more intuitive and easier to use.
Linguistics is one of the best minors for computer science majors who have special interest towards languages, language theory, artificial intelligence, or NLP.
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Relevant courses: Phonology, Semantics, Syntax
Future career prospects: Natural Language Processing Engineer, Chatbot Developer, Virtual Assistant Designer
6. Biology
Biology is the scientific study of living organisms. While it may not seem obvious, a minor in biology can be hugely beneficial for computer science majors. It can provide a better understanding of how organisms interact and the principles behind it, which can be applied to designing complex systems such as machine learning algorithms.
Biology also provides insight into biological systems, which is essential for developing AI applications that can mimic the behavior of living things, including those based on genetic algorithms. It can also help you develop robotic systems that are better able to navigate the real world.
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Relevant courses: Cellular Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics
Future career prospects: Robotics Engineer, Bioinformatics Scientist, AI Developer.
7. Economics
Economics is the study of how goods and services are produced, distributed, and consumed. A minor in economics can give you a better understanding of how markets and financial systems operate, which is essential for designing fintech applications.
It can also help you understand the principles of cost-benefit analysis and decision-making, which are important for creating AI applications that can make decisions based on data. Additionally, economics is a great minor for anyone interested in data science and business analytics.
Economics is among the best minors for computer science majors who are interested in fintech, data science, or business analytics.
Difficulty: Medium
Relevant courses: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics
Future career prospects: Data Scientist, Financial Analyst, Business Intelligence Developer.
8. Business
A minor in business can help you develop your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for any career in the tech world. It can also give you a better understanding of how businesses operate and the principles behind it, which can be applied to developing successful applications and products.
Business is also a great way to develop your entrepreneurial skills, which can help you create the next big startup. Additionally, it can give you valuable insights into the financial side of running a business, which is essential for launching and scaling a successful venture.
You should enroll in a business minor if you are interested in entrepreneurship or have aspirations of launching your own startup.
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Relevant courses: Business Strategy, Entrepreneurship, Project Management
Future career prospects: Product Manager, Business Analyst, Entrepreneur.
9. Statistics
Statistics is the study of data analysis and interpretation. As a computer science major, having an understanding of statistics can be hugely beneficial for developing algorithms and applications that are based on data.
Statistics can help you develop a better understanding of probability, which is essential for creating predictive models and machine learning algorithms. Additionally, it can help you become better at data analysis and interpretation, which is essential in any field related to analytics or AI.
If you are interested in pursuing career in data science, machine learning, or AI development, statistics minor could be an excellent choice for you.
Difficulty: Medium
Relevant courses: Probability, Statistical Analysis, Data Visualization
Future career prospects: Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, AI Developer
10. Philosophy
Philosophy is a great minor for any computer science major as it helps you develop a deeper understanding of the ethical and moral implications of technology. It can also help you develop a better appreciation for logic, which is essential for understanding complex algorithms and computer systems.
Additionally, philosophy teaches you how to think critically and evaluate arguments, which is essential for solving real-world problems. A minor in philosophy can also help you become better at writing and communication, which are key skills for any tech professional.
Philosophy minor is a great choice for those who want to become more analytical and develop their critical thinking and algorithm-development skills.
Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Relevant courses: Logic & Reasoning, Ethics, Metaphysics
Future career prospects: Software Developer, Computer Scientist, Technical Writer
Should I Get a Minor at All as a CS Major?
As a computer science major, you might be wondering if getting a minor is worth your time and effort. After all, computer science is a demanding field, and you may feel like you don’t have the extra hours to spare.
However, there are a few good reasons to consider getting a minor. First of all, it can help you stand out to potential employers. In a competitive job market, any extra edge can make a difference.
Furthermore, a minor can help you develop new skills and knowledge that will be useful in your career. For example, if you minor in business administration, you’ll learn how to manage projects and teams – skills that will come in handy in any computer science-related job.
So, while getting a minor may seem like an unnecessary undertaking, it could actually end up being a valuable asset in your career.
Do Minors Matter in Computer Science?
When it comes to the significance of obtaining a minor for computer science majors, you may see divided opinions.
Many will say that whether you get a minor in another related or unrelated discipline, you will still end up doing the same job you could otherwise do without those extra courses. In fact, you could just take the courses offered to you through your department, which usually include the whole gamut of different subspecialties related to computer science.
These opinions are indeed substantiated, as you will likely have the same title and a similar job that involves programming whether you have a minor in biology, finances, or math. And it is usually true that most other people who only majored in CS could often have the same job without a related minor.
However, we must note that the individual companies that may be interested in hiring a professional fluent in their particular industry (FinTech, biomedical engineering, or human-computer interfaces) may be more likely to offer a job to someone who has a background in their industry.
We thus reserve the recommendation to obtain a minor in another discipline if:
- you have a special interest in this second field
- are interested in a specific cross-disciplinary field
- have entrepreneurial aspirations in founding a company in a specific industry
As a result, minors are not for every CS student and may not be worth the hassle for many. However, they do offer advantages to those interested in pursuing a career with inclination in a specific field.
How to Choose the Right Minor for You
When it comes to which minor you should choose, there are several things to consider. You should ultimately base your decision on the following factors:
1. Consider your interests
One of the best ways to choose a minor is to consider your interests. If you have a particular interest in another subject, such as psychology or business, then you may want to consider minoring in that subject. Additionally, if you have a specific career goal in mind, you may want to choose a minor that will help you to achieve that goal. For example, if you want to work in the biomedical industry, you may want to minor in biology.
2. Consider your schedule
Another important factor to consider when choosing a minor is your schedule. You will need to make sure that you can fit the required courses for the minor into your schedule. Additionally, you should consider whether you are willing to take additional courses each semester in order to complete the minor.
3. Consider the workload
Another factor to consider when choosing a minor is the workload. Some minors may require more coursework than others. If you are not interested in taking additional courses or if you are concerned about the workload for a particular minor, then you may want to choose another option. For example, a minor in business may require more courses than a minor in mathematics.
4. Talk to your advisor
If you are still undecided about which minor to choose, it is a good idea to talk to your advisor. Your advisor can provide you with information about different minors and can help you to decide which one would be the best fit for you.
5. Try out different options
Finally, don’t be afraid to try out different options. You may find that you enjoy a certain minor more than you thought you would. Or, you may decide that a different major is a better fit for you after all. The important thing is that you explore your options and find what works best for you
Is It Difficult to Get a Minor?
In order to get a minor, you will need to complete a number of courses required to satisfy the minor requirements. Some courses and minors are more difficult than others, and we advise that you thoroughly research each course you need/want to take for a given minor before committing to it.
It is true that computer science major is tough on its own, so don’t expect that getting a minor in parallel to your main studies is going to be easy, whichever field you choose.
That said, many CS students choose to minor in different fields and are usually successful in obtaining both their major and minor. If they can do it, so can you.
How Many Extra Courses You Need to Take to Get a Minor
The exact number of courses you need to take to get a minor depends on the specific minor you are pursuing and your school’s requirements.
Generally speaking, you will need to take at least 6 additional courses beyond the ones needed for your major. However, some minors may require more or less than that.
Usually, minors like mathematics and business require fewer courses than those in the humanities. For example, a mathematics minor may only require 4-5 additional courses, while a history minor may require 8-9 courses.
It is best to consult with your advisor or the department head of the minor you are interested in pursuing for more information.
Should I Do a Minor or Double Major?
Double majoring in computer science and another field is tough. It is certainly doable though, and many students successfully graduate with two degrees each year.
Whether you want to double major or not depends on your future goals in relation to your career aspirations.
If you are looking for a job in the tech industry, then a minor may be more beneficial than double majoring as it will give you enough exposure to a variety of topics while still allowing you to focus on computer science.
On the other hand, if you want to pursue research or academia, then double majoring might be the right choice for you. It will give you a broader range of skills and knowledge, which can make you an attractive candidate for academic positions.
Besides academia, double majoring can be useful if you plan to combine computer science with other related fields such as engineering or biology.
With respect to this, when you double major in two disciplines, you are at more liberty to truly choose a career at the intersection of two industries, while, if you choose to do only a minor, you will likely still be a software engineer or a related CS professional who works in an industry related to your minor.
In short, it all comes down to your interests and career aspirations. Both minors and double majoring have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is ultimately up to you to decide which one is best for you.
Conclusion
There are a number of different minors that can be complementary to a computer science degree. Some of the best minors for computer science majors include mathematics, business, and engineering. However, it is important to do your research and make sure that the minor you choose is a good fit for your interests and career aspirations.
Double majoring in computer science and another field can also be a great option if you want to pursue a career in academia or an industry related to the second industry of your choice.
Whichever option you choose, make sure that you have the dedication and resources to complete it successfully. Good luck!
Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.
Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.
