Similar to undergraduate programs, many b-schools offer students the option to earn a minor alongside a major concentration. The main benefit of including an MBA minor in your degree is diversifying your skill set in business management. It’s important to know an MBA minor can complement your MBA focus and will require fewer credits than your area of concentration. Here are three things to know about MBA minors:
1. MBA minors typically differ from your MBA concentration
An MBA concentration requires more course credits than an MBA minor. Minors typically involve three to four courses, as opposed to the 12 generally needed for a major. Schools often offer subject areas that students can select as a full concentration or as a minor. For example, at the LeBow College of Business (Drexel University), both finance and marketing are available as either an MBA degree concentration or a minor. The Cox School of Business (Southern Methodist University) offers concentration and minor options in multiple areas, including accounting, management, and real estate. Plan ahead so you can register for the courses you need in order to earn the designations that you would like.
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2. Your MBA minor can complement your MBA concentration
An MBA minor can also help you stand out among your fellow classmates and other MBA students in your industry, demonstrating your experience within an aligned major area. For example, if you are interested in working at a consulting firm that works with consumer packaged goods companies, then earning a minor in marketing could be helpful. Or, if you would like to join a hedge fund that manages investments in international companies, then a minor in global strategy could give you an edge over another student who is only taking finance classes.
Furthermore, some MBA programs offer certificates in a certain area to make your minor more official. For example:
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The Tippie College of Business (University of Iowa) offers minors, as well as a Lean Gold certification
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At the Foster School of Business (University of Washington), students can earn an entrepreneurship certificate or a global business certificate during their MBA program.
Select a minor that will help you find the success you would like to achieve in your career after graduation.
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3. You may wish to weigh an MBA minor against a double major
Another option to explore is a double major. A double major can provide a more in-depth focus on your subject areas, but less flexibility around your elective choices. This would also require more credit hours than earning a major and a minor, so you may need to take more classes than your peers. However, depending on your school’s requirements, certain course credits could apply for both majors. Ask your advisors whether this would be a good option for you, based on what you would like to accomplish during your MBA program.
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An MBA minor can broaden your area of expertise. This designation can often help you in your career search. Also, it can be accompanied by an official certificate signifying your accomplishment. Like MBA majors or concentrations, MBA minors vary among schools; so, investigate which minor subjects are offered at the programs you are interested in before you apply. Once you have decided which program you are attending, talk with your advisors to select the best major or minor that will help you achieve your goals for business school.
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