A computer science major is a versatile degree and can lead to several different career options. You could become a software developer, a computer programmer, a web developer, and more. Often, pairing an appropriate minor with the computer science major can increase your chance of getting hired.
Here are the 8 best minors that complement the computer science degree:
- Communication
- Mathematics
- Foreign language
- Computer engineering
- Business management
- Information technology
- Philosophy
- Other minors
In this article, I’ll explore more about how these minors can complement your computer science degree to help you land excellent jobs in a competitive field.
On this link, you can read about the best computer science specializations.
1. Communication
While communication might not seem relevant to a computer science degree at first look, minoring in it can teach you valuable skills.
A minor in communications might involve working in groups and learning the ins and outs of interpersonal and team communication, which are crucial to know how to do correctly in a career.
Those interested in artificial intelligence can find even more value in a minor in communications as it can heavily involve human language patterns and speech. Understanding how humans communicate will provide you with the knowledge that you can apply to artificial intelligence.
Despite how “opposite” English-based courses can feel compared to a computer science degree, learning how to communicate effectively can benefit you more than you would think.
2. Mathematics
Mathematics is one of the most common minors to pair with a computer science degree purely because of the overlap between the two.
Unlike other minor choices, students discover that in completing their computer science major, they’re only a few credits away from a mathematics minor. Taking a couple of extra classes can add an impressive mathematics minor to their overall degree.
For those passionate about math but who don’t want to teach, a mathematics minor tied to a computer science major can widen your career opportunities significantly.
3. Foreign Language
Knowing how to speak a foreign language fluently is a skill that can impress hiring managers.
Some companies may be specifically looking for individuals who can speak a particular language to work with international partners, customers, and more.
As the world continues growing, foreign travel and communication are becoming increasingly commonplace in the working world. Computer science majors with a foreign language minor will be more competitive when applying to job postings that involve business trips, international communication, and overseas collaboration.
Wonder if you need to know algorithms if you want to become a programmer? You should know a few. You can read the details in this article.
4. Computer Engineering
While it may seem redundant to minor in computer engineering when pursuing a major in computer science, it can provide you with more specialized skills, particularly for those interested in databases, networking, and data management.
A minor in computer engineering will also teach you more about the actual hardware involved, something that can give you a leg up against computer science majors that don’t have any experience dealing with hardware.
If you love computer science and can’t get enough, consider a computer engineering minor to further your knowledge and skills.
5. Business Management
Understanding how to run and manage a business is essential for computer science majors seeking a managerial role, whether that be an actual manager, a team lead, or a CEO. A business minor can teach you critical skills like accounting, project management, sales, marketing, and information about running a business in the technology industry.
Other business minors like Accounting, Engineering Management, and Management Information Systems are similar business degrees that can help you gain a leadership role in a future career.
6. Information Technology
A minor in information technology may be one of the most relevant subjects you can add to your computer science major. A computer science major will teach you about different programming languages, developing software, and more. Applying an information technology minor will allow you to do all of that and more, including knowing how to repair network systems and computers.
7. Philosophy
A minor in philosophy can prepare you for ethical questions that may arise during your computer science career.
For those going into fields that involve artificial intelligence, data collection, and robotics, you can apply the knowledge you’ve gained in your philosophy minor to make appropriate, ethical choices and better understand your work’s potential consequences and benefits.
Philosophy can also help you better understand the history of how technology has affected humanity, giving you a wide scope of background knowledge that you can apply to newer technology and practices.
8. Other Minors
Adding a relevant minor to your computer science degree can come with a lot of overlap. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, sometimes a minor in an entirely different field can make your application unique.
Often, colleges recommend that you minor in something you are passionate about–not necessarily what you want to establish a career in. Students majoring in computer science can then consider minors in areas like dance, the arts, photography, or more.
While these minors may not offer the same relevant knowledge that a computer science-related one will, they can bring personality and depth to your resume during job hunting.
Why You Might Want a Minor With a Computer Science Degree
Getting a minor with your computer science degree can help you stand out in job applications and interviews.
While a minor may not always hold a ton of weight, they can help differentiate your resume and show that you have additional skills, knowledge, and experience that might be relevant to your desired field.
Depending on what field you want to go into, a minor can help prepare you for that. For example, business management can prepare you to be a project lead, while minoring in Russian can prepare you for a computer science job that requires international travel.
Overall, adding a minor to your computer science degree can help you stand out during the job hunting process and prepare you for the career you want.
While many minors that complement a computer science degree involve engineering, technology, business, or management, you can also minor in a foreign language or a passionate field of study to diversify your college experience.