Programming is useful far beyond software jobs. A computer science minor helps math, science, engineering, business and design majors automate work, analyze data and build tools.
Skills a Computer Science minor adds
- Programming
- Algorithms
- Problem solving
- Data handling
Majors that pair well with Computer Science
| Major | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Business Analytics | Adds programming for more advanced analysis. |
| Cybersecurity | Adds programming depth for security engineering. |
| Web Design and Development | Adds programming depth for complex applications. |
| Mechanical Engineering | Adds programming for automation and simulation. |
| Electrical Engineering | Helps with embedded systems and programming. |
| Aerospace Engineering | Adds programming for simulation and flight software. |
| Computer Engineering | Adds software depth. |
| Mechatronics and Robotics | Strengthens programming for automation. |
| Physics | Programming is central to modern physics. |
| Mathematics | Opens software and data science careers. |
Want to study it in depth? See the Computer Science major.
Careers where a Computer Science minor helps
Software Developer
Design, build and improve the apps and systems people use every day.
- Typical training: 4 years or bootcamp plus portfolio
Web Developer
Build fast, accessible websites and web applications people love to use.
- Typical training: 6 months to 4 years
Data Scientist
Turn data into insights and predictions that guide decisions.
- Typical training: 4–6 years
Related career training
A self-paced online course on what software developers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: programming languages such as Python, JavaScript or Java, data structures and algorithms, and version control with Git
Why it fits: Builds practical knowledge for careers a Computer Science minor points toward.
Computer Science minor FAQ
What is a Computer Science minor?
A Computer Science minor adds programming and computational problem-solving skills. Programming is useful far beyond software jobs.
What does a Computer Science minor include?
A Computer Science minor covers skills such as programming, algorithms, problem solving, and data handling. Most minors require about 15 to 24 credit hours, often five to eight courses; each college sets its own requirements.
What majors go well with a Computer Science minor?
It pairs well with Business Analytics, Cybersecurity, Web Design and Development, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Mechatronics and Robotics.
Is Computer Science a good minor for Business Analytics majors?
It can be. Adds programming for more advanced analysis.
Is Computer Science a good minor for Cybersecurity majors?
It can be. Adds programming depth for security engineering.
Is Computer Science a good minor for Web Design and Development majors?
It can be. Adds programming depth for complex applications.
What skills does a Computer Science minor add?
Skills such as programming, algorithms, problem solving, and data handling.
What careers can a Computer Science minor help with?
It can support careers such as software developer, web developer, and data scientist, especially combined with a related major.
Is a Computer Science minor worth it?
It is worth it if it fills a gap in your major or supports the career you want. A computer science minor helps math, science, engineering, business and design majors automate work, analyze data and build tools.
What is the difference between a Computer Science major and a Computer Science minor?
A Computer Science major is your main field of study (associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees) and prepares you for careers such as software developer, web developer, and data scientist. A minor is a smaller set of courses that adds computer Science knowledge to a different major.
Can any major add a Computer Science minor?
At most colleges, students in many majors can add a minor if they meet its prerequisites and can fit the courses. Check your college’s requirements.