<p>Hello everyone - a little background: I'm attending the U of Minnesota this fall. I am about 100% sure that I am interested in, and majoring in architecture, however I have many interests outside of that area. I feel like there are so many things I want to do, but I can't do it all. Eventually, I would like to become an architect (obviously) but I also have a great interest in golf courses, and their design. My MANY interests include: Architecture, Lighting/Lighting Design, Geography: mostly cartography, Graphic Design, Architectural Journalism, Environmental Science, Environmental Horticulture, Environmental Design, Spanish, and Nutrition.... </p>
<p>I think it would be highly unlikely for me to be able to double major with architecture, so I think I want to pick up a minor or two. Here are some of the other programs I'm considering at the U:</p>
<ul>
<li>Graphic Design</li>
<li>Environmental Sciences, Policy, and Management with emphasis in Conservation and Resource Management</li>
<li>Nutrition and Dietetics</li>
<li>Environmental Horticulture with Emphasis in Landscape Design</li>
<li>Spanish Studies</li>
<li>Geography </li>
</ul>
<p>Based on my interests, what do you think would be the most practical minor(s) for me? Are there any other programs you can think of that I should look in to? What minor(s) would benefit my major (arch) most?</p>
<p>And, on a final note. Anything you can tell me about environmental horticulture? It's really been intriguing me, and I don't know why. Hah.</p>
<p>I would take courses in something you know nothing about. Your interests are confined to what you know, so you might find something that completely knocks your socks off that you had no idea even existed.</p>
<p>Regarding cartography, in its purest form, is no longer particularly practiced (we already know how to construct maps). Although you may be interested in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) which is essentially the modern day equivalent of cartography. If you can pick up GIS skills at UMinn, then you would have very valuable, employable skills after graduation (and a good starting salary).</p>
<p>Sligh_Anarchist: I have a UMinn Undergraduate Catalog, and I knew I had seen “GIS” before. I just went and checked it out. Turns out the geography major offers an emphasis in about 5 things, and GIS is one of them! Actually sounds perfect. Thanks a lot. I’ll definitely be looking into this more.</p>
<p>As for valuable skills after graduation, how so? There are many jobs in this field? Is it uncommon for people to have GIS in their background? What is the starting salary?</p>
<p>mrego: I’m torn between the two; Arch & LArch. My interest in the environment is evident, however I’m leaning more towards plain old Architecture. However, UMinn does offer a LA Minor, so I could at least get my hands dirty.</p>
<p>Also, I think that environmental horticulture w/ emphasis in design could definitely put me on the right track in the golf course design buisness. I’m pretty sure I would need a Masters in LArch, but as I said, this horticulture thing is definitely intriguing me.</p>