Is getting a minor reasonable?

<p>I am currently majoring in civil engineering and am wondering if minoring in something like math, environmental studies, or architectural engineering would be a good idea.</p>

<p>I can’t comment on whether it’s a good idea, but in case you don’t know, here’s the school’s official position -</p>

<pre><code> “The College of Engineering does not recommend students pursue minors, unless it is clearly evident they will fully meet Expected Academic Progress requirements (EAP). Students interested in pursuing a minor must determine if the minor can be completed within the established EAP requirements (total units required for the degree + no more than 24 excess units) before officially declaring the minor. Depending on the minor, some courses can be double counted to meet general education requirements (for example, a music minor) so with careful planning it is possible for some students to complete a minor and the EAP requirements. In addition, students can also take lower-division equivalent minor courses at community colleges. Another issue to consider prior to pursuing a minor is time to degree. Before declaring a minor, students should make an appointment with an advisor in the Advising Center to see if a minor is an option.” (Minors | Engineering Advising Center ).
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<p>Of course, the reality may be quite different from the official position, so you’ll have to do a bit of research.</p>

<p>My 3rd year daughter has a minor and is on track to graduate a quarter early. And she also has an ICS concentration (Individual Course Study).</p>

<p>I think getting a minor is reasonable for many majors, but not really for engineers. Engineering flow charts have zero free electives, and are difficult to complete in 4 years anyway. In contrast, my son who is a Philosophy major had like 10-12 free electives on his flowchart, so he could easily fit in his minor in Religious Studies. Adding a minor to an engineering major would almost certainly add several extra quarters to your time at CP. (Although many students love SLO and CP and are in no hurry to leave!)</p>

<p>Ok, thank you everybody! :)</p>