A minor is an optional set of classes (typically 5-6) in an academic discipline (kind of like a “mini major”).
Declaring a minor is completely up to you. In my opinion, students should consider registering for minors in order to take courses that relate to their interests or that may not be offered through the primary major. It would not be in your best interest just to declare a minor because it's "convenient" or "basically already built into my major".
5 Things to Think About Before You Sign on for a Minor – UC Davis
3 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Minor - Time Magazine
Takeaways (TL;DR):
- “Don’t add a minor as an afterthought or ‘just because’.”
- Minors should help you broaden your education and gain depth of experience in another academic area (same goes with a double major or double degree).
- Choose a minor that adds evidence of a skill that is applicable to your major, but not necessarily contained within it (in other words, don’t choose a minor because it’s convenient – choose a minor to add and supplement your major)
- “A less useful minor is one that is too close to your major.”
- Do I have to declare a minor? Nope! There are MANY other options to broaden your academic horizons than a minor. If you want to learn something new, it can be accomplished in just one or two additional courses, or by participating in more meaningful experiences like studying abroad, doing research, or completing an internship!