Tag Archives: minor

Degree Planning: Where to Start?

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So, you’re about to start your first semester here at Embry-Riddle! You’re most likely in some general education classes, and University 101 (or an equivalent class). This class is super important to jumpstart one of the most important planning processes during your time at Embry-Riddle: Degree Planning. While it may seem confusing and a bit tedious at first, having a solid degree plan your first semester will set you on a path for success over the rest of your time at Embry-Riddle. Here are some helpful tips from someone who has had to create and revise their degree plans so many times.

Tip #1: Look at the flow chart for your specific degree – Most degrees at Embry-Riddle have flow charts created by the academic advisors for your specific degree that show the ideal progression of courses you will take. While it is often not the only sequence courses can fall in, it can offer helpful information, such as if courses are only offered in a specific semester or if there are different elective options to choose from.

Tip #2: Meet with your academic advisor – Your academic advisor is probably your most useful resource when it comes to degree planning, and meetings with them (whether in their office or on Microsoft Teams) can help clear up any confusions you may have about your plan or help sort through any roadblocks. They are especially helpful if you need to get any course prerequisites waived, or have conflicts between course offerings.

Tip #3: It can help you plan a minor – This tip might sound a little more unexpected, but degree planning can help you add that minor that you’ve been debating on declaring. Once you have finalized your degree plan for your degree, it can show what open electives and other spots in your degree are free to add courses towards a potential minor. For example, I had 2 open elective spots in my finished degree plan at the end of Freshman year. Because of this, I was able to declare a minor in Emergency Management since it only required an additional 2 courses on top of the courses for my degree, and I had the space. I didn’t think I would be able to add a minor until my completed plan showed me that it was possible.

Hopefully, these tips will come in handy for anyone planning out their degree, whether you are a freshman who just got to Embry-Riddle, or a current student who is in the process of changing your major.

Minors are a Major Deal

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Minor courses of study don’t get enough praise. I’m currently minoring in business administration and space studies to complement my Communication degree. My initial intention was to take something I was interested in that was sensible for my field, and they certainly are, but I didn’t recognize the true value of them until working with Space Tango.

Space Tango works to scale down customers’ experiments to fit in what they call CubeLabs for microgravity research on the International Space Station. As a Communication major, it’s difficult to see how I piece into this puzzle of research and design. My minor, however, in space studies (SP) provides me with the background information to keep up with the engineers during our meetings. It’s a puzzle piece to the bigger picture.

CubeLabs waiting to be tested in a pressure chamber.

CubeLabs waiting to be tested in a pressure chamber.

SP courses that I have taken gave me an overview of mission history, rocket and propulsion systems, ISS configuration, and so much more. If it wasn’t for my SP minor, then I wouldn’t be as valuable as I am now in the aerospace industry and I wouldn’t be able to effectively market their brand to prospective customers.

My business minor ties it all together. I can keep up with our director of business operations and even devise my own marketing plans that reflect the industry and the company. It’s like being a triple threat in the job market. I have so much more to offer as an intern and, one day, as an employee.

My skills are flexible and it’s all thanks to my minors! I think finding such minors are especially beneficial for flexible degree programs such as Communication. We can fit anywhere, but if there’s an industry you want to work in then cater your education towards it. Especially during internship season and applications, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. What are your strengths? What sets you aside from others? Don’t overestimate the power of your minors. Take the time to find one or two that accommodates your interests or pieces you into your dream industry.

⋆ Dani