What is a "minor" in a USA college?

A minor is the select group of courses a college student takes to add a credential to a broader major degree program. Some major programs require a minor, while others don’t. Specific course requirements vary, but a student normally completes several classes in a field to earn a minor.

In some cases, a minor is closely related to a person’s major and serves as an educational supplement. A marketing major might pursue a psychology minor in preparation for a career in consumer behavior or consumer psychology. Some students use a minor as an opportunity to learn about an area of passion that may or may not contribute to future employment.