A minor is a real credential — a structured sequence of coursework, not a claim you can fudge. Whether it belongs on your resume comes down to one question: does it support the job you're applying for?
In short: list a minor on the same line as your major — "B.A. in Economics, Minor in Computer Science, Boston University, 2025" — or on a second line under the degree. Include it when it's relevant to the target role, distinctive, or explains a skill your major doesn't. Skip it when it's unrelated and your resume is fighting for space; nobody was ever hired or rejected over an unlisted minor.
The formats
Same line (default):
```
BOSTON UNIVERSITY — Boston, MA
B.A. in Economics, Minor in Computer Science — May 2025
```
Two lines (when the entry is already long):
```
BOSTON UNIVERSITY — Boston, MA
B.A. in Economics — May 2025
Minor: Computer Science
```
Capitalize "Minor" consistently with how you write your degree; either "Minor in X" or "Minor: X" is fine. Double minor: "Minors in Statistics and Philosophy." If you're still studying, combine with the expected graduation date format.
When a minor earns its line
- It's the bridge to the job. Marketing major + data-analytics minor applying to growth roles: the minor is the pitch. Say it in your summary too, not just the education line.
- It certifies a language. A Spanish or Mandarin minor is verifiable evidence behind a "bilingual" claim.
- It explains your skills section. If your skills list Python but your degree is History, a CS minor connects the dots for a skeptical screener.
- You're early-career. While education is your main evidence, every real credential in it works. After a few professional roles, the education section shrinks — and the minor is usually the first thing to go.
When to leave it off
An unrelated minor on a crowded resume is trivia. Film-studies minor, accounting job, eight years of experience: cut it without guilt. The test: would you mention it in the interview? If it wouldn't come up in an hour of conversation, it doesn't need permanent real estate on the page.
Never list an unfinished minor as a minor — "coursework in X" covers partial sequences honestly, the same rule as unfinished degrees.
FAQ
Does an ATS parse minors? Parsers extract the education text fine; keyword matching then sees whatever the minor adds ("Computer Science") — a small, real benefit when the minor matches the job description.
Minor before major? Never. Degree first, minor second, always.
GPA for the minor separately? No — one GPA, the overall one, and only when it's worth showing.
Where does education go overall? Above experience while you're a student, below it after your first professional role — the modern format guide has the full section order, and our resume builder handles the formatting for you.