Pronunciation: [mˈa͡ɪnəd ˈɪn] (IPA) 
The phrase "minored in" is often used in academic contexts to describe a secondary area of study pursued by a college or university student. The spelling of this phrase may appear confusing, as the past tense of "minor" is typically spelled with an "-ed" ending. However, in this instance, the "-ed" is actually a suffix added to the noun "minor" to create a verb. IPA phonetic transcription for "minored in" is [ˈmaɪnərd ɪn].
The phrase "minored in" refers to a separate field of academic study pursued by a student alongside their major subject. In the educational context, a major represents the primary area of study that a student focuses on to obtain a degree. However, a student may also choose to explore a secondary area of interest, known as a minor.
When a student "minors in" a subject, it means that they have completed a specific set of courses and requirements in a particular discipline, typically within the same institution or college. By pursuing a minor, the student gains some level of expertise or knowledge in that subject, although to a lesser extent than their major.
The decision to minor in a field is often driven by one's passion for a particular subject, desire for a more well-rounded education, or to gain additional skills and expertise that complement their primary studies. Depending on the institution and the program, the requirements for a minor can vary in terms of the number of courses, credit hours, or prerequisites involved.
A minor provides students with an opportunity to explore an additional area of interest, potentially enhancing their career prospects or providing a broader perspective for their chosen profession. While a minor does not hold the same weight as a major in terms of specialization, it demonstrates a willingness to go beyond the required curriculum and an ability to manage diverse subject matters.
The phrase "minored in" is not a single word; rather, it is a combination of the verb "minored" and the preposition "in". "Minored" is the past tense form of the verb "minor", which means to study or specialize in a secondary subject or discipline alongside one's primary area of focus. The word "minored" is derived from the noun form "minor", which originated in the 18th century and was borrowed from the Latin word "minor", meaning "lesser" or "smaller". In the context of college or university studies, students major in a primary subject and may choose to minor in a secondary subject to gain additional knowledge or expertise.
