Pronunciation: [mˈa͡ɪnəz ˈɪn] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "minors in" is fairly straightforward. The initial sound is the consonant cluster "m" followed by the vowel sound "ai" as in "mine". The next sound is the consonant cluster "n" followed by a short vowel sound, "o" as in "hot". The final sound is the consonant cluster "rs" followed by the vowel sound "in" as in "win". In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be transcribed as /ˈmaɪ.nərz ɪn/.
"Minors in" refers to the academic pursuit or the specific area of study chosen by a undergraduate student, typically alongside their main or primary field of study, known as their major. A minor allows students to explore a secondary area of interest or expertise, either in a related or unrelated field. By declaring a minor, students are required to complete a predetermined number of courses and credit hours in that particular subject.
A minor program typically consists of a coherent set of courses within a specific discipline or interdisciplinary area. These courses are designed to provide foundational knowledge, skills, and expertise in the chosen minor subject. The number and type of courses required for a minor vary among universities and may range from around 15 to 30 credit hours. It is common for students to pursue a minor in a subject that complements their major or aligns with their career goals to enhance their employability or broaden their educational experience.
A minor is a formal recognition or credential presented by the university upon successful completion of the required courses and credit hours. Although a minor may not carry the same weight or significance as a major in terms of depth of study or career prospects, it demonstrates additional knowledge and expertise in a specific area, highlighting the students' interdisciplinary capabilities and intellectual breadth. Ultimately, pursuing a minor is an opportunity for students to specialize in a secondary field of study while primarily focusing on their major.
The phrase "minors in" does not have an etymology on its own because it is composed of two separate words: "minors" and "in".
"Minors" is the plural form of the noun "minor", which comes from the Latin word "minor" meaning "less" or "smaller". In English, "minor" refers to a person who is under the legal age of adulthood.
The word "in" is a preposition that originated from Old English "inn". It has multiple meanings, including expressing location or inclusion within a space or time.
When combined, the phrase "minors in" typically refers to individuals who are under the legal age and are enrolled in a specific field of study or an academic program. For example, "minors in psychology" would describe students who are pursuing a minor degree in psychology alongside their major.
