The psychology minor can serve at least two purposes. It can support a major by enabling students to obtain greater depth in a related discipline; and it can provide some competency in an area of interest that is unrelated to a student's major. Ultimately, the psychology minor will help students learn about the science of psychology as well as increase their understanding of contemporary issues in the field to help them think critically about human behavior.

For example, students in elementary or secondary education may decide to minor in psychology in order to enhance their knowledge of the cognitive and behavioral issues pertaining to children and young adults. A business major interested in a human resources career could develop a competitive advantage by pursuing a minor in psychology. Many students simply enjoy psychology topics or are interested in learning more about themselves and can acquire the academic recognition of such interest by completing the minor in psychology.

Students who apply for a minor in psychology do so for many reasons, including:

• Because they have developed an interest in the subject after participating in a course and feel they can benefit from taking a minor.
• In order to meet the additional academic requirements of, or to generally prepare for, some graduate school programs (e.g., pre-medical, pre-law, business administration, and psychology related areas).
• To prepare for employment in which psychology is helpful but not necessarily required (e.g., sales, personnel work, management, social services, criminal justice).