Linguistics: Linguistics is a related field that studies the scientific aspects of human language, including its structure, acquisition, and use. A minor in linguistics can give speech pathology students a stronger foundation in the theoretical and scientific underpinnings of language disorders, as well as in the assessment and treatment of communication disorders.
Psychology: Psychology is another related field that studies human behavior and mental processes, and can be highly beneficial for speech pathology majors. A minor in psychology can deepen students' understanding of human behavior and cognition, as well as the psychological factors that impact speech and language disorders.
Communication Sciences and Disorders: A minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders can complement well a speech pathology major and provide a specialized understanding of various other aspects of communication. Minoring in CSD (other than speech-language pathology) could expose students to additional disciplines such as audiology, language development or literacy, and provide opportunities to gain broader interdisciplinary knowledge.
Neuroscience: Neuroscience combines aspects of biology, psychology and physiology to study brain and neural processes. A minor in neuroscience can offer speech-language pathology majors a deeper understanding of the biological foundations of speech, language and cognition. It can enrich the understanding of speech disorders and potential treatment strategies.
Special Education: Given that speech-language pathologists often collaborate with special educators, having a minor in Special Education can provide important knowledge and insight. It can offer foundational understanding of disabilities and special education principles.
Computer Science: In the era of digital health and technology-assisted therapy, a minor in Computer Science can be beneficial. It can equip students with skills to leverage technology for assessment and therapeutic interventions, data analysis, and telepractice.
Business Administration: For individuals who consider pursuing entrepreneurship or want a career outside the traditional medical settings, a minor in Business Administration can provide essential knowledge for practice management and entrepreneurship.
Counseling: This can be useful if you plan on working in counseling or mental health environments, or as a part of an interdisciplinary team.
It's important to note that the best minor depends on the individual's specific goals, interests, and course offerings at their institution. The speech pathology major itself might require certain core courses, so combining that with the requirements for a minor should be taken into consideration as well.