Overview

Minors are an optional addition to a degree, requiring fewer semester hours than a major or a certificate. A minor usually consists of five courses, with a majority of the course work upper-level (as defined by the offering unit).

Some minors are interdisciplinary and draw on courses from a number of different departments and programs, but most are offered by a single department. Detailed information on each minor is published in the University's General Catalog.

Students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences also may earn minors offered by the College of Education and the Tippie College of Business. Guidelines for students wishing to earn minors are in the Student Academic Handbook.

Creating a New Minor

Gaining approval for a new minor follows the same process as for any new program. Departments proposing a new minor should first discuss the rationale for the proposal with the Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Services who will decide on a course of action.

The College does not approve "selective admission" minors.

Discontinuing a Minor

Departments considering the discontinuation of a minor must discuss the rationale for the proposal with the Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Services who will recommend a course of action.

If the Associate Dean recommends the discontinuation of the minor, the department must submit such a proposal to the Educational Policy Committee. If the Educational Policy Committee recommends approval, the proposal will move to the Faculty Assembly for consideration, to the Provost, and finally to the Board of Regents. This process takes more than six months and departments are advised to begin it as soon as feasible.

Any changes in the curriculum must be completed in time for the yearly update of the General Catalog.

Modifying an Existing Minor

Departments may make small changes to a minor if completed in time for the yearly update of the General Catalog.