Programs with minor concentrations are geological sciences, Judaic studies, mathematics, physics, Residential College, Romance languages and literature, Slavic languages and literature. Assistant Director of LSA Academic Advising Phil Gorman said students are expressing an interest in the program. Students are curious about the program, but there isn't a lot of information to tell them yet. Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education Robert Owen said additional departments also are examining plans to initiate minor programs. Every month, departments have the opportunity to submit minor proposals to an LSA executive committee, who then must approve the program.
Minors give students an incentive to use their distribution requirements in a positive way.
The minimum credit requirement to receive a minor in an area is 15 credits, or 50 percent of the credits needed for a concentration. The number of credits required for a minor can vary depending on what each individual department decides. A minor complements a major, allowing a student to take classes in two completely different areas of study. Minors also allow some students to explore their own ethnic or cultural background without having to major in that area. Unlike a major concentration, students cannot declare a minor.