Minor is a secondary, optional concentration of courses in a field outside the student’s major, usually requiring 15 to 24 credits.
How it works
The student declares the minor, often after reaching a minimum credit threshold. The degree audit adds the minor requirements. Courses taken for the minor are graded and credited normally. Upon graduation the minor is posted to the transcript if all requirements are met. No separate diploma is issued.
Example: an online criminal-justice major adds an 18-credit minor in Spanish. Six of the credits also satisfy general-education requirements. The student completes the remaining 12 credits as electives and graduates with the minor noted on the transcript.
How it differs
A major is the primary field and is required for the degree. A double major requires full completion of two majors. A concentration is a track inside the major rather than a separate field. A certificate is often a standalone credential that may or may not be earned concurrently with a degree.
Common errors
Assuming a minor appears on the diploma (it usually appears only on the transcript). Declaring a minor late and discovering required courses are unavailable online. Counting the same course for both major and minor when policy prohibits overlap.
References
- 1. Institutional minor policiesTypical credit requirements
- 2. Degree-audit treatment of minorsOptional credential
Minor is a secondary, optional concentration of courses in a field outside the student’s major, usually requiring 15 to 24 credits.