Minors and Concentrations

Some programs offer minors or concentrations. A student should choose one of these upon the completion of 60 semester hours. This should be planned with the assistance of an academic advisor.

To enhance a student’s academic experience, it is recommended that a student select a minor significantly different from his/her chosen major. For example, a Management major may want to select a Finance minor or vice versa. Also, a combination of a Business major with a Social Sciences minor will enrich the student’s education and preparation for a successful career.

A student may not combine a major and minor in the same or similar functional area (e.g., Finance major and Finance minor; Management major and Human Resource Management minor.)

Since several majors and minors include many elective courses, overlap may be possible. To qualify for a major or a minor, a student may not use the same course for credit in both the major and minor areas and must seek approval from the dean of the School for a substitute elective from within the discipline.

Certain courses in the minor may have prerequisite courses that need to be completed.

Accounting Minor (12 credits)

The Accounting minor permits students to enrich their knowledge of the “language of business.” No matter what profession a graduate enters, the ability to read and comprehend historical and prospective financial information will be essential. Students will be provided with an in-depth understanding of generally accepted accounting principles through intermediate accounting courses, an exposure to federal taxation and a choice of accounting electives for more intensive study. 

Any advanced Accounting elective, except ACCT-316 Cost Accounting I

Architectural History/Theory Minor 12 Credits

This minor offers students the opportunity to study art/architectural history and theory beyond the introductory level. The courses listed provide in-depth knowledge and analysis of historical periods and theoretical issues relative to the meaning and practice of architecture and related disciplines.

Required course: ARCH-422 Theories of Architecture Seminar

Any three of the following:

ARCH-410, ARCH-434, ARCH-371, ARCH-425, ARCH-341,

ARCH-409, ARCH-320

Architecture and Interior Design students may choose one of the following:

LARCH-307 or LARCH-411

Business Minor for Non-Business Major (12 credits)

This minor is specifically designed for the Non-Business major. It will provide students with marketable business skills upon graduation that are useful to any professional person.

Required (6 to 9 credit hours)

Choose additional courses (total 12 credit hours)

Construction Management Minor (12 credits)

This minor introduces students to basic construction management concepts and practices, including planning, scheduling and estimating; project control and supervision; safety; labor relations; purchasing and accounting; insurance and bonds; and ethics.

Required courses:

Any two of the following:

ARCH- 426; ARCH- 401 (Design/Build option only), MGMT-301

MKTG-102, ARCH-499

Custom Minor (12 credits)

A custom minor is a thematic/area/subject cluster of four courses from any of the Schools. The student’s advisor and the dean of the School, where the minor will be granted, must approve custom minors.

E-Commerce Minor (12 credits)

E-commerce is the Internet-enabled buying and selling of goods and services, servicing customers, collaborating with vendors and customers, and conducting electronic transactions within an organization. It includes email marketing, virtual learning, banner ads on a Web page, 24/7 customer support systems, ERP, CRM and XML; it is an electronic wallet; it is borderless, seamless, and timeless; it is all that and more. The E-commerce minor involves the study of products, the business processes, and the supply chain of startup dotcoms to brick-and-mortar Fortune 500 firms. The program features a balance of information technology and managerial decision-making. 

Economics Minor (12 credits)

Regardless of whether a student majors in business, textiles, the humanities or another discipline, students will be affected by economic factors. The Economics minor will enable students to understand and anticipate economic fluctuations and make changes necessary for success.

Any four advanced Economics electives are permitted, but one course may be from FINC-322, FINC-303, FINC-318, FINC-321 or FINC-333.

Environmental and Conservation Biology Minor (12-16 credits)

This minor will provide students with the necessary background and skills for comparing and contrasting the impact on the environment of both daily lifestyle choices and economic, legal, management and business decisions in government and industry.

Any two of the following:

BIOL-205, BIOL-209, BIOL-310, BIOL-371, CHEM-417, ECBIO-101, ECBIO-207, ECBIO-208, ECBIO-301, ECBIO-305, ECBIO-316, ECBIO-318, ECBIO-319, ECBIO-409, ECBIO-415, PSYCH-240, STAT-301, STUAB-300.

Environmental Sustainability Minor (12 credits)

This minor introduces students to the practices, technologies, and mindsets that allow human societies to live in balance with their surrounding environments over multiple generations. Students completing the minor must take four courses from the list below, with no more than 2 of them selected from the 100-level offerings.

Any four of the following:

SUST-100, SUST-120, SUST-121, SUST-200, SUST-202, SUST-204, SUST-300, SUST-302, SUST-303, SUST-421/LARCH-521, SUST-400, SUST-402, ECBIO-101, ECBIO-201, ECBIO-319

Fashion Industry Management Minor (12-13 credits)

Students choosing a minor concentration in Fashion Industry Management can look forward to employment in the textile and apparel sectors of the apparel and textile supply chain.

Any two of the following: 

Finance Minor (12 credits)

Finance plays a crucial role in all profit and nonprofit organizations. The Finance minor is a wise choice for any student interested in a business or service organization career.

Any two Finance electives, but at least one must be from

FINC-322, FINC-318, or FINC-411.

Foundation Design Minor (12 credits)

The Design minor introduces students to drawing and the basic elements and principles of two- and three-dimensional design, as well as their application in the design process. Indepth studies emphasizing the use of color are undertaken. A general survey of the philosophy and utility of CAD systems may be accomplished through hands-on experience.

Any two of the following:

ADFND-102, ADFND-104, ARCHDSN-208, CAD-201, DRAW-201, DRAW-206, DSGNFND-203 or DRAW-303.

Any course from a design major approved by the advisor.

Historic Preservation Minor (12 credits)

This minor provides a foundation in the field of historic preservation. The required courses cover issues including the history of the movement in the U.S., contemporary practice and field work, economic consequences, as well as methods of and standards for documentation. Elective courses broaden the student’s experience with discussions of American urban traditions, architectural ornament, vernacular ways of building around the world, and design considerations in a preservation project.

Any two of the following:

INTD-428, LARCH-507, ARCH-425, ARCH-424, ARCH-436, ARCH-341

Human Resource Management Minor (12 credits)

The Human Resource Management minor provides students with the basic skills needed to manage the personnel component of an organization. The minor concentrates on the processes by which jobs are designed and filled by human resources, as well as how a skilled work force is maintained in an organization. The student will gain familiarity with the techniques of recruiting, hiring, training and evaluating employees. The student will also become familiar with the basic concepts of employee and union-management relations, including contract negotiations. Not available to management majors. 

One advanced Management elective from the following:

MGMT-307, MGMT-311, MGMT-326, MGMT-331, MGMT-381, MGMT-411, MGMT-416, MIS-305, MIS-401, PSYCH-230 or PSYCH-231.

Information Systems Minor (12 credits)

Information systems supply an ever more important role in support for management decision-making. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s 2003 Web site, “Employers prefer managers with advanced technical knowledge acquired through computer-related work experience and formal education.” The IS minor is intended to supply a foundation for that level of knowledge. Not available to Management Information Systems.

Two additional Information Systems electives from the following:

MIS-207, MIS-302, MIS-304, MIS-312, MIS-323, MIS-371, MIS-401, MIS-404, MIS-405, MIS-406, MIS-407, MIS-411, MIS-413, MIS-422, MIS-425.

International Business Minor (12 credits)

The world in which business is being conducted is changing rapidly and is creating new challenges and opportunities for managers. The International Business minor is provided for students who want to strengthen their knowledge and understanding of global changes and their impact on business.

Landscape Architecture

These two minors — one for design majors (primarily for architecture or interior design majors) and one for non-design majors (primarily for environmental and conservation biology or environmental sustainability majors) — introduce the student to the field of landscape architecture. For the Landscape Design minor, the required courses cover the various areas — history/theory, technology, horticulture, and design — that constitute an understanding of the discipline relative to design. For the Landscape Planning Minor, the required courses cover the various areas — technology, communication, and history — that are needed for an understanding of the discipline relative to planning.

Landscape Design Minor (13-15 credits) 

One of the following history/theory courses

One of the following design studio courses

Landscape Planning Minor (12 credits)

One of the following:

Management Minor (12 credits)

This minor allows students to enroll in a group of key management courses that teach the essential theory and practice for managerial positions in fields such as accounting, retailing, design management, marketing management or other technical majors. Together with the knowledge base learned in students’ major fields, this minor increases students’ understanding of organizations typical of those in which they will be employed, thereby enhancing the likelihood of promotion to a managerial position. Not available to Management or Human Resource Management majors.

One advanced Management elective from the following:

MGMT-307, MGMT-311, MGMT-326, MGMT-331, MGMT-381, MGMT-411, MGMT-416, MGMT-418, MIS-305, MIS-401, PSYCH-230 or PSYCH-231.

Marketing Minor (12 credits)

The marketing of goods or services is the central focus of most profit and nonprofit organizations. Thus, regardless of students’ majors, a solid understanding and appreciation of the marketing discipline will enhance students’ decision-making capabilities and make them better managers. Not available to Marketing majors.

One advanced Marketing elective from the following:

MKTG-217, MKTG-315, MKTG-318, MKTG-324, MKTG-328 or MKTG-381.

Multimedia and Visualization Minor (12 credits)

This minor introduces students to the conceptual and technical issues involved in creating and producing multimedia and visualization projects. Emphasis will focus on the application of digital technologies to enhance the design and presentation process.

Select four from the following: 

Organizational Behavior Minor (12 credits)

This minor provides the student with an understanding of how organizations are designed to successfully perform a number of business activities, including making decisions, motivating members and dealing with conflict. Students also take courses that focus on areas such as entrepreneurship, managing people or health care. The knowledge and skills learned from such courses, combined with the knowledge base gained from students’ major fields, increase students’ understanding of the organizations in which they will be employed. It also enhances the likelihood of promotion to managerial positions or the successful development of an individual’s own business. Not available to Management majors.

Two advanced Management electives from the following:

MGMT-307, MGMT-311, MGMT-326, MGMT-331, MGMT-381, MGMT-411, MGMT-416, MGMT-418, MIS-305, MIS-401, PSYCH-230 or PSYCH-231.

Photography Minor (12 credits)

This minor provides a foundation in photographic techniques, processes, history and theory. Coursework focuses upon photography as a tool for the documentation, research, and preservation of architecture; as part of visual culture in its application to commercial, fashion, advertising and product design; and as a medium for self-expression.

One of the following:

ARCH-436 Historic Preservation Documentation: Photography, PHOTO-201, PHOTO-302, PHOTO-303

Pre-M.B.A. Minor for Business Majors (12 credits)

The Pre-M.B.A. minor for Business majors provides the opportunity to begin taking graduate-level business courses in the senior year, allowing students who have completed their Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration to complete a Master of Business Administration degree in one year of daytime study. The M.B.A. may also be completed in the evening. This minor is for undergraduate business majors only. Students must be accepted into the M.B.A. program before registering for graduate courses and may only begin taking graduate courses in senior year. 

Plus two undergraduate business courses, excluding business core, from the same functional area. The courses must be outside of the student’s undergraduate major. It is advised that students selecting this minor consult with a graduate advisor before selecting these two courses.

Pre-M.B.A. Minor for Non-Business Majors (27 credits)

The Pre-M.B.A. minor for Non-Business majors provides the opportunity to begin taking graduate-level business courses in the senior year, allowing students who have completed their bachelor’s degree to complete a Master of Business Administration degree in one year of daytime study. This minor is for undergraduate non-business majors only. Since there are some differences for the Accounting and Health Care Management M.B.A. options, it is highly recommended to consult with your academic advisor prior to enrolling in any classes. Students must be accepted into the M.B.A. program before registering for graduate courses and may only begin taking graduate courses in the senior year.

Non-Business majors interested in the Joint B.S./M.B.A. Program should obtain a copy of the “Pre-M.B.A. Requirements for Non-Business Majors: Planning Guide.” The planning guide should be used in combination with the University catalog and the check sheet for the student’s undergraduate major. The Guide describes the requirements for admission and the application process as well as the Pre-M.B.A. course requirements. Planning guides are available from upper-level advisors as well as the Graduate Business

• Course numbers under 500 indicate that the course is an undergraduate business course.

• Course numbers beginning with “MBF” indicate graduate master-level foundation courses, and course numbers beginning with “MBA” indicate graduate master-level courses.

• Courses in parentheses are acceptable equivalents to those that precede them.

Pre-Occupational Therapy Concentration (21 credits)

Occupational therapy is a health care profession that helps people to maximize their functional independence after illness or injury. Occupational therapists (OTs) assist children with motor and learning needs to participate in school and everyday tasks. They help adults to develop strategies to manage the physical and emotional changes associated with long term health needs. Therapy frequently involves assisting individuals to relearn old skills, develop new skills or adapt the environment to enable them to live more satisfying and independent lives. 

Two additional Psychology courses.

Professional Communication Minor (12 credits)

A Professional Communication minor will enhance students’ capacity to think critically and communicate effectively. The minor offers practical, professional experience and hands-on projects. With a minor in professional communication, for example, you will be equipped to write and edit the copy, design and publish the brochure, and give an effective presentation on your work. These skills are in high demand among today’s employers.

Take the 2 required courses above plus choose two of the following courses:

Suggested Combination 1:

This combination might work well for someone majoring in design or a business major in finance or FIM. It is recommended for students interested in careers that focus on writing and creating documents such as brochures, proposals or instruction manuals.

Suggested Combination 2:

This combination might work well for someone majoring in marketing. It is suggested for students who are interested in careers that focus on speaking and presentation skills.

Or Create Your Own Combination:

Choose 2 of the following courses to complete the four course requirement:

Psychology Minor (12 credits)

All disciplines in the social sciences analyze human behavior on one level or another. Psychology’s uniqueness lies mainly in the fact that it is an experimental science. Students who minor in psychology will study a body of knowledge about the causes of human and animal behavior and the experimental methods used to study behavior. Students completing this minor should be better able to understand their own behavior and the behavior of others, in both work and leisure settings. 

Any three Psychology courses (chosen in consultation with a psychology faculty member)

Public Health Minor 12 credits

Minor programs require four courses. Minor programs often require 1-2 foundational courses and then offer an array of approved electives. Minor programs are generally designed to do something other than provide a truncated version of a major. Exploration of a field distant from the major may likewise contribute to an enhanced liberal education, lifelong learning and career preparation. Public health may be an excellent minor for students in a variety of majors such as Environmental and Conservation Biology, Pre-medical Studies, Economics, Biology, Engineering, and Environmental Sustainability. The requirements for a minor in public health would be:

Public Health Related Electives: PSYCH-222, PSYCH-224, PSYCH-243, SUST-120, DMM-643. Other courses in the Environmental Sustainability major (i.e. SUST-400), Junior Seminar in Health Policy offered by the SBA JSINT-310, and new courses in development from the SSH (Introduction to Nutrition, Principles of Exercise, Global Health, and Global Climate Change) would also be future options for electives.

Social Sciences Minor (12 credits)

College Studies requirements plus four additional courses approved by the School of Liberal Arts Dean’s Office.

Textile Materials Technology Minor 12-16 credits

The TMT minor offers students an introduction to the process flow of fibers through finished products. A 4-course sequence of courses will give a student the opportunity to understand the interdisciplinary nature of textile materials in a wide variety of disciplines and their potential capabilities and limitations.

Select one of the following:

Select any three of the following: