Ph.D. minors offer an opportunity to broaden your expertise and strengthen your research with interdisciplinary knowledge that complements your primary field of study.
All of our Ph.D. minors require 6 credit hours of course work.
Enhance your doctoral studies with a science minor
Algebra and Discrete Math (6 cr.)
This minor is valuable for students interested in logic, problem-solving, and mathematical structures that underlie computer science, cryptography, data science, and advanced mathematics.
Required courses (choose 2):
- MATH-I 518 Advanced Discrete Mathematics (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 574 Mathematical Physics I (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 674 Mathematical Physics II (3 cr.)
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry (6 cr.)
Students taking this minor learn about measurement science, particularly those involving biomolecules.
Required courses:
- CHEM-I 621 Advanced Analytical Chemistry (3 cr.)
Elective courses (choose 1):
- CHEM-I 520: Forensic Chemistry I (3 cr.)
- CHEM-I 613: Mass Spectrometry (3 cr.)
- CHEM-I 619 Electroanalytical Chemistry (3 cr.)
Applied Mathematics (6 cr.)
Students taking this minor is ideal for students interested in using mathematical techniques to solve real-world problems in engineering, physics, finance, and data science.
Required courses (choose 2):
- MATH-I 514 Numerical Analysis (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 520 Boundary Value Problems of Differential Equations (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 522 Qualitative Theory of Differential Equations (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 526 Principles of Mathematical Modeling (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 535 Theoretical Mechanics (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 552 Applied Computational Methods II (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 555 Introduction to Biomathematics (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 578 Mathematical Modeling of Physical Systems I (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 588 Mathematical Modeling of Physical Systems II (3 cr.)
Applied Techniques and Data Analysis in Geoscience (6 cr.)
Students taking this minor will learn advanced analytical techniques (X- ray, electron beam, mass spectrometry) and statistical methods to analyze geoscience data and solve geoscience problems.
Required courses:
- GEOL-G 545 Applied Analytical Techniques in Geology (3 cr.)
- GEOL-G 595 Data Analysis Techniques in Geoscience (3 cr.)
Biophysics (6 cr.)
Students taking this minor will gain a strong interdisciplinary foundation in the physical principles governing biological systems, equipping them with quantitative and analytical skills to study biomolecular structures, dynamics, and interactions at the nanoscale.
Required courses:
- PHYS-I 523 Nanosystems Principles (3 cr.)
Elective courses (choose 1):
- PHYS-I 585 Introduction to Molecular Biophysics (3 cr.)
- CHEM-I 533 Introductory Biochemistry (3 cr.)
- CHEM-I 575 Intermediate Physical Chemistry (3 cr.)
Climate Change (6 cr.)
Students will explore Earth's climate system, past and present, human impacts on environmental processes, and the effects of climate change on food, energy, and water systems.
Required courses:
- GEOL-G 557 Paleoclimatology (3 cr.)
- GEOL-G 677 Climate Change and Society (3 cr.)
Developmental Biology and Genetics (6 cr.)
Students taking this minor will explore the genetic and molecular mechanisms of development, including population and behavioral genetics, stem cell biology, developmental neurobiology, and human genetics.
Required courses (choose 2):
- FIS-I 560 Population Genetics (3 cr.)
- NSCI-I 560 Clinical and Molecular Aspects of Neurodegenerative Diseases (3 cr.)
- BIOL-I 564 Molecular Genetics of Development (3 cr.)
- BIOL-I 566 Developmental Biology (3 cr.)
- NSCI-I 571 Developmental Neurobiology (3 cr.)
- BIOL-I 573 Stem Cell Biology (3 cr.)
- MGEN-Q 580 Basic Human Genetics (3 cr.)
- PSY-I 535 Developmental Neuroscience (3 cr.)
Forensic Science (6 cr.)
A Ph.D. minor in Forensic Science provides a rigorous interdisciplinary foundation in forensic biology, chemistry, or trace evidence analysis, equipping scholars with advanced analytical techniques to interpret complex physical evidence and contribute to the advancement of forensic methodologies.
Required courses:
- FIS-I 500 Crime Scene Investigation and Quality Assurance (2 cr.)
- FIS-I 505 Overview of Forensic Biology (1 cr.) or FIS-I 515 Overview of Forensic Chemistry (1 cr.)
Elective courses (choose 1 or more courses totaling 3 cr.):
- FIS-I 510 Advanced Forensic Microscopy (1 cr.)
- FIS-I 540 Forensic Biology (3 cr.)
- FIS-I 560 Population Genetics (3 cr.)
- FIS-I 520 Forensic Chemistry I (3 cr.)
- FIS-I 530 Foresic Chemistry II (3 cr.)
- FIS-I 570 Laboratory Design Project (2 cr.)
- FIS-I 550 Forensic Science and the Law (3 cr.)
Geometry and Topology (6 cr.)
This minor is ideal for students interested in the deep mathematical structures underlying space, shape, and transformation, with applications in physics, engineering, computer graphics, robotics, and theoretical research.
Required courses (choose 2):
- MATH-I 562 Introduction to Differential Geometry and Topology (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 563 Advanced Geometry (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 571 Elementary Topology (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 572 Introduction to Algebraic Topology (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 567 Dynamical Systems I (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 667 Dynamical Systems II (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 672 Algebraic Topology I (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 673 Algebraic Topology II (3 cr.)
Geospatial Technology (6 cr.)
Students taking this minor will learn remote sensing and GIS principles, applying them to real-world problems in ecology, hydrology, soil science, and urban landscapes through data analysis, modeling, and cloud-based processing.
Required courses (choose 2):
- GEOL-G 536 Earth Observation from Space (3 cr.) or GEOL-G 587 Hyperspectral Remote Sensing of Global Change (3 cr.)
- GEOL-G 538 or GEOL-G 539
Humans and the Environment (6 cr.)
Students will examines the interactions between Earth processes and human health, nutrient cycling, food production, and environmental quality within a socio-historical context.
Required courses (6 cr. total):
- GEOL-G 567 Medical Geology (3 cr.)
- GEOL-G 686 Advanced Soil Biochemistry (3 cr.)
- GEOL-G 690 Advanced Geology Seminar (1–12 cr.)
Mathematical Analysis (6 cr.)
This minor is ideal for students interested in the rigorous foundations of calculus, differential equations, and mathematical physics, with applications in engineering, physics, finance, and computational science.
Required courses (choose 2):
- MATH-I 523 Introduction to Partial Differential Equations (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 531 Functions of a Complex Variable II (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 545 Principles of Analysis II (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 546 Introduction to Functional Analysis (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 574 Mathematical Physics I (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 674 Mathematical Physics II (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 646 Functional Analysis (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 520 Boundary Value Problems of Differential Equations (3 cr.)
Mathematical Physics (6 cr.)
Students taking this minor gain a rigorous foundation in mathematical methods essential for modeling complex physical systems, solving differential equations, and applying computational techniques to theoretical and applied physics problems.
Required courses:
- PHYS-I 600 Methods of Theoretical Physics (3 cr.)
Elective courses (choose 1):
- MATH-I 514 Numerical Analysis (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 520 Boundary Value Problems of Differential Equations (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 522 Qualitative Theory of Differential Equations (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 523 Introduction to Partial Differential Equations (3 cr.)
Mathematical Sciences (6 cr.)
This minor provides a broad foundation in pure and applied mathematics, equipping students with strong analytical, computational, and problem-solving skills.
Required courses (choose 2):
- MATH-I 520 Boundary Value Problems of Differential Equations (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 523 Introduction to Partial Differential Equations (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 531 Functions of a Complex Variable II (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 545 Principles of Analysis II (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 546 Introduction to Functional Analysis (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 574 Mathematical Physics I (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 674 Mathematical Physics II (3 cr.)
- MATH-I 646 Functional Analysis (3 cr.)
Molecular Biosciences (6 cr.)
Students taking this minor will get an in- depth molecular-level understanding of biological systems.
Required courses:
- CHEM-I 635 Protein Structure and Function (3 cr.) or CHEM-I 636 Nucleic Acid Chemistry (3 cr.)
Elective courses (choose 1):
- CHEM-I 632: Bioinorganic Chemistry (3 cr.)
- CHEM-I 635: Protein Structure and Function (3 cr.) (unless taken as a required course)
- CHEM-I 636: Nucleic Acid Chemistry (3 cr.) (unless taken as a required course)
- CHEM-I 673: Biomaterials (3 cr.)
- CHEM-I 674: Biomimetics (3 cr.)
- CHEM-I 677: Computational Chemistry and Molecular Modeling (3 cr.)
Molecular Physics (6 cr.)
Students taking this minor gain a deep understanding of the fundamental principles governing molecular and condensed matter systems, to study statistical mechanics, phase transitions, and the electronic and structural properties of solid materials.
Required courses (choose 2):
- PHYS-I 517 Statistical Physics (3 cr.)
- PHYS-I 545 Solid State Physics (3 cr.)
- PHYS-I 523 Nanosystems Principles (3 cr.)
- PHYS-I 617 Statistical Mechanics (3 cr.)
Neurobiology (6 cr.)
This minor is designed to provide Ph.D. students the opportunity to gain a breadth of fundamental understanding of the biology of the nervous system.
Required courses (choose 2):
- NSCI-I 560 Clinical and Molecular Aspects of Neurodegenerative Diseases (3 cr.)
- BIOL 569 Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience (3 cr.)
- NSCI-K 451 Neuropharmacology (3 cr.)
- NSCI-I 561 Immunology (3 cr.)
- NSCI-I 559 Endocrinology (3 cr.)
- PSY-I 545 Psychopharmacology (3 cr.)
- PSY-I 570 Drugs of Abuse (3 cr.)
Physiology (6 cr.)
Students taking this minor will gain a deep understanding of how biological systems function, focusing on human, animal, and cellular physiology with applications in medicine, biomedical research, and biotechnology.
Required courses:
- BIOL-I 556 Physiology I (3 cr.)
- 1 elective (3 cr.)
Psychology of Teaching (6 cr.)
Students taking this minor dive into the science behind effective teaching and learning. Develop your own teaching philosophy, design engaging syllabi, and create powerful assessments that set you up for success in academic settings.
Required courses:
- PSY-I 595 Seminar in Teaching Psychology
- PSY-I 596 Advanced Seminar in the Psychology of Teaching
Quantum Science (6 cr.)
Students taking this minor will gain a comprehensive foundation in quantum theory, statistical mechanics, and nanoscale systems, to explore quantum phenomena, optical and electronic systems, and advanced quantum mechanics in modern physics research.
Required courses:
- PHYS-I 522 Coherent Optics and Quantum Electronics (3 cr.)
Elective courses (choose 1):
- PHYS-I 517 Statistical Physics (3 cr.)
- PHYS-I 523 Nanosystems Principles (3 cr.)
- PHYS-I 617 Statistical Mechanics (3 cr.)
- PHYS-I 660 Quantum Mechanics I (3 cr.)
- PHYS-I 661 Quantum Mechanics II (3 cr.)
Science Education (6 cr.)
This minor trains scientists in STEM education research, focusing on learning theories, research methods, and their application to understanding science teaching and learning.
Required courses:
- GEOL-G 610 Learning Theories in Science Education Research (3 cr.)
- CHEM-I 611 Methods in Science Education Research (3 cr.)
Scientific Foundations (6 cr.)
This minor provides interdisciplinary training in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, forensic science, and environmental geosciences, equipping students with diverse analytical and research skills applicable to biomedical, forensic, and environmental sciences.
Required courses (6 cr. total required):
- BIOL-I 609 Scientific Research Bootcamp (1 cr.)
- FIS-I 570 Laboratory Design Project (2 cr.)
- CHEM-I 533 Introductory Biochemistry (3 cr.)
- FIS-I 521 Forensic Chemistry I Lab (1 cr.)
- FIS-I 530 Forensic Chemistry II (3 cr.)
- BIOL-I 507 Principles of Molecular Biology (3 cr.)
- BIOL-I 516 Molecular Biology of Cancer (3 cr.)
- GEOL-G 567 Medical Geology (3 cr.)
- GEOL-G 585 Environmental Geochemistry (3 cr.)
Statistics (6 cr.)
A Statistics minor provides essential skills in data analysis, probability, and statistical modeling, making it highly valuable for careers in data science, finance, engineering, healthcare, social sciences, and research.
Required courses (choose 2):
- STAT-I 512 Applied Regression Analysis (3 cr.)
- STAT-I 513 Statistical Quality Control (3 cr.)
- STAT-I 514 Design of Experiments (3 cr.)
- STAT-I 519 Introduction to Probability (3 cr.)
- STAT-I 520 Time Series and Applications (3 cr.)
- STAT-I 521 Statistical Computing (3 cr.)
- STAT-I 522 Sampling and Survey Techniques (3 cr.)
- STAT-I 523 Categorical Data Analysis (3 cr.)
Statistics for Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 cr.)
Students taking this minor will explore data analysis in the Statistics for Social and Behavioral Sciences minor, mastering key techniques to interpret research data and draw meaningful conclusions. Build a strong quantitative foundation for critical analysis.
Required courses:
- PSY-I 600 Statistical Inference (3 cr.)
- PSY-I 601 Correlation and Experimental Design (3 cr.)