We offer four undergraduate minor programs:
Undergraduate minors
Requirements
The minor in climate resilience is highly interdisciplinary, drawing on coursework offered in the Schools of Science, Arts, Public Health, SPEA, and Health & Human Services. The minor includes courses that introduce students to the Earth-Climate system, climate dynamics, and human dimensions of climate change. Students will also select a higher-level proficiency course in the area of their interest and complete a proficiency course about climate change and society.
The undergraduate minor in climate resilience requires 15 credit hours, with an overall grade point average of 2.00 (C) and with no grade less than a C.
Requirements
Environmental science encompasses processes occurring in air, water, and soil, and relates those processes to ecologic, societal, and individual health. Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field, bringing together geology, chemistry, biology, geography, sustainability studies, public health, and public policy, as well as additional disciplines. Students obtaining the minor will be able to understand the fundamental processes governing environmental systems, and be equipped to interpret those processes in planning and policy discussions.
If you choose to minor in environmental science, you will be better prepared to study environmental science in graduate school or obtain jobs in research, public policy, law, engineering, etc. This minor also provides useful skills and background knowledge if you want to work at environmental consulting companies or related non-profit organizations. The minor is also ideal for Geology majors whose interests are primarily related to processes at the interfaces of environment and human interactions.
Requirements
Geochemistry is a state-of-the-art science that studies the abundance of elements and their movement through the Earth’s crust, atmosphere, oceans, lakes, and streams.
This minor is ideal if you are:
- pursuing a Geology or Environmental Science degree and have an interest in geochemistry, chemistry, and chemical biology
- a Forensic & Investigative Sciences student wanting to learn geochemical approaches
- a Biology student wanting to develop a broader environmental context for your research
- seeking practical application of the chemical skills you have learned as part of your major
Knowledge of the chemical and biological reactions that mobilize and transform elements within the environment is fundamental to a broad range of disciplines including geology, climate science, environmental science, microbiology, ecology, forensics and chemistry.
Requirements
The minor in geology is designed to complement a major related to earth sciences in another program on campus.
The minor provides a general overview and context of the basic principles and concepts of geology. Additionally, the minor is a good option if you are interested in geology but do not wish to pursue a career in the earth sciences.
Apply for a minor
A decision to pursue a minor should be made in consultation with the undergraduate advisor.
To apply for a minor as a current student, submit the School of Science internal application.
In the Change request section, select "I am adding a minor," and choose climate resilience minor, environmental science minor, geochemistry minor or geology minor from the list.