Minors

Many, but not all, departments and programs offer to students an option of earning a minor. As you would expect from the name, a minor is like a major in terms of specialization, but only less so.

Each approved minor comes with its own set of requirements that include a minimum number of hours, a minimum number of hours at a specific level, specified courses, and minimum work in MU coursework. Check the department's Web site to see if a minor is offered and what the requirements are for the minor.

Unlike majors and degrees, minors do not appear on a diploma. They are, however, listed on the official transcript after graduation.

Declaring a Minor

The process for declaring a minor is similar to but different from the procedure for declaring a major. Because students are not required to earn a minor, registration is not held up if the paperwork to declare a minor isn't on file. Similarly, there isn't a specific point in time, other than before graduation, when the minor paperwork needs to be filed.

Unlike dual degree students, students earning a major in one academic unit and a minor in a different unit do not need to dually enroll in both units. Also unlike dual degree students, students earning a major in one unit and a minor in another only file the paperwork officially declaring the minor with the academic unit in which their major is housed.

In other words, once the paperwork approving the minor is signed by the departmental advisor, the student files it in the same office where the major paperwork was filed. Staff in that office will forward the forms to the unit awarding the minor after verifying that all requirements for the major have been successfully completed.

A minor can only be awarded if a degree is earned at the same time. Minors cannot be earned in the absence of a major.

Explore Majors and Minors.