Major and minor requirements

A major is an approved sequence of courses designed to educate students in the essential knowledge and methods of a subject area. A major must consist of at least 36 semester hours of credit, at least 18 of which must be at the 300-400 level. A major cannot require of an adequately prepared student:

• more than 62 hours in a single discipline,
• more than 77 hours, including collateral requirements, or
• a number of hours which, when combined with the minimal additional coursework required to meet Basic requirements, exceeds 106 hours.

Certain major programs may be granted exemption from the maximum limitations because of licensure or accreditation mandates.

A minor is an approved course of study designed to provide students with an overview of the essential knowledge and methods of a subject and with a sample of its depth. A minor must consist of at least 18, but not more than 24, semester hours of credit, at least six of which are at the 300-400 level.

It is further understood that:

• Each student must complete the requirements of a major to qualify for the bachelor’s degree.
• Minors are entirely optional for students; minors are not to be required for graduation.
• Henceforth the term “area of concentration” shall be replaced with the term “major.”
• There is no restriction on the number of courses which can be applied toward both major and Basic Studies requirements, or toward both minor and Basic Studies requirements, or toward both collateral and minor requirements.
• Departments (or schools) have the option of whether or not to offer a minor or minors (subject to approval).
• Proposals for minors must be initiated by departments. Proposals for interdisciplinary minors must be initiated by the departments involved.

Passed by the Faculty Senate April 1991
Approved by the chancellor September 1991