Choosing a minor is strongly encouraged even though it is optional. You may not take a major and minor in the same area and may not receive a dual minor. The number of credits required to complete an academic minor varies according to academic program. For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Common Requirements for Completing a Minor

  • At least half the credits you earn within the minor must be upper level (numbered 300 or above) unless otherwise specified and must be earned through UMGC.
  • No grade may be lower than a C in the coursework for the minor.
  • Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g. major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor.
  • Prerequisites apply for all courses.

Minor in Accounting

The accounting minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by providing a study of how the accounting environment measures and communicates the economic activities of organizations to enable stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding the allocation of limited resources.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in accounting requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework in accounting. Any ACCT courses apply.

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in Art History

The art history minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by helping to develop skills in historical and cultural interpretation and critical analysis of works of architecture, sculpture, painting, and the allied arts.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in art history requires the completion of the following courses:

  • ARTH 204
  • ARTH 334
  • ARTH 372
  • ARTH 373
  • ARTH 375

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in Biology

The biology minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by helping to provide an underlying scientific base upon which to build a career in the life sciences, allied health fields, bioinformatics, environmental management, science journalism, or science education.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in biology requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework in biology. Any BIOL courses apply.

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in Business Administration

The business administration minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by providing a study of principles and techniques used in organizing, planning, managing, and leading within various organizations.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in business administration requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework in business administration. Any ACCT, BMGT, FINC, HMGT, HRMN, and MRKT courses apply. It is recommended that you take BMGT 364 as the first course in the minor (if you have not already applied the course to other requirements).

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in Communication Studies

The communication studies minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by helping you develop specialized skills in workplace communication, including written and oral communication skills and a greater understanding of human interaction.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in communication studies requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework in communication studies. All COMM, JOUR, SPCH, and WRTG courses apply. It is recommended that you take COMM 300 early in the minor (if you have not already applied the course toward other degree requirements).

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in Computer Science

The computer science minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by providing the foundations for designing and programming computer applications in support of most occupations and developing a process for solving challenging problems.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in computer science requires the completion of 15 credits in computer science coursework, including the following two-course sequence in programming:

  • CMIS 141
  • CMIS 242

The remaining 9 credits may be chosen from any upper-level CMSC courses (i.e., courses numbered 300 or above).

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in Criminal Justice

The criminal justice minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by providing a study of crime, law enforcement, courts, corrections, security, and investigative forensics.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in criminal justice requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework in criminal justice. Any CCJS courses apply. It is recommended that you take CCJS 100 or CCJS 105 as the first course in the minor (if you have not already applied the course toward other degree requirements).

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in Cybersecurity

The cybersecurity minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by providing a study of the principles, issues, and technologies pertinent to the field of cybersecurity.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in cybersecurity requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework in cybersecurity. All CSIA and CMIT courses apply. Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in Digital Media and Web Technology

The digital media and web technology minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by providing a study of the principles, best practices, and technologies that govern the design of digital media.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in digital media and web technology requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework in computer studies. You must complete either CMST 290 or CMST 295. The remaining credits may be chosen from any CMST courses. Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in Diversity Awareness

The diversity awareness minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by providing an interdisciplinary perspective on diversity in contemporary society, conceptually grounded in social science, to promote and cultivate the intercultural awareness and effective communication skills that are necessary in today's professional and social settings.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in diversity awareness requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework, chosen from the following courses:

  • ANTH 346
  • BEHS 220
  • BEHS 320
  • GERO 311
  • GERO 427
  • PSYC 338
  • PSYC 354
  • PSYC 357
  • SOCY 325
  • SOCY 423
  • SOCY 426
  • SPCH 324
  • SPCH 482
  • WMST 200

It is recommended that you take BEHS 220 as the first course in the minor (if you have not already applied the course toward other degree requirements).

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in Economics

The economics minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by providing a study of the forces that determine production and distribution, price levels, and income distribution, as well as other economic factors that influence the quality of life.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in economics requires the completion of the following courses:

  • ECON 201
  • ECON 203
  • ECON 305
  • ECON 306
  • ECON 430

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in English

The English minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by providing exposure to literary analysis, critical thinking and reading, and the study of the relationship of literature to contemporary intellectual issues.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in English requires the completion of the following courses:

  • ENGL 240
  • ENGL 303
  • ENGL 310
  • ENGL 433
  • ENGL 406

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in Forensics

The minor in forensics complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by providing interdisciplinary study in selected areas of criminal justice, natural science, social science, investigation and security, information and computer systems, psychology, and sociology. It combines laboratory and field skills in the collection and analysis of physical evidence with further study in the various subfields of forensics.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in forensics requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework in forensics, chosen from those listed in the requirements for the major in investigative forensics. It is recommended that you take CCJS 101 and CCJS 234 as the first courses for the minor (if you have not already applied the courses toward other degree requirements).

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in History

The history minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by offering a historical perspective and by helping you to develop critical thinking and an appreciation of the major contributions of various events and individuals to human civilization.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in history requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework in history, as follows:

  • A 100-level HIST course
    Courses counted toward this requirement include:
    • HIST 115
    • HIST 116
    • HIST 141
    • HIST 142
    • HIST 156
    • HIST 157
  • HIST 289
  • Any 9 credits in upper-level HIST courses

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in Homeland Security

The homeland security minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by providing knowledge of the concepts of domestic and international security.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in homeland security requires the completion of the following courses:

  • HMLS 302
  • HMLS 406
  • HMLS 408
  • HMLS 414
  • HMLS 416

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in Human Resource Management

The human resource management minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by examining the human resource functions in a private- or public-sector organizational setting. These functions include human resource planning; recruitment, selection, and placement; employee appraisal and compensation; employee training and career development; management of labor relations; and development of a human resource department implementation plan.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in human resource management requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework in human resource management. Any HRMN course applies. It is recommended that you take HRMN 300 and 400 for the minor (if you have not already applied the courses elsewhere in the degree).

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in Information Systems Management

The information systems management minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by helping you develop your abilities to conceptualize and manage the design and implementation of high-quality information systems.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in information systems management requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework in information systems management. All IFSM courses apply.

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in Marketing

The marketing minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by enhancing the knowledge and skills related to marketing situations and processes and the emerging global marketplace.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in marketing requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework in marketing. All MRKT courses apply. It is recommended that you take MRKT 310 as the first course in the minor (if you have not already applied the course toward other degree requirements).

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in Philosophy

The philosophy minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by providing a study of the relationships between personal opinions and real-world issues faced by members of a pluralistic, open society.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in philosophy requires the completion of the following courses:

  • PHIL 100
  • PHIL 110
  • PHIL 304
  • PHIL 336
  • PHIL 348

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in Political Science

The political science minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by providing a systematic study of politics and government. It exposes you to the basic concepts, theories, policies, and roles of government at local, state, and national levels in domestic and foreign settings.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in political science requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework in government and politics. All GVPT courses apply. It is recommended that you take GVPT 100, GVPT 101, or GVPT 170 as the first course in the minor (if you have not already applied the course toward other degree requirements).

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in Psychology

The psychology minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by investigating the nature of mind and behavior, including the biological basis of behavior, perception, memory and cognition, the influence of environmental and social forces on the individual, personality, lifespan development and adjustment, research methods, and statistical analysis.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in psychology requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework in psychology as follows.

  • Choose one of the following foundation courses (3):
    • PSYC 100
    • PSYC 300
    • STAT 200
  • Take one course from each of the following groupings:
    • Biological (3):
      • PSYC 301
      • PSYC 310
      • PSYC 341
    • Social (3):
      • PSYC 321
      • PSYC 351
      • PSYC 354
    • Professional (3):
      • PSYC 335
      • PSYC 353
      • PSYC 436
  • Any additional PSYC course (3)

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in Sociology

The sociology minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by providing a study of contemporary sociological theory and research and applying it to social issues, including globalization, social inequality, diversity, health care, education, family, work, and religion.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in sociology requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework in sociology. All SOCY courses apply. You should take SOCY 100 as the first course in the minor (if you have not already applied the course toward other degree requirements).

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in Terrorism and Critical Infrastructure

The terrorism and critical infrastructure minor complements the knowledge and skills you develop in your major discipline by offering you an understanding of the principle components of protecting both public and private critical infrastructure from acts of terrorism.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in terrorism and critical infrastructure requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework focusing on terrorism and critical infrastructure, chosen from the following courses:

  • CCJS 341
  • CCJS 390
  • GVPT 406
  • GVPT 407
  • GVPT 408
  • GVPT 409
  • HIST 392
  • HMLS 302
  • HMLS 406
  • HMLS 408

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.

Minor in Women's Studies

The women's studies minor complements the skills you gain in your major discipline by providing an interdisciplinary study of the history, status, and experiences of women.

Courses in the Minor (15 Credits)

A minor in women's studies requires the completion of 15 credits of coursework in women's studies, chosen from the following courses:

  • WMST Any courses
  • BEHS 220
  • BEHS 343
  • BEHS 453
  • ENGL 250
  • GERO 311
  • HIST 377
  • PSYC 338
  • SOCY 325
  • SOCY 443
  • SOCY 462
  • SPCH 324

It is recommended that you take WMST 200 as the first course for the minor (if you have not already applied the course toward other degree requirements).

Courses already applied toward other degree requirements (e.g., major or general education) may not be applied toward the minor. At least 9 credits must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above). Prerequisites apply for all courses.

For a listing of all the requirements for the bachelor's degree, refer to your major and general education requirements.