Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I minor?
A minor could enhance your career prospects, give you a leg up on graduate or professional school admission, and/or provide opportunities for personal or intellectual growth. A well-chosen major could even contribute or enhance your performance in your major.

What does a minor at Stevenson University consist of?
To minor in any available field at Stevenson University, you must complete no fewer than 6 courses (minimum 18 credits) in that field. You must earn at least 9 of your credits at Stevenson. See the questions below for some limitations.

What fields or departments offer minors?
The list below includes all the departments currently offering minors and a person in that department who can advise you on what courses to take.

• Accounting – Vicki Doby
• Art – Amanda Holstalka
• Biology – Meredith Durmowicz
• Chemistry – Ellen Roskes
• Economics – Vicki Doby
• English – Gerald Van Aken
• History – Joseph McGraw
• Human Services – Gigi Franyo
• Information Systems – Larry Burgee
• Legal Studies – Hillary Michaud
• Management – any Business faculty
• Marketing – any Business faculty
• Math – Susan Slattery
• Philosophy – Joseph McGraw
• Psychology – Jeff Elliott
• Religion – Joseph McGraw
• Sociology – Esther Horrocks
• Theatre – Chris Roberts

When should I declare a minor?
You should declare a minor as early as possible but before your last semester at the university. You must have a major in place before declaring a minor. Failure to declare a minor in a timely fashion may prevent your minor from appearing on the transcript. Students who have not declared a minor may not declare one after a degree has been awarded.

Why should I declare a minor as soon as I have decided to pursue one?
Officially declaring a minor early will give you access to advising in the minor field, information and updates about the minor program, and opportunities to participate in departmental events within your minor field.

What do I do to declare a minor?
Step 1 – Check the list above to determine if the field you want offers a minor.

Step 2 – Discuss your options with your major (regular) advisor. Is minoring in a given field both desirable and possible for you? If you intend to pursue a minor, your advisor will give you a form. You may also obtain a form by clicking here.

Step 3 – Contact the person listed above for your minor field to get advice on course selection options.

Step 4 – Bring completed form to the Registrar’s Office to declare your intention to minor officially. You must do this before your last semester.

Step 5 – Continue to consult with your major (regular) advisor.

What courses do not count toward a minor?
Certain courses will not count toward a minor or may have prerequisites that you must fulfill. Here are some limitations:

• ENG 148, 151 and 152 do not count toward any minor.
• Any course that would not count toward a major (if one is offered in that field) would not count toward a minor in the same field. For instance, MATH 121 does not count toward a Math major and, therefore, would not count toward a Math minor. Fields that do no offer a major but do offer a minor, such as Philosophy, do not have the same restrictions.
• With regard to your major, any courses the university catalog lists as “major requirements” for you to graduate would not count toward your minor. “Secondary requirements” for your major can count toward your minor. For instance, if you are Business Communication major, your “major requirement” English courses do not count toward a minor in English. You would have to take a total of six additional English courses (excluding ENG 148, 151 and 152) to earn an English minor.

What courses can I take to earn a minor?
Any course in your minor field that is not indicated in the question listed above can count toward your minor, including courses the university catalog lists as “secondary requirements” for your major. You can tell which courses are in your field by their designation: for example, only courses that start with the designation “BIO” count toward a Biology minor; only “ACC” courses count toward an Accounting minor, etc. Make sure you meet all the prerequisites for each course.

Are there any courses I must take to complete a minor, and how do I know which ones to take?
No. You decide what courses you want to take to complete the minor, no matter what minor you choose. Advisors or departments may recommend courses, but you decide on your minor curriculum, taking into account course prerequisites.

How will employers and/or graduate and professional schools know that I have completed a minor?
If you have met all the requirements, upon graduation your transcript will indicate that you have completed a minor.

What happens if I declare a minor but do not complete it?
Nothing. There is no penalty for not completing a declared minor, and the courses you complete will appear as normal on your transcript.

What happens if I complete the requirements of a minor but don’t officially declare it in time?
Nothing. Courses you complete will appear on your transcript as usual, but no indication of a minor will appear.