Minor changes coming to UHCL for fall 2015

UHCL has added minors to its curricula. Beginning fall 2015, students will be able to choose from over 40 minor programs offered throughout the university.

In the past, UHCL has not offered minors because of its upper-level only status. Yvette Bendeck, associate vice president of enrollment management, believes the new minor programs will give students a sense of self-satisfaction and appeal to future employers.

“Some students add minors for personal enrichment purposes, seeking to study a subject of interest outside of the field they chose for career purposes,” Bendeck said. “Others choose minors because it complements their major field of study and can increase their marketability or attractiveness to employers. Either reason is a winning situation for our students.”

To receive credit for completing a minor, students must complete at least 15 hours in the minor field. At least nine of the hours must be upper-level courses and at least six of the upper-level courses must be taken at UHCL.

Students must also declare their minor before completing 90 hours toward their major degree plan. The minimum GPA requirement is a 2.0, although some minor programs may require a higher GPA score.

Because UHCL did not become a four-year university until fall 2014, some of its current students may miss out on being able to receive a minor degree without requiring course work beyond the 120 hours required for the degree. Early planning will allow four-year students to use electives toward earning a minor.

“I think the new minor programs are an awesome way to learn more about specific subjects that pique your interest,” said Geddy Pontiff, art and design major. The programs that are offered are only an extra 15 hours, and often some of the classes you take can be ‘double dipped’ to fulfill some of these requirements. They also would look great on your resume.”

Pontiff is presently working with his adviser to see if he qualifies for the new minor program, but as a Junior he may have already used too many of his electives to take advantage of the minor program without exceeding 120 hours.

“I am currently trying to make it work into my last three semesters at UHCL, but I am finding it hard to fit it in to my school/work schedule,” Pontiff said. “I would love to minor in art history.”

Students interested in adding a minor should consult a faculty or academic adviser regarding specific program requirements as soon as possible. To declare a minor, students are asked to complete the Minor Declaration Form available May 2015.

To learn more, visit UHCL’s page on minor degree programs.