Add a Minor to your RPI Accomplishments
At RPI, you’ll choose an Integrative Pathway, a 12-credit concentration that usually includes three 4-credit courses. Each Pathway is a group of courses built around a theme, making it easier to pick classes that connect and build on each other.
Once you’ve completed your Pathway, adding a minor can be a great next step! Most minors require four courses, and many align closely with Pathways. In fact, earning a minor often means taking just one extra 4-credit course beyond your Pathway, for a total of 16 credits.
Just like your major and Pathway, minors have specific curriculum requirements. Some are flexible, letting you choose courses by subject area (like LANG or ECON), while others have a set list of required courses and credit totals. As you plan, make sure you’re following the requirements for your Cohort’s Catalog year so you stay on track.
Some students decide to minor in an area that compliments their major.
For example;
- a Biology major with a minor in Psychology
- a Business and Management major with a minor in Economics
- an Environmental Science major with a minor in Sustainability Studies
Or you could use the minor to pursue one of your interests:
- an engineer with a love of literature and creative writing
- a Chemistry major focused on graphic design
- an ITWS student who is a member of our Music ensembles
Let's Get Started!
What do you need to know about Minors?
- Minors have curriculum requirements and are typically 16 credits
- HASS Minors can be incorporated into your HASS Core (including the Pathway)
- Your Academic Advisor can help you integrate minor requirements in your Plan of Study
- There are no restrictions on how many minors you can pursue
- Minors will appear on your final Transcript (not your Diploma)
- You must submit the 'Minor Approval Form' BEFORE your final semester at RPI.
- Find more Policies/Guidelines regarding Minors on the Registrar's Website
When Should You Declare a Minor?
- As soon as you decide to pursue it!
You don’t need to wait until you’ve finished all the coursework to declare.
Why Declare Early?
- Many students miss out because they wait until their final semester to submit the paperwork.
- Minor forms must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office the semester before you graduate.
If you miss this deadline, your form won’t be processed, and the minor won’t appear on your transcript.
Can You Make Changes Later?
- Yes! Once you officially declare your minor, you can submit revisions anytime—even in your final semester.
- This is helpful if you need to swap a course or adjust your Plan of Study (which is common).
Where Can You Find Minors and Their Requirements?
Here are three easy ways to explore your options:
- Check the HASS Academic Programs page: You’ll find all HASS minors listed here, along with the department each program belongs to and a general idea of the theme for each minor.
- Search your Cohort’s Catalog: Go to the list of Programs and search for “Minors” within your Catalog year to see the official requirements.
- Review Pathways in the Catalog: Look through Pathways that interest you—many are connected to minors. This is a great way to see if your Pathway can lead to a minor with just one extra course.
How to Check Minor Requirements
Once you find a minor you’re interested in, follow these steps using your Cohort’s Academic Catalog:
- Go to the Academic Catalog
- Click Programs in the left-hand menu and search for your minor.
- Review the minor’s requirements
- Read the introduction and all section headings carefully.
- Look for required courses, credit totals, and any notes.
- Pay attention to details
- “Or” means you choose one course or the other—not both.
- “And” means you must take all listed courses (often in sequence).
- Gather planning info
- Make a list of required courses.
- Note prerequisites and when courses are typically offered.
- Meet with your Academic Advisor
- Share your plan so they can help balance your major requirements with your minor goals.
You MUST declare your minor before your final semester at RPI.
How to Declare a Minor
- Fill out the Minor Approval Form
- Read both pages first, so you know what’s required.
- List the “Semester to be taken” based on your Plan of Study (it’s okay if this changes later).
- Submit the form for department approval
- Use the submission link below to send your form to the HASS Hub.
- Once approved, the form will be returned to you.
- Send the approved form to your advisor
- Your advisor will review and give final approval.
- Submit the form to the Registrar’s Office