Add a Minor to your RPI Accomplishments
A minor is a great way to build on your HASS Core, strengthen an area related to your major, or pursue another academic interest. Most HASS minors are 16 credits, and many overlap with Integrative Pathways. If your minor and Pathway align, you may already have completed three of the four courses typically needed for the minor.
Minor form complete? Submit it to the HASS Hub!
Minors at a Glance
- Typically 16 credits
- Can overlap with your HASS Core, including your Integrative Pathway
- Can be incorporated into your Plan of Study with help from your Academic Advisor
- No limit on the number of minors you may pursue
- Must be declared before your final semester
- Find more Policies/Guidelines regarding Minors on the Registrar's Website
Find a Minor That Fits Your Goals
Some students choose a minor that complements their major.
For example;
- Biology + Psychology
- Business and Management + Economics
- Environmental Science + Sustainability Studies
Or you could use the minor to pursue one of your interests:
- Engineering + Literature or Creative Writing
- Chemistry + Graphic Design
- ITWS + Music
Not sure which minor is right for you? Explore the available HASS minors and talk with your advisor or the HASS Hub about how a minor could fit into your academic plan.
When Should I Declare?
As soon as you decide to pursue one!
Important: Don't Wait Until Your Final Semester
- New minors must be declared before your final semester at RPI.
- Already declared your minor? You can still submit revisions during your final semester if you need to change a course or update your plan.
Let's Get Started!
Many HASS minors build directly on an Integrative Pathway. With three Pathway courses already planned, one additional course may be all you need to earn 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 on the chance to declare a minor 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.
1. Find your minor requirements
Review the requirements for your catalog year. Pay attention to required courses, credit totals, prerequisites, and course sequences.
2. Map the minor into your Plan of Study
Determine which requirements you've already completed and when you plan to take the remaining courses.
3. Talk with your Academic Advisor
Your advisor can help you understand how your minor fits with your major, HASS Core, Pathway, and remaining degree requirements.
4. Complete the Minor Approval Form
List the semester you expect to take each course. It's okay if your plans change later.
5. Submit your form to the HASS Hub!
Submit the completed form before your final semester at RPI.
Resources to support: HASS Programs • Catalog • Pathways • Registrar Forms
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).
Revising a Previously Declared Minor
- Review your minor requirements and identify the course(s) you need to change.
- Complete a new Minor Approval Form with your updated minor plan.
- Submit the revised form to the HASS Hub for review and processing.
Good to know: You can revise a previously declared minor even during your final semester.
Submit your Minor Form to HASS
Need Help With Your Minor?
Stop by HASS Hub drop-in advising for help choosing a minor, reviewing requirements, or completing your Minor Approval Form.
Drop-ins outside of these hours are accommodated when possible, but are not guaranteed.
- 5-to-10-minute questions
- Perfect for quick conversations, updates, support with forms, etc.
- Meet in-person or virtually
- In-person drop-ins are in Sage 4307
- Sign up for remote drop-ins (will be monitored weekdays 2-4 p.m.)
Advisors will not be available for in-person drop-ins as scheduled below:
- Monday/Friday | COGS, ECON, STS (remote only)
- Wednesday/Thursday | ARTS, C&M, GSAS (remote only)
- Thursday/Friday | PreLaw (remote only)
Can’t Make Our Weekly Drop-Ins?
No problem! You’re welcome to email us at HASSHub@rpi.edu.
- Please allow 2–3 business days for a response.
- Depending on your question, we may still recommend meeting with one of our advisors during a drop-in or scheduling an appointment for more personalized support.