MINORS AND COGNATES

Some degree programs require or permit academic work outside of the area of concentration (major) in a supporting area which may be called a minor area or a cognate area and which must consist of at least 9 credit hours.

A minor is a concentrated study in a specific supporting field at the graduate level. A minor must be titled and identified on the student’s program of study and be approved by a Graduate Faculty member of the minor department/program. The minor will be listed on the student’s transcript. Only the courses approved for graduate credit may be included in a minor.

A cognate is a selection of courses providing broad support to the major. All courses numbered 300 or above listed in this catalog, including those offered by departments or fields that do not offer graduate courses or graduate degrees, may be included in the cognate. Courses should be taken in two or three departments or fields. A cognate area will not be titled and will not be listed on a student’s transcript.

NOTE: When a graduate student elects to use a 300- or 400-level course for graduate credit, it is understood that the student will be required to do additional work, over and above that typically required of undergraduates. Usually, such work is of an independent nature.