Minors

• Astronomy
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Modeling
• Imaging Science
• Mathematics
• Optical Science
• Physics
• Statistics

Procedures for declaring a minor.

1. Obtain a "Minor Authorization Form" from the College of Science Office of Student Services.
2. Meet with the minor advisor in the area which you are interested.
3. After obtaning the minor advisor's signature, have the form signed by the head of your department.
4. Your department will forward the form for processing.

Double Major Policy and Procedures

Definition

The purpose of a double major is to broaden a student’s college education.

When designing a second major, advisors should be guided by New York State Education Department degree requirements which consist of related courses in the major (no fewer than 90 credit hours for a BS and 135 credit hours for a BFA) and liberal arts and sciences requirements (no fewer than 90 credit hours for a BS and 45 credits for a BFA).

Based on this framework, a double major consists of the major and liberal arts and sciences requirements in one program along with the major courses requirements of a second program. Students may fulfill requirements for each major using the same coursework. Therefore, in order to ensure the integrity of both majors, there must be at least 28 credits of unique and non-overlapping coursework in each major, exclusive of electives.

A Double Major differs from a Dual Degree in that the student receives only one diploma with both majors listed on it. With a Dual Degree, students receive a diploma from each degree program and the requirements are quite different (See Dual Degree Policy below).

Requirements

1. Double majors are available to matriculated baccalaureate students only.
2. Both majors in a double-major degree must be existing approved degree programs.
3. A double major degree requires the approval of the heads of both degree programs, who should take into consideration issues such as potential scheduling conflicts.
4. A double major degree must satisfy the graduation and accreditation requirements for both degree programs.
5. Both degree programs must be of the same type (i.e., both BS degrees or both BFA degrees). The double major will be the same type as the two component majors.
6. It is possible to use a single requirement to meet the needs of both majors; double counting is allowed as long as the heads of both degree programs approve it.
7. In cases where the two majors do not have 28 unique and non-overlapping credit hours, students must take enough additional course credits in either or both majors to meet the 28 credit minimum.

Procedures

1. Curriculum requirements for the double major will be developed by the appropriate personnel of the two degree programs and approved by the heads of both degree programs.
2. Department heads approving the double major are responsible for completing the “Undergraduate Double Major Authorization Form”—available from the Registrar’s Office.
3. Supporting documentation and course planning worksheets which clearly show how the credit requirements will be met must accompany the Authorization form.
4. The Authorization Form should be sent to the Registrar’s Office for validation that all criteria for the double majors have been met.
5. Prior to an individual enrolling into any double-major, it is assumed that there will be careful planning to ensure that the student can meet all the degree requirements of both programs. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the certification officer in each of the two degree programs to verify that the agreed upon graduation requirements for their portion of the double major have been satisfied.

Dual Degree Policy and Procedures

Careful consideration must be given to designing a second degree for current RIT students or applicants since large numbers of credits may be used to satisfy both degree requirements. The following criteria, consistent with the New York State Education Department guidelines, should be used by advisors, department heads and deans in advising students regarding work towards a second degree.

Students who pursue dual degrees receive a diploma from each degree program.

Requirements

1. Dual degrees are available to matriculated undergraduate students only.
2. The second undergraduate degree must be in a different programmatic area and must require at least 60 quarter credit hours beyond the first baccalaureate degree (or 40 quarter credit hours beyond the first associate degree). Prior approval of advisors and department heads is required. (See #5 below)
3. For a student to complete two undergraduate degrees at the same time, s/he would have to take the lower minimum number of hours between the two programs plus a minimum additional 60 quarter credit hours.
4. Students should consult his/her financial aid counselor before deciding to do this to make certain that the added quarters as an undergraduate will not mean that near the end of the dual program they lose financial support by overreaching their eligibility.

Procedures

1. Students must complete the “Dual Undergraduate Degree Authorization Form” and submit this form to the Registrar’s office with the approval and signatures of both program department heads.
2. The student must select one program which will be their primary program and will be reflected by their program code. The student should submit an “Application for Graduation” form for each of the two programs. The primary program will process all graduation and certification forms as usual. The second program should include a note with their paperwork explaining why they are processing a student who is not in their program (as reflected by the system).
3. Students should consult with advisors in both departments to ensure that the courses for both programs are completed in a timely and efficient manner.