What makes you curious? In what areas do you want to become a subject matter expert? What's always intrigued you, even if it's not related to your current major? And is there a way to learn more about that side interest or make it a part of your future career?
An academic enhancement builds your knowledge base in an area that complements the focus of your academic experience. Academic enhancements require at least eight credits of coursework beyond your major requirements. A typical enhancement could be coursework toward a minor or a second major, a pre-professional program, or ROTC participation. It may also consist of an off-campus intensive training experience, or a combination of courses, trainings, and co-curricular activities that are linked to produce a focus area.
Examples
- Coursework in research methodology and statistical analysis if you're interested in research
- Minor in Leadership if you're interested in starting a business
- Earn a CNA certification and a follow-on position in a care facility
Minors
There are a number of minors that work well as academic enhancements. This is an incomplete list; please review Michigan Tech's available minors and talk to your advisor to learn more.
- Minor in Global Community Development Partnerships (Peace Corps Prep)
- Minor in Diversity Studies
- Minor in Leadership
- Minor in Law and Society
- Minor in Pre-Health Professions
- Minors in Public Health
- Minor in Enterprise
- Minor in Global Business
- Minor in Leadership
- Minor in Aerospace Engineering
- Minor in Rail Transportation
- Minor in Manufacturing Systems
Why do we include the academic enhancement component?
Curiosity matters. It's how we improve ourselves and the world around us. It can also make learning more rewarding and is a strong driver behind smart businesses.
You'll probably never have the opportunity to study with as many subject matter experts in such a wide variety of fields as you will while pursuing your undergraduate degree. Your academic enhancement will help you use those empty squares in your degree flowchart for a purpose, and may help you stand out in interviews, add breadth of field to the depth of study you're getting in your in-major courses, or satisfy your curiosity about topics that interest you.
Time commitment
Plan on eight credits which can be free-elective credits or General Education credits. Your academic enhancement should not delay your expected graduation date. Talk to the AE advisor early to make sure you're on the right path.
