A minor allows you to pursue interests in an area outside of your major. It can add
variety to your chosen field of study and customize your education, making you a more
versatile and well-rounded graduate. A well-chosen minor can demonstrate intellectual
curiosity and preparation for specialized or competitive graduate programs. Some minors
focus on communication, global awareness, or ethics—skills increasingly valued by
employers in every field. Michigan Tech students may minor in any subject, provided that the title of the minor differs from the title
of your major or major concentration. To pursue a minor, you must be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program and file a Curriculum Add/Drop Form to inform the Registrar's Office of your interest in the minor. We recommend that you begin your minor studies as
early as possible in your academic career.
Credits toward a minor may overlap with requirements for your major and/or Essential Education. Before requesting to add a minor to your degree program, students are encouraged to consult the academic advisor(s) for your degree program and the department offering the minor.
The Department of Humanities offers several minors, which are available to students in humanities as well as those in other majors across campus.
Explore Our Minors
Modern Languages
Deepen your understanding of language and culture with a Modern Languages minor in Spanish or German. Through upper-level courses and immersive experiences like study abroad or international internships, students gain language proficiency and explore the diverse cultural contexts in which these languages are spoken. This minor strengthens cross-cultural communication and broadens global perspectives—valuable skills in any profession.
AI Ethics
Prepare to think critically about the future of technology with an AI Ethics minor. This interdisciplinary minor explores the social, cultural, legal, and environmental impacts of artificial intelligence, touching on themes like bias, fairness, transparency, and human-centered design. Students will gain a strong foundation in ethical reasoning and develop skills to assess the real-world implications of AI in areas like privacy, employment, and digital media in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Communication Studies
Sharpen your message and amplify your voice with a Communication Studies minor. Students explore key areas such as public speaking, interpersonal and organizational communication, cultural studies, and global communication. The program emphasizes critical awareness and effective communication strategies across diverse contexts, preparing students to navigate and lead in an increasingly connected world.
Diversity Studies
Gain a deeper understanding of identity, equity, and inclusion with a Diversity Studies minor. Through courses like Critical Race Theory and Archaeology of the African Diaspora, students explore the lived experiences of diverse communities and develop an appreciation for difference and a commitment to justice. This minor fosters cultural awareness and a respectful, informed approach to local and global diversity.
Ethics and Philosophy
Explore complex questions of right and wrong in today’s world with an Ethics and Philosophy minor. This program develops critical reasoning skills as students examine ethical issues in fields like biomedicine, engineering, the environment, and politics. Whether exploring the moral implications of emerging technologies or timeless philosophical debates, students build a strong foundation in ethical analysis and thought.
Journalism
Tell compelling stories and become a more discerning consumer of the news with a Journalism minor. Students gain hands-on experience in media production and reporting, while also studying the ethical, cultural, and societal dimensions of journalism. Courses in grammar, journalistic writing, and media criticism prepare students for careers in news, communication, and information-rich industries.
Media Production
Bring ideas to life through digital storytelling with a Media Production minor. This program blends creative practice with critical media studies, helping students develop original media work across formats like video, audio, and digital design. Along the way, students gain insight into the cultural and rhetorical dimensions of media and build a versatile toolkit for today’s communication landscape.
Writing
Strengthen your voice across genres with a Writing minor. Students explore and practice different forms of writing, including creative, technical, scientific, and journalistic, which are tailored to various audiences and media platforms. This minor hones skills in storytelling, clarity, and persuasion, preparing students to communicate effectively in professional and creative settings.