Declaring a minor at George Mason University (GMU) can be a great way to enhance your academic experience, explore new interests, and boost your career prospects. With over 100 minors to choose from, GMU offers a wide range of options to complement your major and personal interests. In this article, we will guide you through the 5 steps to declare a minor at GMU.
Step 1: Choose a Minor
The first step in declaring a minor at GMU is to choose a minor that aligns with your academic and career goals. With so many options available, it's essential to consider your interests, skills, and career aspirations. You can browse the GMU catalog to explore the various minors offered by the university. Some popular minors at GMU include business, cybersecurity, data science, and environmental science.
When choosing a minor, consider the following factors:
- Alignment with your major: Choose a minor that complements your major and enhances your career prospects.
- Interest: Select a minor that you're passionate about and enjoy learning.
- Skills: Consider a minor that develops skills that are in high demand in the job market.
- Career goals: Choose a minor that aligns with your career aspirations and can give you a competitive edge.
Exploring Minors at GMU
GMU offers a wide range of minors across various disciplines, including:
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- College of Science
- College of Engineering and Computing
- School of Business
- School of Public Policy
You can explore the GMU catalog to learn more about the minors offered by each college or school.
Step 2: Meet the Eligibility Requirements
To declare a minor at GMU, you must meet the eligibility requirements. These requirements vary depending on the minor and your academic status. Generally, you must:
- Be a degree-seeking student at GMU
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.0
- Have completed at least 30 credits at GMU
- Not be on academic probation
It's essential to check the GMU catalog or consult with your academic advisor to confirm the eligibility requirements for your chosen minor.
Understanding GPA Requirements
Your GPA plays a significant role in declaring a minor at GMU. Most minors require a minimum GPA of 2.0, but some may have higher GPA requirements. It's crucial to maintain a good GPA to ensure that you're eligible to declare a minor.
Step 3: Complete the Minor Declaration Form
Once you've chosen your minor and met the eligibility requirements, you need to complete the minor declaration form. This form is available on the GMU website or through the Office of the Registrar. You'll need to provide the following information:
- Your name and student ID number
- The minor you wish to declare
- Your academic advisor's signature
It's essential to submit the form to the Office of the Registrar before the deadline, which is usually the last day of the add/drop period.
Getting Your Academic Advisor's Signature
Your academic advisor plays a crucial role in the minor declaration process. They will review your academic progress and ensure that you're eligible to declare a minor. Be sure to schedule a meeting with your advisor to discuss your minor declaration and obtain their signature.
Step 4: Complete the Minor Requirements
After declaring a minor, you'll need to complete the minor requirements. These requirements vary depending on the minor, but generally include:
- Completing a minimum number of credits (usually 15-18 credits)
- Taking specific courses
- Maintaining a minimum GPA (usually 2.0)
It's essential to review the GMU catalog or consult with your academic advisor to understand the minor requirements.
Course Selection and Planning
Choosing the right courses is critical to completing the minor requirements. Be sure to plan your course selection carefully, considering factors such as:
- Course availability
- Prerequisites
- GPA requirements
Step 5: Graduate with Your Minor
After completing the minor requirements, you'll be eligible to graduate with your minor. Be sure to review the GMU graduation requirements and ensure that you've met all the necessary criteria.
It's essential to apply for graduation through the GMU website or through the Office of the Registrar. You'll need to provide the following information:
- Your name and student ID number
- Your degree and minor
- Your expected graduation date
Congratulations! You've successfully declared a minor at GMU and are one step closer to achieving your academic and career goals.
We encourage you to comment below and share your experiences with declaring a minor at GMU. If you have any questions or need further guidance, don't hesitate to ask.
What is the minimum GPA required to declare a minor at GMU?
+The minimum GPA required to declare a minor at GMU is 2.0.
How many credits are required to complete a minor at GMU?
+The number of credits required to complete a minor at GMU varies depending on the minor, but is usually 15-18 credits.
Can I declare a minor in a different college or school than my major?
+