In addition to an adequate knowledge of the major field of intended research, the student must demonstrate mastery of some other, smaller body of knowledge-the minor field-preferably outside the student's school. The purpose of the minor is to encourage a wider interest on the part of the student and to provide a broader basis for the evaluation of the student's capabilities.

The minor will normally consist of at least nine semester hours of work in related courses, chosen by the student in consultation with a guidance committee and approved by the Graduate Studies Office on behalf of the graduate dean. These courses should be at the 6000 level or above, but the use of certain 4000 level courses may also be approved. Courses taken at other institutions may be included in the minor. Once the student has satisfactorily completed the minor, the school chair sends a confirmation, accompanied by course grades, to the Graduate Studies Office for final approval and recording.

Although the student need not complete the minor as a prerequisite for admission to candidacy, the minor must be completed and approved in order to be cleared for graduation.