So you are thinking about a minor in Math or in Physics?
Why do a minor?
There are many different reasons for this.
- Sometimes a student in the
humanities, for example a music major, decides to minor in a science
or in math because it's always had a side interest that they do not want
to give up on, or because they like to think about math or physics.
- Often students choose to minor in a subject that is related to, or is in some
way a necessary part of their major. For example, a student in engineering
may minor in math because they realize they need to be good at math,
particularly when the student is also thinking ahead to a graduate degree or a
doctorate in engineering.
You might be close already.
The choice of a minor in math or in physics is often selected by
students who are following a major in science, technology, or engineering
because it helps provide them a better foundation in their major.
and for these students, it's often an easy choice
since many of the math or physics courses they have
already taken for their major can be applied the minor in math or physics.
For example, for the math minor, most engineering students
are required to take MATH 1118, MATH 2203, and MATH 3311. These are
3 courses out of the 5 courses that are required to complete
a minor in mathematics.
Most engineering students are typically only 2 courses away from a math
minor.
What it provides.
- By focusing your studies through a minor,
you develop greater expertise in that area.
- A minor, particularly in the mathematical sciences,
lets you stand out from others. It also demonstrates an improved ability to think, and this can
provide a competitive edge in a competitive jobs marketplace. It also positions
you for more options after you graduate.
- Many students will switch careers at least once after they graduate
(not just switch jobs, but entirely change the type of work they do).
The purpose of a quality liberal arts education is to provide students
a broadly structured educational background
that allows them a wide range of post-graduation
career options. Having a minor in the mathematical sciences can be
a part of that preparation.
What's required for the minor.
The minor at UNH requires that the student take courses in the subject area of the minor, and typically these courses
are to be taken from a specified list.
If you are interested in a minor in Math or in Physics, it's often
because you've been motivated by a great class in math or physics.
Talk to your instructor about your options and what it entails, or if you
are just thinking about this option, contact Houssein El Turkey (Math) or Nikodem Poplawski (Physics) to set up a meeting or to get more information.
If you are interested in minoring in Math or Physics, complete
the forms below, and return them to the Department of Mathemtics
and Physics:
Math minor form
Physics minor form