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Minors and Certificates

Declaring smaller programs alongside a major

Consider harnessing the full potential of those extra electives by declaring smaller programs alongside a major---aka Minors and Certificates (U.D. Certs). 

Perhaps you have declared a major(s) or are exploring options to graduate with a bachelor's degree from UMBC. You may also have transferred credits from subjects outside your anticipated major. Or, maybe in your major exploration (or GEP coursework), you've discovered other interests spanning multiple subjects.  

UMBC offers a variety of options for minor programs and certificate programs at the undergraduate level.

Not to be confused with graduate certificates, all undergraduate minors, and certificates must be done in conjunction with an undergraduate degree program. However, this stipulation presents many benefits to your academic journey at UMBC. 

Here are the top reasons why you should consider adding minors and certificates to your undergraduate career: 

  1. Most minors and certificates contain about 6-8 courses as requirements and may partially overlap with other requirements coinciding with your GEPs or major coursework. 
    1. NOTE: Some minors (I.e., Minor in Social Welfare) are not eligible for students already majoring in the related bachelor's program (I.e., Social Work, B.A.). Likewise, some programs limit how many courses can double count or come from transfer coursework-- Always ask an academic advisor before making assumptions!  
  2. Instead of taking on a double major, a minor or certificate could help manage graduation timelines while incorporating multiple academic disciplines. 
  3. You can earn academic credits for areas of study that you may have previously only pursued as a hobby (e.g.,Theatre, Music, Dance, Photography, etc.) 
  4. Declaring minors and certificates are great ways to reach upper-level elective minimums and work towards other general graduation requirements tailored to an additional field of interest (e.g.,Intercultural Communication, Media and Communications Studies, etc.) 
  5. Going beyond your major requirements to complete a minor or certificate is a solid avenue toward expanding your undergraduate academic credentials and diversifying your professional portfolio. 
    1. Some of our minors and certificates are designed to equip you with foundational knowledge for niche industries (i.e.,Entrepreneurship, Health, Wellness and Aging, Security Studies, etc.) 
Discuss adding a minor or certificate at your next academic advising appointment. Enhance your UMBC experience by broadening your network with students and professors you may have never encountered in your major alone. Doing so indicates your successful completion of an "extra credit" program that could be a game-changer for your resume/CV, job interviews, professional/graduate school applications...you name it! 

Posted: March 3, 2023, 1:58 PM

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