Cross School Minors & Gallatin Students : Frequently Asked Questions

What is a minor?

The typical minor consists of a minimum of 16-20 credits (4 or 5 courses). It may be part of your concentration. It may not. It really is up to you. Before you declare, be sure to chat with your adviser about where it fits into your program here at Gallatin.

You should be reminded that the addition of a minor in no way changes any of your obligations as a Gallatin student. You still need to formulate your concentration, write an IAPC, write a rationale, and complete your colloquium. Also, be aware that a minor becomes part of your graduation requirements (unless you opt to drop, which we discuss below).

Do I have to declare a minor?

No! Declaring a minor is not a Gallatin requirement.

Should I declare a minor?

Schedule an appointment with your primary faculty adviser to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of particular minors that might complement or extend your Gallatin concentration.

Where can I see a listing of minors available to me?

You may elect to take a minor offered by any of the following six NYU undergraduate schools: College of Arts and Science (CAS); Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development; Silver School of Social Work; Stern School of Business; Tisch School of the Arts; and Wagner School of Public Service.

The complete list of these minors is available on-line. Please note that some minors are not available to Gallatin students. If you have questions about access to minors, contact the administering department (or school) directly. The Gallatin Cross-Registration Guide provides contact names, numbers, and e-mail addresses.

How many minors may I declare?

Gallatin students are eligible to declare only one (1) minor.

When can I declare a minor?

Please note that only seniors (96 earned credits/hours or above) can declare a minor from Tuesday, September 8, 2009 through Friday, October 2, 2009. Juniors, Sophomores, and First-Year Students may declare starting Monday, October 12, 2009.

After the Fall 2009 semester, you may submit a minor declaration/application form at any point before you have earned 110 credits.

Do I have to take the exact courses listed in the minor? May I substitute courses?

The department/school offering the minor determines the credit and course requirements. Gallatin has no standing in this process. Students must consult with the department/school offering the minor about course substitution. If your substitution request is approved, be sure to follow up with the department to ensure that they make the necessary changes to your record (i.e., degree requirements).

Do I need to be approved to declare a minor?

Yes. You need to secure your primary faculty adviser’s approval. Please see the following two questions for more information on the application process.

How do I declare a minor?

You can declare a minor by (1) completing the electronic Application for Cross-School Minors (available on Albert under the Academic Records menu) and (2) obtaining your adviser's approval. Once we receive her/his approval, Gallatin will record the minor on your record and it will then become part of your degree requirements. Be sure to keep track of your minor (and your academic progress more generally) via the Degree Progress function on Albert.

How does my adviser approve my minor?

Be sure to discuss your minor with your adviser before proceeding with the on-line application form. Once you have discussed your minor with your advisor and have completed the on-line application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail from Student Services indicating that you need adviser approval. You need to forward this e-mail to your adviser and ask that she/he in turn forward the message to Student Services (minors.gallatin@nyu.edu) with her/his explicit approval. Only then will Student Services add the minor to your record.

How is a minor noted on my record?

A minor is noted in two ways on your record. (1) It appears on your transcript under the semester in which you submit the Application for Cross-School Minors. (2) The minor appears on your Degree Progress on Albert. (Again, be aware that declaring of a minor means adding another component to your degree requirements. You must complete the minor in order to graduate. Always track your academic progress via Degree Progress on Albert).

Can I drop a minor if I change my mind?

Yes. You can drop a minor at any point prior to the completion of 110 credits by sending an email to minors.gallatin@nyu.edu. The email should include your name, your N number, and the name of the minor you want to drop.