Minors
Going beyond your major’s degree requirements is one key to getting the most out of your education. Our six academic minors — in biological sciences, forensic science, genetics, microbiology, toxicology, and zoology — can provide a great complement to a bachelor’s degree in another discipline.
Biological Sciences
Our minor in biological sciences enhances the educational experience for students whose major lies outside the life sciences. The eight hours of required courses provide an overview of biology. Students are free to select at least seven more credit hours of biological sciences classes that match their interests.
The biological sciences minor can be completed through distance education.
Evolutionary Biology
Our minor in Evolutionary Biology provides an understanding of agents of evolutionary change, how evolutionary processes are monitored across various time scales, and how these processes are quantified in extant and extinct populations. The minor is available to all baccalaureate degree students at NC State except for those in the B.S. in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology. This minor is especially appropriate for (but not limited to) students majoring in the life sciences, agricultural sciences, physical sciences, natural resources, or science education. At least 9 credit hours of the minor must be completed at NC State.
Forensic Science
Our minor in Forensic Science, an interdisciplinary field of study that involves the application of scientific principles and methodology from numerous scientific disciplines to criminal investigations. The Forensic Science Minor is available to undergraduates majoring in any field but might be most appropriate for students majoring or planning to pursue advanced studies in the sciences or in science education.
Genetics
Our minor in genetics offers strong preparation in the principles of genetics. This minor is appropriate for (but not limited to) students majoring in animal science, biochemistry, biological sciences, crop science, microbiology, natural resources, nutrition science, plant biology, plant and soil sciences, poultry science or zoology.
Global Health
Our global health minor provides undergraduate students with an understanding of current global health challenges and an appreciation of interdisciplinary approaches to addressing global health needs. Offered by the Department of Biological Sciences, the Global Health Minor is available to all baccalaureate degree students at North Carolina State University. This minor is especially appropriate for (but not limited to) students majoring in the life sciences, social sciences, engineering, and international studies.
Environmental Toxicology
Our environmental toxicology minor is available to all baccalaureate degree students at North Carolina State University. The minor is intended to provide undergraduate students with an understanding of how chemicals and physical agents can adversely affect biological systems and the environment, including the mechanisms of chemically induced toxicity, the fate, and effects of chemicals in the environment, and the evaluation of chemical hazards and risks. The minor is especially appropriate for (but not limited to) students majoring in the biological or agricultural sciences, physical sciences or science education.
Microbiology
The microbiology minor is available to students majoring in any field. This minor benefits students who want to deepen their understanding of basic cellular processes or learn more about the role of microorganisms in industry, agriculture or health.
Paleontology
Our Paleontology minor provides students with a foundational knowledge of the fossil record and modern techniques used to study the evolutionary patterns recorded within the fossil record. The minor is available to undergraduate students in all majors at NC State University but may be especially appropriate for students majoring in the life sciences, agricultural sciences, physical sciences, natural resources, or science education. Students should be aware that many of the courses in the Paleontology Minor have pre-requisites and others are taught in alternate years, so plan accordingly.
Zoology
Our zoology minor complements a non-biology bachelor’s degree for students who are interested in the role of diversity in the animal kingdom, morphology, physiology, evolution, behavior, ecology or other basic zoological concepts. Laboratory experiences are central to the zoology minor.
This minor is available to all undergraduates except those majoring in biochemistry, biological sciences (any concentration), environmental science (ecology concentration), fisheries and wildlife, microbiology, plant biology or zoology.