Information technology minor

Overview

The College of Science and Engineering offers a minor in Information Technology. This is an interdisciplinary minor in collaboration between the College of Science and Engineering (CSE), the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), and the College of Design (CDES).

The purpose of the minor is to provide opportunities for students from non-technical disciplines to supplement their major with a practical set of courses focused on information technology. The minor provides students with basic knowledge and skills in Internet and web technology, and it explores the application of these skills in courses selected from a wide variety of disciplines.

Requirements

  • Courses required: 2 core computer science courses and 3 breadth courses
  • Credits required: 17 credits minimum
  • A grade point average of 2.0 or above is required for all minor classes. Classes must be taken on A-F basis, and each course must be completed with a C- or better.

Declaring the minor

The minor can be declared at any point (prior to taking courses through completion of all requirements). Students can declare the minor by printing this application and meeting with a computer science advisor.

Courses

Introductory computer science courses

Take two (2) courses from the options below:

  • CSCI 1103: Introduction to Computer Programming in Java
  • CSCI 1113: Introduction to C/C++ Programming for Scientists and Engineers
  • CSCI 1133/1133H: Introduction to Computing and Programming Concepts (Python)
  • CSCI 1913: Introduction to Algorithms, Data Structures, and Program Development (majority Java, introduction to Python) Has CSCI 1103 or 1113 as a prerequisite or CSCI 1933: Introduction to Algorithms and Data Structures (Java) Has CSCI 1133/1133H  as a prerequisite or CSCI 2081:  Introduction to Software Development (Java) Has CSCI 1133/1133H  as a prerequisite

Why are there so many options in CSCI?

This is an interdisciplinary minor that requires completion of two introductory computer science courses to gain an elementary understanding of the discipline. Our department offers a variety of courses in multiple programming languages which also cover important introductory computer science theory. Consult with a Computer Science Advisor (csciug@umn.edu) regarding the most appropriate options for you to pursue.

Breadth courses

Take three (3) or more course(s) from the following:

  • COMM 3201 - Introduction to Electronic Media Production (4.0 cr)
  • COMM 3211 - Introduction to Media Studies (3.0 cr)
  • COMM 4235 - Electronic Media and Ethnic Minorities - A World View (3.0 cr)
  • COMM 4291 - New Telecommunication Media (3.0 cr)
  • GDES 2342 - Web Design (3.0 cr)
  • GDES 4371 - Data Visualization Studio (3.0 cr)
  • GDES 5341 - Interactive Design (3.0 cr)
  • GDES 5342 - Advanced Web Design (3.0 cr)
  • GDES 5372 - Data Visualization for Interactive Platforms (3.0 cr)
  • GDES 5383 - Digital Illustration and Animation (3.0 cr)
  • GEOG 3561 - Principles of Geographic Information Science (4.0 cr)
  • GEOG 5563 - Advanced Geographic Information Science (3.0 cr)
  • GEOG 5564 - Urban Geographic Information Science and Analysis (3.0 cr)
  • JOUR 3004 - Information for Mass Communication (3.0 cr)
  • JOUR 3551 - The Business of Digital Media: Innovation, Disruption, and Adaptation (3.0 cr)
  • JOUR 3552 - Internet and Global Society (3.0 cr)
  • JOUR 3614 - History of Media Communication (3.0 cr)
  • JOUR 3776 - Mass Communication Law (3.0 cr)

Some of the courses below have prerequisites or require instructor permission. Please see the course catalog or a computer science advisor for more information.

Questions?

For questions about the program or to declare your information technology minor, contact:

CS&E Undergraduate Advising Team
csciug@umn.edu