Chemistry Department Advisors' Manual

MINORS FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS


OFFICIAL MINORS


In order to have an official minor, the student must take a minimum of 12 s.h. of the minor at Xavier. Transfer students who bring in many hours of courses in their minor are occasionally allowed an "unofficial" minor that does not appear on the transcript, but this is a rare exception.

REQUIRED MINORS FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS

All students in the College of Arts & Sciences must have a minor to graduate. Most Chemistry majors do not have a free choice of minor.

It is recommended that students stick with the standard curriculum until at least their junior year, at which time they can see if they still think they have time for a second minor in some other area.


SECOND MAJORS/MINORS

Some students choose to take a second major or a second minor. In all cases students should realize that there are very few advantages to this practice. If a student does choose either of these options, however, he/she must complete all the requirements for both majors (or minors) including the Senior Comprehensive Examination in each major.

A double major is not the same as earning two degrees. A student can obtain a second degree only if that second degree is different from the first (that is, a B.A. vs. a B.S.). In such cases, the combined programs must include a minimum of 158 s.h. of credit.

Some Chemistry majors have extended the time required for graduation because they chose to declare a second major or minor. Advisors should not encourage students to add to their graduation requirements by taking a second major or a second minor. Such additions will not enhance their chances of being accepted into medical or graduate school. They will, however, add to the length of time it will take them to graduate, which may actually hurt their chances. Admissions committees will look at the courses they took, their grades, and their recommendations. Students should also realize that a pattern of withdrawals from courses could hurt their chances of acceptance into professional or graduate schools.

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