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Minor programs and plans of study

The Department of Computer Science provides minors for students who are pursuring other majors but wish to add a supplemental focus. There are two minors: Computer Science and Human Computer Interaction. The minor in Cybersecurity is a shared program between the Department of Computer Science and the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). ECE manages the minor including advising, DARS updates and other students services. 

Minor in computer science

The minor consists of 21 credits spread over seven courses:

Minor in human-computer interaction

The minor consists of 18 credits spread over six courses:

Minor in cybersecurity

Virginia Tech's College of Engineering offers an undergraduate minor in cybersecurity that includes courses from the Department of Computer Science and the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Cybersecurity broadly covers the fields of information security, network security, and computer system security. As bad actors seek to steal information, protecting that information, the systems that process and store it, and the networks that carry it becomes increasingly important.

This minor seeks to provide a core technical basis for careers in secure system design and operation. Students graduating with a degree in computer science or computer engineering with a minor in cybersecurity could expect careers in software engineering, embedded systems engineering, or information systems management, with an emphasis on designing, developing, operating, or analyzing security features or subsystems.

Frequently Asked Questions: Minors

1.     What is a minor?

A minor is an abbreviated plan of study for students that want to learn about a topic and/or set of skills without adding or changing their major. Minors are generally 18-24 credits, although some can be up to 30 credits.

2.    Is a minor necessary to help me be a better applicant for internships and career opportunities?

The choice to add a minor is specific to each individual student. There are other ways to gain valuable new skills outside of the classroom. A minor may not be the right fit for every student, and we encourage students to explore student organizations, community events, research and independent study as methods to learn new things and improve your employability.

3.   How do I declare a minor in CS or HCI?

Students will submit an application through HokieSpa to add a minor. In the College of Engineering, all applications are reviewed by the Dean’s Academic Affairs Team, and they make the final decision on the minor applications that are approved. Applications can be submitted three times a year, and if approved, students will be added to the minor shortly thereafter. Please note, however, that the application cycle is open for several weeks, and the review does not begin until the cycle closes.

4.   How long does it take to complete the CS Minor?

This depends on the students and how many credits they may take per semester as well as any accelerated tests/coursework that may provide course credit. Generally, however the minor takes a minimum of four semesters to complete. 

5.   How long does it take to complete the HCI minor?

This depends on the students and how many credits they may take per semester as well as any accelerated tests/coursework that may provide course credit. Generally, however the minor takes a minimum of four semesters to complete.

6.   My DARS is not showing a course correctly. How do I get this fixed?

It depends on the error. For example, if you took ECE 4424 instead of CS 4824, your DARS may not recognize that it is the same course. For something like this, you would submit a DARS update request form which is found on our Forms page. The request is reviewed and if approved, the substitution to submitted to the Academic Affairs Team for the actual update. This can take several weeks and students are notified when the update is complete.

7.   As A CS Minor, what electives can I choose?

CS students can select from many courses for electives to complete their minor. Check out our Course Information page for a full list, including course descriptions.

8.   As a CS Minor, are there any classes that overlap with my major requirements?

Yes, some common examples are: CMDA/STAT/CS 3654, CMDA/STAT/CS 4654, ECE 4424, CMDA/CS 3634.

9.   I'm an HCI minor. What does advisor approval mean on my DARS?

One of the HCI requirements is that no more than 9 credits being used toward minor requirements can also be utilized toward requirements for your major. For example, if your major is CS, you would only be allowed to take CS 3724: Intro to HCI, and up to 6 more credits from CS (or courses that overlap with CS as mentioned in question #6). Once all requirements for the minor are completed or in progress, a CS advisor will review your DARS and if everything is correct they will provide your information to the College of Engineering Academic Affairs Office to have your DARS updated as approved.

10.    Can I test out of or transfer courses to Virginia Tech for the minor?

Yes. There are currently credit by exam options for CS 1114 and CS 2114. Students may also have CS 1114 credit through AP depending on the exam and the score. As to transferring credits, for the CS minor students must take at least one of the required lower-level courses (CS 1114 or CS 2114 or CS 2505) at Virginia Tech to officially add the minor.

11.      I'm a Computer Science Major. Can I do the HCI minor?

Yes, you can pursue the HCI minor if you are a Computer Science, Data Centric Computing or Secure Computing minor. You cannot pursue a CS minor, however.

12.     I'm a Secure Computing major. Can I do the Cybersecurity minor?

Unfortunately, no. There is too much overlap in the course requirements for the major and minor.

13. If I have questions, how do I get help?

We offer exploratory workshops throughout the academic year for students to learn more about the minors and advising workshops for students officially in the minors for more individualized assistance. You can also contact csundergrad@vt.edu.