Academic Minors
A minor constitutes five courses, or 15 credit hours total, taken outside the specific degree program in which a student is matriculating. Transfer credits do not count towards a minor. A maximum of one course, or up to three credits, of the minor may also fulfill course requirements in the student’s major. When this is not the case, students will use their four open electives for the minor and will need to take one additional course to complete their 120 credit hour degree requirements with a minor (total of 123 credit hours). Independent Study courses may not replace a required course in the minor. Courses in all minors are offered on a space available basis and if there is sufficient demand. Because minors are not required and the demand for courses is uncertain, regular offerings of all courses for every minor cannot be guaranteed. Some courses have prerequisites that must be taken in the proper sequence. Some courses may require a lab fee. Successfully completed minors will be recorded on your official transcript along with your declared major. Ringling College of Art and Design has the right to cap the number of students wishing to enroll in any minor each year. Minors should be declared after successfully completing the first course in the minor curriculum. When ready to declare your minor, see the Academic Advisor for your major who will answer any questions you may have and help you complete the appropriate Declaration form, and advise you on steps to have your new minor added to your Ringling College transcript.
Area of Emphasis
An area of emphasis within a degree program constitutes a minimum of 12 distinct and required credits. Courses within an area of emphasis may not serve as electives for students following the area of emphasis sequence, but may be counted as electives for students outside the major and/or area of emphasis.
Concentration
A concentration within a degree program is an optional curriculum feature which constitutes a minimum of 9 required credits in a distinct category as specified by the given program. Courses within a concentration may serve as electives within the major, but not as general education electives. They also do not count toward any of the liberal arts required courses.