Three sections in one image. The left section is a group of four students sitting on the steps outside a building. The middle section is a professor standing over a student's shoulder as they discuss something on the student's computer monitor. The right section is a student studying at a library table on his laptop.

Hypothetical Minors

This list of hypothetical minors will help both MSIE and Ph.D. students select a minor that will support their major area of specialization.

Last Updated: 02/26/2026 | All information is accurate and still up-to-date

Artificial Intelligence

CSC 520: Artificial Intelligence I
CSC 556: Voice Input/Output Communication Systems
CSC 720: Artificial Intelligence II

Computer Science

CSC 501: Operating Systems Principles
CSC 506: Architecture of Parallel Computers
CSC 742: Database Management Techniques

Economics

EC 401: Economic Analysis for Nonmajors
EC 451: Introduction to Econometrics
ECG 555: Managerial Economics (or)
ECG 700: Price Theory

Integrated Manufacturing Systems Engineering

CSC 501: Operating Systems Principles
MAE 720: Industrial Robotics
MAE 742: Mechanical Design for Automated Assembly

Mechanical Engineering

MAE 510: Effects of Noise and Vibration on Man
MAE 514: Noise and Vibration Control
MAE 586: Project Work in Mechanical Engineering

Operations Research

OR 505: Linear Programming
OR 709: Dynamic Programming
OR 761: Queues and Stochastic Service Systems

Psychology

PSY 745: Human Performance
PSY 825: Advanced Problems in Perception
PSY 720: Psychological Survey Operations

Statistics

For specific details, please see the Department of Statistics

Foundations Interdisciplinary

CSC 520: Artificial Intelligence I
OR 504: Introduction to Mathematical Programming
ST 516: Experimental Statistics for Engineers

Modeling Interdisciplinary

CSC 520: Artificial Intelligence I
CSC 762: Computer Simulation Techniques
ST 711: Design of Experiments

Computational Interdisciplinary

MA 520: Linear Algebra
MA 580: Numerical Analysis I
OR 504: Introduction to Mathematical Programming

I Want to go Back to Ph.D.

I Want to go Back to MSIE

Why Minors are Important

Adding a minor to your advanced degree allows you to expand your expertise beyond your primary field of study. As a result, you develop a broader academic foundation that strengthens your overall skill set. By completing courses in a complementary discipline, you gain new tools and perspectives that enhance your research and professional work.

In addition, a minor can help you build specialized knowledge that supports your career goals. For example, a minor in statistics can strengthen your data analysis skills, while a minor in computer science can deepen your programming and modeling abilities. Therefore, you become more versatile and better prepared for complex, interdisciplinary challenges.

Pursuing a minor can also make you more competitive in the job market. Employers value graduates who can integrate knowledge across fields and adapt to evolving demands. Furthermore, a minor may open new networking opportunities with faculty and students in another department.

Although adding a minor requires careful planning, it can significantly enrich your graduate experience. By thoughtfully selecting a minor that aligns with your interests, you can enhance both your academic development and your long term career opportunities.