Technology and Engineering Minors

Given the significance of engineering, technology and math (STEM) fields, the College of Engineering and Technology presents minor degree programs tailored to the modern and competitive workforce of the 21st century. The curriculum for STEM minors is built upon the collaborative efforts of academics and industry connections, leveraging the professional ethics inspired by our Christian worldview. Each minor program provides a platform for innovation, cross-disciplinary exposure, and the development of essential workplace skills.

Female and male STEM minors smiling with engineering capstone assignment

Technology Minors

Minors in computer science can be an exciting avenue for students who wish to delve into the ever-evolving landscape of technology and computing. These computer science minors can teach the basics of programming languages, algorithms, data structures and software development methodologies. You have the opportunity to explore the intricacies of computer systems, software engineering principles and emerging technologies through hands-on projects and theoretical concepts.

The minor in cybersecurity can provide students with foundational information technology skills in programming, system administration and computer networks as well as concepts and practical applications of cybersecurity tools, technologies and procedures. Deploying advanced techniques in exploitation, vulnerability assessment, penetration testing, policy management and security program design, with practical hands-on activities that go beyond theory are integrated within this computer science minor.

The minor in cybersecurity at GCU is 24 credits and includes these courses:

  • Applications of College Algebra (MAT-154)
  • Introduction to Computer Science and Information Technology (CST-111)
  • Platforms and Network Technologies (ITT-116)
  • System Administration and Maintenance (ITT-121)
  • Cyber Security Foundations (ITT-307)
  • Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking (ITT-340)

This minor in networking technology can offer opportunities for you to learn technical skills in areas such as design, deployment, integration and administration of networks and communication infrastructures in an organization. Using in-house and cloud-based solutions, you will study how to implement routing and switching while explaining the physical and transport layers relevant to the IT discipline. This technology minor may also provide opportunities to implement tools and strategies to meet business objectives and ensure network security as well as explore issues around network management.

The minor in networking technology at GCU is 24 credits and includes these courses:

  • Applications of College Algebra (MAT-154)
  • Introduction to Computer Science and Information Technology (CST-111)
  • Platforms and Network Technologies (ITT-116)
  • Routing and Switching (ITT-270)
  • Wireless Networks (ITT-370)
  • Analysis, Design and Management of Secure Corporate Networks (ITT-425)

This minor can help provide students with the opportunity to delve into the fundamentals of object-oriented programming using the C, C# and C++ languages, as well as concepts in secure programming. Throughout the minor, students will be taught practical skills in software development and how to design and implement efficient and scalable applications using industry-standard practices. Whether you're a novice programmer or looking to enhance your coding abilities, this minor can provide a comprehensive foundation in C# I programming and help you prepare for a variety of technical roles in the software development industry.

The minor in object-oriented programming at GCU is 16 credits and includes these courses:

  • Programming in C# I (CST-150)
  • Programming in C# II (CST-250)
  • Object-Oriented Programming Lecture and Lab (CST-210)
  • Programming for Security Professionals (ITT-310)

This minor in object-oriented programming in Java can provide students with a comprehensive understanding of object-oriented programming principles using the Java language. You will explore key concepts such as inheritance, polymorphism and encapsulation while developing practical skills in Java programming. Whether you're interested in software development, web applications or data analysis, this minor can help provide a solid foundation in Java programming that may be essential for various technical roles in the field of computer science. Required prerequisite: Applications of College Algebra (MAT-154)

The minor in object-oriented programming in Java at GCU is 16 credits and includes these courses:

  • Computer Programming (CST-105)
  • Programming in Java II (CST-239)
  • Object-Oriented Programming Lecture and Lab (CST-210)
  • Programming for Security Professionals (ITT-310)

This web application development minor offers students a structured look into foundational web development techniques utilizing HTML, CSS and JavaScript, and an introduction to database development incorporating NoSQL and MySQL databases. You will work toward developing web applications using the Express, Angular and ReactJS JavaScript frameworks.

The minor in web application development at GCU is 20 credits and includes these courses:

  • Introduction to Web Development (CST-120)
  • Computer Programming I (CST-105)
  • Programming in Java II (CST-239)
  • Database Design and Development (CST-345)
  • JavaScript Web Application Development (CST-391)

FAQs for Technology and Engineering Minors

If you’re looking for an avenue that will teach you the landscape of technology and computing, GCU’s minors may be an excellent choice. Read through our frequently asked questions to help you decide whether a minor is right for you.

STEM minors that can complement engineering majors often encompass an array of fields, fostering interdisciplinary skills and enriching your engineering expertise. For example, a mathematics minor can serve as a cornerstone, enhancing problem-solving acumen crucial across various engineering disciplines. Further, if you enjoy network infrastructure and deployment solutions, a networking technology minor can be invaluable in contemporary engineering landscapes like software development. Tailoring your STEM minor to align with your engineering major and career goals can provide a strong foundation, bolstered by guidance from academic advisors and industry insights.

Yes. STEM minors provide added value in computer science jobs by equipping you with the core skills needed to work toward roles in the tech industry. For example, a minor in cybersecurity can be advantageous for roles involving data analysis, machine learning and artificial intelligence. Moreover, having a STEM minor can showcase your versatility and adaptability, as it can demonstrate your ability to grasp concepts beyond your core field.

Get More Information

Find an engineering or technology minor that meets your personal or professional goals. Contact us today to enroll or get answers to remaining questions about choosing your minor.

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