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Thematic Minors

A Thematic Minor is a personalized minor created between you and your academic advisor. Thematic minors are created around a unifying theme with courses from two or more disciplines/subject areas.

Study Abroad & Thematic Minors

A Thematic Minor is a personalized minor built around a topic you care about. Instead of choosing a standard minor from one department, you work with your advisor to combine courses from different subject areas around one theme.

Study abroad can be a great fit for a Thematic Minor because it can give you more course options abroad and create another way for study abroad to connect to your academic goals, especially if it is hard to find abroad courses that apply directly to your major.

With a Thematic Minor, you can:

  • Look beyond your major when choosing a study abroad program.
  • Choose from a wider range of courses abroad that connect to your theme.
  • Build your abroad course schedule around an academic interest, such as sustainability, global health, migration, business, human rights, or the arts.
  • Use study abroad courses toward a minor, even when they may not fit neatly into your major requirements.
  • Explore your theme in a new cultural context, shaped by the history, geography, communities, and industries of your host country.

Declaring a Thematic Minor

Your major advisor must approve your thematic minor. They will declare it in UAccess and place the agreed upon thematic minor courses in your Advisement Report. Learn more about thematic minor policies and access the Thematic Minor Form on the Office of the Registrar’s website.

Thematic Minor Requirements Include:

  • Courses from at least two different subject areas
  • At least 18 total units
    • At least 9 upper division units (300-499)
    • At least 3 units must be taken in residence, at the University of Arizona

Thematic Minor Alumni Testimonials

Kitzan

Meet Kitzan!

Thematic Minor: Global Societies & Cultures

Program: UA Seoul

"I thought studying abroad was no longer an option by my senior year, but creating a thematic minor made it possible. I combined courses I’d already taken with new ones abroad in Korea, and it perfectly complemented my Psychology major. My thematic minor in Global Societies and Cultures helped me understand people from a global lens—something invaluable in my field. The process was easy, and both my academic and study abroad advisors supported me every step of the way."

Karina

Meet Karina!

Thematic Minor: Global Law & Policy

"Studying abroad gave me confidence and independence that changed everything—personally, academically, and professionally. My thematic minor in Global Law and Policy adds meaningful depth to my law school application, showcasing the international perspective I’ve gained."