A Minor is a structured collection of classes that make up a sub-discipline.  Minors differ from "areas of specialization" in that: 1) minors (like majors) have specific course requirements rather than course suggestions, and 2) minors are usually cross-disciplinary or in a field that complements a student's given major.  All minors require at least 18 credits, but many (and in some cases ALL) of these credits can be counted towards your major requirement as well.

There are many minors available at Penn State.  This list includes only the minors that are most related to electrical engineering or that make the best complements to a BSEE degree. How many extra credits these minors require (beyond those required for the BSEE Degree) depends on the specific minor and how you use your various electives. See your advisor to determine how you can fit these minors into your BSEE program most efficiently.

1. Chinese Language
2. French Language/Culture
3. German Language/Culture
4. Japanese Language
5. Russian Language/Culture
6. Russian Translation
7. Spanish Language/Culture

A complete list of Penn State Minors is available here .

More general information about minors is available here.

1. obtain a minor application form
2. fill it out
3. bring it to the EE Department (121 EE East) to get  our signature
4. take it to the office that runs the minor

A Certificate Program, like a minor, is a collection of classes that are related in some way.  Certificates, however, require even fewer courses than a minor, so they are usually very easy to obtain.

Because Certficate Programs are relatively new, there are not many of them available yet.  This will change, however, as the program grows.  This list includes only the certificates offered through the College of Engineering. How many extra credits these certificates require (beyond those required for the BSEE Degree) depends on the specific certificate and how you use your various electives. See your advisor to determine how you can fit these certificates into your BSEE program most efficiently.

The Space Systems Engineering Certificate Program is primarily designed for students in the College of Engineering who wish to be recognized for completing a core set of courses in Space Systems Engineering–related topics and for participating in a space-systems project. The project work is to be documented through a report. This certificate program, under the direction of, and jointly administered by the Electrical Engineering Department’s Communications and Space Sciences Laboratory (CSSL) and the Aerospace Engineering Department, is designed to help prepare students for a career in the space industry. It is also relevant to students with an interest in systems engineering and who wish to bolster their credentials.

This certificate is intended to recognize the completion of course work, language study and international experiences that will contribute toward the attainment of a global perspective of engineering.

This certificate program is designed to help students to develop some basic knowledge of the housing industry and so provide a better preparation for a career in the housing industry. The program is directed primarily buy not exclusively toward senior level engineering undergraduates.