Brookings Main Campus
Turn ideas into action.
The applied thinking and innovation minor enables students in varying all academic colleges and backgrounds to unite in a cross-disciplinary setting to explore perspectives on a range of societal issues. The minor will enrich students’ aptitude in critical thinking, collaboration and innovative inquiry. This program is focused on developing interpersonal and critical thinking skills that students can apply to any major and career field to make them more competitive and better prepared to enter the workforce and contribute to their communities after graduation. Courses that comprise the minor are specifically designed to prepare students for success in their professional careers. This minor is open to all majors.
This minor can serve as a pathway to Honors College distinction for students who choose to complete an additional 6 credits of Honors coursework and earn a 3.5 cumulative grade point average upon graduation. However, students can also complete this minor without pursuing Honors College distinction.
Suggested Majors
- Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (B.S.)
- Agricultural Business (B.S.)
- Agricultural Education, Communication and Leadership (B.S.) - Leadership Specialization
- Architecture (B.F.A.)
- Biotechnology (B.S.)
- Business Economics (B.A./B.S.)
- Civil Engineering (B.S.)
- Computer Science (B.S.)
- Data Science (B.S.)
- Dairy Manufacturing (B.S.)
- Electrical Engineering (B.S.)
- Elementary Education (B.S.)
- Entrepreneurial Studies (B.A./B.S.)
- Exercise Science (B.S.)
- Geographic Information Sciences (B.S.)
- Global Studies (B.A.)
- Interdisciplinary Studies (B.A./B.S.)
- Leadership and Management of Nonprofit Organizations (B.S.)
- Mechanical Engineering (B.S.)
- Microbiology (B.S.)
- Music (B.A.) - Music Studies Specialization
- Nursing (B.S.N.)
- Nutrition and Dietetics (B.S.)
- Pharmaceutical Sciences (B.S.)/Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
- Precision Agriculture (B.S.)
Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?
If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ and future career choices.
In addition, , a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the .