STEM Minors ≠ Just for STEM Students

Cybersecurity is the STEM minor for students who want to hone their computer skills for the greater good. Learn about the technology behind security systems and appliances, how to prevent hacks, and developments that are reshaping the field. Plus, NYU is a top university to learn the subject: the National Security Agency designated the Department of Computer Science and Engineering a Center for Excellence in Cybersecurity.

The Cybersecurity minor includes four required courses and one elective. While it naturally complements STEM majors, like Computer Science and Computer Engineering, it is also open to anyone who completes the prerequisite math and computer science courses.

Feminism and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (FSTEM), one of Tandon’s newest minors, provides students with a tool kit for understanding societal issues. “Feminism is a lens that helps us become sensitive to power dynamics,” explains Danya Glabau, director of science and technology studies. “We consider questions like: How do you create a more inclusive engineering or mathematics field? Who should be in the room, and what should their role be in leading, participating, brainstorming, and doing things on the ground?”

This STEM minor is highly customizable, with only one required course. You select the other three to make the curriculum your own, choosing from options like Disability Studies, the Invention of Race, and Queering Science and Technology. “The best part about Feminism and STEM is being able to have open discussions about topics that aren’t spoken about enough,” says Anna Foo, a Tandon student who plans to pursue law school. “We talk about things happening in the present, including important topics that every student should learn.”

A STEM minor in Game Engineering takes you to the cutting edge of a thriving global industry: the video game market. In a series of five courses, you master the relevant elements of computer programming, sharpen your design skills, and get invaluable hands-on experience building games. Particularly advanced students can conduct research at Tandon’s Game Innovation Lab alongside faculty mentors and graduate students.

Hershey Zhang, an Interactive Media Arts major at the Tisch School of the Arts, recently declared Game Engineering as his minor and can’t wait to dive in deep. He explains, “I chose game engineering because I love to play and make games, especially action and multiplayer online role-playing games. Gaming is the most interesting form of interaction.” After Hershey completes his core requirements, he’ll choose from electives like Artificial Intelligence, Human Computer Interaction, and Interactive Computer Graphics.