Directed Studies Minor – Application Process

The Directed Studies minor allows students to pursue a structured academic focus in a specific field outside of music, such as mathematics, political science, or another non-music discipline.

Application Steps:

  1. Develop a Customized Minor Plan
    • Students outline their intended field of study and select courses using JHU’s Programs page as a reference: https://e-catalogue.jhu.edu/programs/.
    • The minor plan is flexible—it does not need to match a degree plan exactly, but all courses should be cohesive and centered around a single field of study.
    • The plan must include 21 credits of coursework (approximately 7 classes):
      • At least 15 credits must be taken from a Homewood school.
      • Up to 6 credits may be taken at Peabody, an accredited external institution, or Homewood.
      • AP, IB, or dual enrollment credits cannot be used to fulfill minor requirements.
    • Add selected courses to the Directed_Studies_Minor_Plan.pdf
    • Note: Students may apply for the minor anytime between the end of their freshman year (once grades are posted and GPA can be verified) and the spring semester of sophomore year.
  2. Submit the Application
    • Once the Directed Studies Minor Plan PDF is complete, students should submit their application at the Academic Petition Portal.
    • Attach a copy of the Directed Studies Minor Plan to the application.
  3. Eligibility Requirements and Approval Process
    • Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 to be accepted into the minor.
    • The Office of Academic Affairs will verify GPA and review the plan. 
    • If changes are needed, students will be notified.
    • Note: Students do not need to wait for a decision on their minor acceptance to begin taking Homewood courses. All students in good standing, in their second semester or beyond, may submit Interdivisional Registration requests for Homewood courses.

Application Timeline and Decision Notification

  • Fall applicants will receive a decision after final grades for fall have posted.
  • Spring applicants will receive a decision 2–4 weeks before their fall registration period begins.

For questions or guidance, students should contact their Academic Advisor.