The School of Architecture offers minor options for both School of Architecture students and students majoring in other Rensselaer programs. These options are described below.
 
Acoustics Minor (Architecture and Non Architecture Students)
The minor in architectural acoustics is open to all Rensselaer students interested in advanced study focusing on the optimization of acoustical quality of performance spaces and other aurally sensitive environments. After completing the minor, the student will be well prepared for an entry level position dealing with acoustics issues in architectural practice, in acoustical consulting, or as a preparation for graduate studies in acoustics, for example in the Graduate Program in Architectural Acoustics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The program consists of 16 credits. Approval required by director of program. The courses required are: ARCH-4840 Architectural Acoustics 1; ARCH-4850 Architectural Acoustics 2; ARCH-4860 Applied Psychoacoustics; ARCH-4940 Advanced Independent study - 4 cr approved by Acoustics faculty; and ARCH-6460 Stagecraft and Theatre Design (with approval of the Graduate School).

Architecture Minor (Non Architecture students)
A minor in architecture is directed toward Rensselaer students interested in architecture as a sociocultural phenomenon and/or those envisioning a career in some segment of the building industry. The minor program provides an exposure to architecture—what it is, what it includes, its history, how it is accomplished; and to architects—who they are and how they think and work. A minor consists of an approved 16-credit program. ARCH-2110 Building and Thinking of Architecture 1 is required but students may select the remainder of the courses to build a concentration in architecture that supports their own disciplinary interests.

Architectural History Minor (Non Architecture students)
The minor in architectural history is open to all Rensselaer students interested in the history of architecture as a sociocultural phenomenon that examines architecture as a cultural artifact. It consists of ARCH-2110 The Building and Thinking of Architecture 1 and upper division architectural history courses. Students who wish to obtain a minor in architectural history must receive approval of their course selections from the program adviser.

Lighting Minor (Architecture and Non Architecture students)
The minor in lighting gives students the awareness and the confidence to extend their creative work through controlled use of light. The program covers human responses to light, both visual and nonvisual, and the means by which light is produced and controlled. Interactions of light with form, texture, and color are examined in the contexts of daylight, electric lighting, and their integration. The program comprises 16 credits taken in the Lighting Research Center. The courses required are: LGHT- 4840 Human Factors in Lighting; LGHT-4770 Lighting Technologies and Applications; LGHT-4230 Lighting Design; and LGHT-4940 Advanced Individual Project in Lighting