What is an Option?

An option, at either the undergraduate or graduate level, is simply a way to fulfil the requirements for the degree in a way that emphasizes a certain specialty within the field. Normally, this emphasis is carried out by taking a certain set of classes. Most of these classes will be within the major, but some options require classes in other fields.

The University catalog explains options like this:

Options
Groups of courses have been identified which lead to a specialization within one major or between two or more majors. These specializations are called options. The names of approved options will be recorded on the permanent records of those students who have satisfactorily completed the requirements as given in the catalog governing their graduation. A student desiring a particular option must satisfy the requirements of the major offering it. If one option is offered within two or more majors, the student must satisfy the requirements of only one.
Only courses listed within the supporting major count toward the 60 credit limitation in the major. Courses in other fields do not count toward the maximum of 60 credits in the major even though they may be required or elected for the options.
If one major has two or more options, a student may satisfy the requirements for more than one option so long as the maximum credit limitations are observed.