College of Humanities and Social Sciences Minor Degree Programs

The minor in child and family social services provides students with a broader knowledge in the areas of social welfare, child and adolescent development, family dynamics and counseling. This minor is designed for those interested in working in social services and would pair well with undergraduate studies in psychology, counseling, education, nursing and behavioral health sciences. This minor does not require a practicum.

The minor in communication is designed to develop a student’s knowledge base of the theory of communication as well as how to speak, write and think critically. The minor in communication prepares students for positions in business, government, education, science and healthcare. Communication is essential for the development of the whole person — socially, culturally and professionally.

The minor in counseling is designed to develop students' understanding of counseling theories and how they relate to working in the human relations field of behavioral health. This minor prepares students with applicable skills in interpreting diagnoses, writing reports and working on integrative health teams. It prepares students for positions in behavioral health settings, such as community and private organizations. The minor in counseling will also coordinate well with the theoretical backgrounds of psychology, sociology, communications and ministry. The interplay of theory and practical skills will allow students to market their skills to a wider audience of employers. This minor does not lead to licensure.

The minor in criminal justice provides knowledge and skills across a broad range of real-world applications in criminal justice. Students acquire detailed knowledge of criminality and the justice system response to criminal behavior. They are prepared for careers in local, state and federal law enforcement such as police, sheriff, probation and correctional officers.

The minor in forensic psychology focuses on the psychological experiences of victims and sheds insight into abnormal human behavior. Students are introduced to an understanding of the criminal justice system and exposed to crime scene processing. The minor program better prepares students to work with people who need assistance coping with the aftereffects of a violent crime. Often, police officers are the first point of contact for these individuals. The program is designed for individuals seeking a career as a correctional professional, social worker, homeland security professional, community mental health professional or private-sector worker.

The new minor in Hispanic experiences provides students with a deeper understanding of the Latinx influence within the U.S. and global communities. Students will also learn more about Hispanic traditions, diverse voices and important events in their history. Students in this minor will learn how the core Christian doctrines and common practices of faith provide unity among cultural differences.

The minor in history encourages students to develop cultural and critical thinking competencies which orient them toward a better understanding of the global economy. This program provides graduates with foundational knowledge of where society has come from and how best to interact with a wide variety of people from all walks of life.

The minor in human services case management provides a well-rounded knowledge in understanding trauma-informed care, the case management process, coordination of care and working on integrative human services teams and other helping professions. This minor coordinates well with theoretical backgrounds in psychology, sociology, counseling and ministry.

The minor in literature broadens students’ exposure to, and deepens their understanding and appreciation of, essential works of fiction, poetry and drama. The works selected represent every important period and genre in the history of British and American literature, from Anglo-Saxon poetry to Existentialist drama. The authors studied in this program include the mainstays of the literary canon, such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, Pope, Wordsworth, Hawthorne, Whitman, Dickinson, James and Eliot, as well as writers whose works exemplify the challenges faced by women, Native Americans, African Americans and other underrepresented groups.

The minor in mathematics teaches skills in mathematical modeling, including many applications in computer science, engineering and business. It helps students prepare for high-demand careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), statistical modeling and quantitative visualization and analytics.

The minor in performance and sport psychology provides individuals interested in sport, performing arts, health and fitness or mental health fields the opportunity to develop their skills and abilities to improve the performance and lives of those with whom they work. The field of sport and performance psychology is concerned with the psychological factors that influence human performance. It involves improving the lives of others through assessment and intervention strategies that enhance performance and personal growth.

The pre-law minor provides you with exposure to major concepts of the law, which include the philosophical underpinnings of the Western legal tradition, civil law, criminal law and the practice of law. This foundation of legal thought is an ideal preparation for law school or a legal career path for students who desire to get a head start in their understanding of the framework of law.

The new minor in professional writing focuses on preparing learners to develop skills in writing and editing that can be applied to a broad range of professional contexts and careers. The courses for this minor provide students with important practice, writing in a variety of professional genres which will prepare them to adapt their practice to other contexts. Skills learned can include writing for public relations, writing and presentation for news stories in various forms of media, writing technical documents and communicating scientific ideas to laypeople.

The minor in psychology introduces students to the study of human behavior of all ages (children through elderly adults). The program examines how personality and cognitive thinking are formed, developed and influenced through each person’s social and cultural environment. Since behavior and emotional development are often affected by both cognitive thinking and the environment, students will examine the roles of science and research in understanding and enhancing mental health.

The minor in public administration enhances students' understanding of how various factions of government and the private sector interact. Students in a business, healthcare or STEM-related field would benefit, especially if there is an interest in a career tied to the public sector. This minor helps students prepare for career opportunities in the nonprofit and government sectors.

The minor in Spanish is designed to develop at least intermediate-level fluency in listening, speaking, reading and writing Spanish, and to provide a general introduction to Spanish culture and literature to enhance cross-cultural sensibilities and expand opportunities in the job market.