College of Humanities and Social Sciences Minor Degree Programs

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The College of Humanities and Social Sciences blends the study of traditional humanities into a modern context, challenging you to become a deep and critical thinker from topics covering Language and Communications, to Government and Public Administration and Psychology and Counseling. Minor degree programs within our college will help you refine your ability to research, read, write and think your way through complex issues, gaining the tangible skills to offer real-world solutions. Our minor programs embrace GCU’s Christian heritage, promoting the spirit of servant leadership and creating broad communities within which you may serve.

Minor in Behavioral Health Sciences - 20 Credits

The minor in behavioral health sciences provides a foundational knowledge in understanding diagnosis, writing reports and working on integrative health teams. This minor coordinates well with theoretical backgrounds in psychology, sociology, communications and ministry. The interplay of theory and practical skills will allow the student to market their knowledge to a wider audience of employers. It will help students prepare for careers in behavioral health settings such as community and private organizations. This minor does not lead to licensure.

  • Introduction to Counseling Theories (PCN-107)
  • Group Dynamics and Process (BHS-240)
  • Ethics of Behavioral Health Science (BHS-320)
  • Culture and Social Diversity in Behavioral Health (BHS-330)
  • Report Writing, Research and Information Literacy in Behavioral Health (BHS-350)

Minor in Communication - 16 Credits

The minor in communication provides a knowledge base of the theory of communication, as well as how to speak, write and think critically—skills employers are looking for in any profession. This minor focuses on the effects of communication for the development of a whole person, socially, culturally and professionally. You will develop skills for participation and leadership in small group settings, for resolving conflict and for developing meaningful and professional interpersonal relationships. This minor helps prepare you for careers in business, government, education, science and healthcare.

  • Fundamentals of Communication (COM-100)
  • Small Group Communication (COM-222)
  • Conflict and Negotiation (COM-312)
  • Organizational Communication (COM-456)

Minor in Counseling - 16 Credits

The minor in counseling provides foundational knowledge in theoretical models of counseling, as well as addiction and substance use disorders. You will explore topics related to substance use, such as biopsychosocial dynamics, impact of addiction, prevention and intervention. This minor equips you with a basic understanding of practitioner skills for assessment, report writing, treatment planning, case management and crisis intervention. In the writing intensive course, you will examine professional responsibilities, from treatment to licensure. This minor complements psychology, sociology, communications and ministry in relation to the behavioral health field. This minor does not lead to licensure.

  • Foundations of Addiction and Substance Use Disorders (PCN-100)
  • Introduction to Counseling Theories (PCN-107)
  • Case Management and Crisis Skills for Addiction and Substance (PCN-255)
  • Prof, Legal & Ethical Issues - Addiction & Substance Use Disorder (PCN-404)

Minor in Criminal Justice - 16 Credits

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.

  • Criminal Behavior and Victimology (JUS-212)
  • Police Function (JUS-320)
  • Criminal Law (JUS-430)
  • Criminal Procedure and Public Policy (JUS-441)

Minor in Forensic Psychology - 20 Credits

A 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 develop the skills to work with people who need assistance coping with the aftereffects of a violent crime. With a minor in forensic psychology, individuals have a competitive edge toward becoming a correctional professional or community mental health worker. This program also supports a career path in health care (hospitals), social work, homeland security or the private sector.

  • Criminal Behavior and Victimology (JUS-212)
  • Abnormal Psychology (PSY-470) 
  • Understanding Trauma (BHS-440)
  • Introduction to Forensic Psychology (PSY-310)
  • Criminal Law (JUS-430)

Minor in Human Services Case Management - 16 Credits

The minor in human services case management provides a well-rounded knowledge in understanding trauma-informed care, 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. Students learn research and report writing skills, problem-solving strategies and how to manage a client case. Other skills learned include, but are not limited to, research and report writing skills, evaluation of interventions, application of professional ethical standards, an integrated approach when working with trauma victims and strategies for termination of services.

  • Introduction to Social Work (SOC-372)
  • Report Writing, Research and Information Literacy in Behavioral Health (BHS-350)
  • Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care (BHS-470)
  • Case Management (pre-req: SOC-372) (SOC-445)

Minor in Literature - 16 Credits

The minor in literature provides students with enhanced preparation for graduate work in literature or a career in teaching literature at the post-secondary level. You will explore the British tradition from its foundational texts to modern works (including the Romantic, Victorian and Modernist Eras, American literature from its beginnings to the present, major works of drama from Ancient Greece to the 20th Century and representative plays by William Shakespeare). Areas of study include cultural context, literary techniques and concepts, narratives of cultural encounter and an understanding of themes and genres. This minor complements English, professional writing, communication and history majors.

  • Foundational Texts of British Literature (ENG-357)
  • Transatlantic Literature (ENG-359)
  • American Encounter Narratives (ENG-360)
  • Shakespeare and the History of Drama (ENG-451)

Minor in Mathematics - 20 Credits

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.

  • Calculus and Analytic Geometry (MAT-252)
  • Calculus and Analytic Geometry II (MAT-253)
  • Discrete Mathematics (MAT-215)
  • Applied Linear Algebra (MAT-345)
  • Mathematical Modeling (MAT-470)

Minor in Pre-Law - 16 Credits

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.

  • Philosophy of Law (GOV-357)
  • Civil Law (GPV-360)
  • Criminal Law (JUS-430)
  • Practice of Law (GOV-455)

Minor in Professional Writing - 16 Credits

Understand fundamental techniques for communicating complex ideas, including instructional, journalistic or scientific concepts with a minor in professional writing. Students will develop skills in writing and editing that can be applied to a broad range of careers, including public relations, journalism, creative writing and technical writing.

  • Writing for Advertising and PR (ENG-381)
  • Multi-Media Journalism in the 21st Century (ENG-365)
  • Technical Writing (ENG-466)
  • Communicating Scientific Ideas to Popular Audiences (ENG-456)

Minor in Psychology - 20 Credits

The minor in psychology introduces students to the study of human behavior as it relates to every stage of development. Students examine the roles of science and research in understanding and enhancing mental health through coursework in personality, health, culture and clinical contexts of the field. This minor prepares students to apply expertise in behavior and cognition to a wide variety of fields, ranging from education to healthcare, counseling, management, law and communications.

  • General Psychology (PSY-102)
  • Personality Psychology (PSY-255)
  • Health Psychology (PSY-352)
  • Social Psychology and Cultural Applications (PSY-362)
  • Abnormal Psychology (PSY-470)

Minor in Public Administration - 16 Credits

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 non-profit and government sectors.

  • American Government and Politics (GOV-140)
  • Public Administration (GOV-351)
  • State and Local Government (GOV-366)
  • Municipal Government and Administration (GOV-376)

Minor in Social Work - 16 Credits

Learn the skills needed to improve the welfare of individuals, families and communities within the minor in social work. This minor provides added benefit to students enrolled in programs such as nursing, psychology, Christian studies, counseling and other disciplines which involve human behavior and wellness management. Students receive a strong introduction to the techniques and practices that are vital to social work practice.

  • Introduction to Social Work (SOC-372)
  • Human Behavior and the Social Environment (SOC-386)
  • Case Management (SOC-445)
  • Direct Practice (SOC-449)

Minor in Spanish - 24 Credits

Our minor in Spanish is designed to help you develop an intermediate level of fluency in listening, speaking, reading and writing Spanish. Receive a general introduction to Spanish culture and literature, enhance cross-cultural sensibilities and benefit from new opportunities in the job market.

  • Intermediate Spanish I (SPA-214)
  • Intermediate Spanish II (SPA-224)
  • Spanish Conversation (SPA-309)
  • Spanish Composition and Grammar (SPA-310)
  • Contemporary Issues (SPA-320)
  • Introduction to Literature in Spanish (SPA-341)
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