Minors

A minor allows you to pursue interests in an area of knowledge outside of your major field of study. To pursue a minor, you must be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program and file a Curriculum Add/Drop Form to inform the Registrar's Office of your interest in the minor. We recommend that you begin your minor studies as early as possible in your academic career.

Minors offered by the Department of Social Sciences:

Columns in front of a court house

Law and Society

Interested in law? Gain a foundation in government and policy issues. The Law and Society minor allows you to choose from a wide variety of courses, including international law, political philosophy, environmental policy and politics, intellectual property law, and more.

For more information, contact Professor Susanna Peters.


Single blade of grass

Sustainability Science and Society

Explore the social and political dimensions of contemporary environmental issues. The Sustainability Science and Society minor emphasizes the environmental aspects of public policy, sociology, anthropology, history, and ecology.

For more information, contact Professor Kari Henquinet.


Wooden wheel leaning against a brick wall

Historical Studies

The Historical Studies minor blends archaeological and historical perspectives on human society. Course work in archaeology exposes students to the unwritten record and to prehistory; and course work in history provides insights into the past through the written record and the analysis of societal development.

For more information, contact Professor Laura Rouleau.


Globe of the world focused on Greece

Global Studies

Study culture, politics, history, and the environment from global and comparative perspectives. The Global Studies minor focuses on the histories and cultures of Europe and developing nations. Through course work in comparative social systems and the international dimensions of specific current issues, you will develop an indispensable skill set for examining US society and politics.

For more information, contact Professor Carl Blair.


Abstract artwork

Social and Behavioral Studies

Equip yourself to investigate the social causes and consequences of human behavior. The Social and Behavioral Studies minor focuses on the relationship among society, culture, and the individual in institutional life. The minor course work is designed to introduce students to the research, theory, and applications of social scientific knowledge, focusing on how people think, behave, and interact within cultures, societies, group structures, and organizations.

For more information, contact Professor Susanna Peters.


Bald eagle in front of the American flag

American Studies

Gain a deeper understanding of American society and current affairs through studies in history, politics, and social institutions. The American Studies minor draws upon the disciplines of history, sociology, political science, anthropology, and literature.

For more information, contact Professor Laura Rouleau.


Image of college students inspecting shoreline by lake

Global Community Development Partnerships

The Global Community Development Partnerships minor builds competencies in intercultural sensitivity, diversity, understanding communities, and a prominent sector of development work in order to partner effectively with communities on projects.  Students must complete a hands-on immersion experience that aligns with their chosen development sector.  The minor places a strong focus on working in cross-cultural and diverse communities, which directly aligns with these university learning goals: global literacy, social responsibility and ethical reasoning. The minor curriculum is designed to pair well with earning a Peace Corps Prep certificate.  Peace Corps Prep is an official university partnership with the U.S. Peace Corps for undergraduates.

For more information, contact Kari Henquinet.