Undergraduate Minors at the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

Built through a partnership by the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences and the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science, this minor gives students a interdisciplinary introduction to data visualization as a tool for communicating ideas, decisions, problems, and stories.

Students will learn to parse and visualize data using industry-standard tools, to use the basics of graphic design, to apply programming for creating visuals, and to consider the implications of data on society and culture.

Minor Coordinator: Professor Jeff Thompson

A film studies minor provides students with a creative outlet to explore cinema, fostering critical thinking and visual literacy. Through a curated selection of courses spanning film history, theory and practical skills, students gain an understanding of storytelling, culture, and the evolving intersection of technology and the arts.

Minor Coordinator: Professor Anthony Pennino

A gender studies minor challenges students to examine societal norms, fostering an understanding of the intersections of gender, race, and culture. Through courses spanning history, literature, philosophy and sociology, students gain insights into the dynamics of power, identity and social justice, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to inclusive and equitable dialogues.

Minor Coordinator: Professor Amber Benezra

Through a minor in history, students explore the tapestry of human experiences, developing an understanding of societal developments, cultural shifts and the evolution of ideas. A range of courses spanning different periods, regions and themes promote an appreciation for the complexities of the past and its relevance to the present.

Minor Coordinator: Professor Michael Steinmann

A literature minor invites students to explore the human experience through a narrative lens, nurturing critical thinking and empathy. By considering the intricacies of language, plot and cultural expression, students develop perspectives that enhance their communication skills and deepen their appreciation for the complexities of the human condition.

Minor Coordinator: Professor Anthony Pennino

A medical humanities minor instills an understanding of healthcare through the social sciences, preparing students for compassionate and informed engagement in the field. The interdisciplinary curriculum explores health, society and ethics, ensuring a well-rounded perspective and enhancing students' readiness for professions related to healthcare.

Minor Coordinator: Professor Theresa MacPhail

Earning a music and technology minor equips students with a skill set at the intersection of creativity and innovation. Offering a curriculum that combines music theory, electronic composition and sound recording, this minor prepares students for roles in the evolving landscape of music and audio production.

Minor Coordinator: Professor Lainie Fefferman

The philosophy minor invites students to augment their degree with strong foundations in critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and intellectual history. By completing a philosophy minor, students demonstrate their strong communication skills and capacity for reflective thought.

Minor Coordinator: Professor Michael Steinmann

The pre-law and public policy minor is designed for students who are passionate about history, civic responsibility, and the law. Many students who plan to attend law school after their undergraduate degree may benefit from completing this minor, which is scaffolded to include a bedrock understanding of constitutional and democratic principles as well as a broad-ranging exploration of contemporary legal issues in philosophical, ethical and cultural perspective.

Minor Coordinator: Professor Joyce Mullan

The QSS minor allows students who love to work with data and are also fascinated by contemporary social questions to bring those two interests together. To complete this major, students take courses in the cutting-edge Quantitative Social Science program, where they can learn about the quantitative methods many social science researchers use to learn about social behavior today.

Minor Coordinator: Professor Lindsey Cormack

Grounded in dynamic coursework and headed by the Director of Center for Science Writing, the science communication minor provides students with the opportunity to develop high-level skills in explaining cutting-edge scientific and technological principles, problems and news to leadership and the general public.

Minor Coordinator: Professor John Horgan

The social science minor encourages students to explore the methodologies of today's researchers in psychology, sociology and political science. Students can choose from a range of exciting HASS courses that examine modern social problems and questions using both quantitative and qualitative approaches.

Minor Coordinator: Professor Yu Tao

Students who love to apply critical analysis to historical developments in science and technology can demonstrate their unique abilities by completing a minor in STS. To do so, they can choose from a wide array of courses spanning multiple disciplines.

Minor Coordinator: Professor Samantha Muka

Explore the three pillars of sustainability—people, planet and prosperity—through an interdisciplinary curriculum designed by the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science, the School of Business and the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.

Students pursuing a minor in sustainability will develop expertise in environmental science, policy-making, and the management of natural resources. They will enhance their analytical and problem-solving skills to address the multifaceted issues of ecological responsibility.

Through interdisciplinary collaboration, students will devise creative strategies for advancing ecological sustainability.

Minor Coordinator: Prof. Dibs Sarkar, School of Engineering and Science