Explore ideas you’re passionate about, study across disciplines, and expand your career options by completing a minor at Dean College.
Minors
Whether you’re an aspiring sports broadcaster with a love of history, a dancer with a mind for business or anywhere in between, earning a minor is a way to pursue your passions while receiving a well-rounded education. A minor lets you take courses in an additional field of study to supplement your degree without committing to the full course load required by a major. You’ll hone your critical thinking skills, gain new perspectives, and open up new possibilities for your future career.
If you are enrolled in any of Dean College bachelor’s degree programs, you may opt to complete a minor. A minor consists of 18 total credits, at least 6 credits of which must be at the 300 or 400 level. You may not earn a minor in the same discipline as your major or if you are enrolled in an associate degree program.
Dean College regularly reviews its curriculum. Additional minors may be added during the academic year. Please contact the Office of Academic Affairs for updates.
Explore the list below to learn more about available minors and specific course requirements.
Every successful venture in arts and entertainment relies on the skills and hard work of management professionals. A minor in Arts Leadership from Dean College prepares you to play an important role in this exciting field. Combining creativity with industry savvy, our courses foster your artistic vision while developing your business skills.
When you minor in Arts Leadership, you'll take courses in Arts and Entertainment Management, Business, English and Theatre:
- AMGT 111 – Introduction to Arts and Entertainment Management (3 cr)
- AMGT 112 – Theatre, Dance and Performing Arts Management (3 cr)
- AMGT 317 – Arts and Entertainment Law (3 cr)
- Three additional courses (9 cr) from the following list, at least one of which (3 cr) must be at the 300 or 400 level:
- ACCT 103 – Financial Accounting (3 cr)
- AMGT 203 – Venue and Facility Management (3 cr)
- AMGT 305 – Principles and Foundations of Not-for-profit Fundraising (3 cr)
- AMGT 405 – Leading the Organization (3 cr)
- BUS 235 – Principles of Marketing (3 cr)
- BUS 325 – Principles of Finance and Budgeting (3 cr)
- ENG 331 – Writing for the Arts (3 cr)
- THA 231 – Basic Stage Management (3 cr)
With a minor in business you’ll gain valuable insights from business faculty in the Dean School of Business (DSB), who are consultants, business executives, and entrepreneurs. In small classes, you’ll study the building blocks of a successful business, from marketing and consulting to accounting and finance. Learning centers on core business functionalities while at the same time developing your soft skills such as learning how to be a leader and solving problems, which are invaluable for any professional in today’s world.
Communications boasts some of today’s most compelling career paths. Whether you’re interested in TV and radio broadcasting, sports broadcasting, multimedia production, station management, news writing, social media writing or another aspect of the field, a minor in Communications will set you up for success.
When you minor in Communications, you will take courses like:
- COM 121 – Introduction to Communications (3 cr)
- COM 122 – Digital Audio Production I (3 cr)
- COM 123 – Digital Video Production I (3 cr)
- Three additional courses in Communications (9 cr), at least two of which (6 cr) must be at the 300 or 400 level
You may apply no more than 3 credits of COM 112, COM 115 or COM 116 – Dean Radio or Dean TV to their minor.
With a minor in Creative Writing, you'll be introduced to the techniques of writing through analysis of works by class members and established writers. You'll work in both a private and writing workshop setting.
When you minor in Creative Writing, you will take courses in English, Communications and Theatre:
- ENG 101 – As Good As Your Word (3 cr)
- Five additional courses in Creative Writing (15 cr) from the following list, at least two (6 cr) must be at the 300 or 400 level:
- ENG 220 – Creative Writing: Non-Fiction (3 cr)
- ENG 222 – Creative Writing: Fiction (3 cr)
- ENG 223 – Creative Writing: Poetry (3 cr)
- ENG 342 – Advanced Writers Workshop (3 cr) May be repeated for credit
- COM 332 – Advanced Media Writing (3 cr)
- THA 441 – Playwriting (3 cr)
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing jobs in the country and this minor adds incredible resume appeal to students in any business, technical or even healthcare field. Learn more about the Cybersecurity minor.
In the Cybersecurity minor, you’ll learn actual industry methodologies for identifying threats, stopping cyber crime and ethically hacking your own system to find weaknesses. This minor is delivered online in partnership with Rize, making it easier to fit into your schedule!
Minor in Dance to experience rigorous, well-rounded technical training with a purposeful liberal arts curriculum — ideal for those pursuing performance, choreography, teaching, studio management or other fields.
When you minor in Dance, you will take courses like:
- A minimum of three technique courses in Dance (3 cr)
- Five additional courses in Dance (15 cr), two of which (6 cr) must be at the 300 or 400 level
Note: you cannot take more than six technique classes within the 18 allotted credits and must complete a placement audition prior to enrollment in technique classes. Space must also be available in these classes as dance majors have priority registration.
Develop an in-depth awareness of and respect for multiple social categories of identity and experience through an interdisciplinary framework. A minor in Diversity and Equity Studies will focus on topics regarding social inequality, social psychology, culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and more. You’ll investigate the historical development and changing representations of multiple identities, while maintaining a lens of intersectionality as you analyze and address issues of inequity and injustice.
When you minor in Diversity and Equity Studies, you will take courses in Sociology, Psychology, English and History such as:
- SOC 255 — Social Inequality and Stratification (3 cr)
- PSY 250 — Social Psychology (3 cr)
- ENG 218 — Multiracial and Multicultural Identity (3 cr) or ENG 270 — Literature of Women Writers (3 cr)
- PSY 350 — Culture and Psychology (3 cr)
- ENG 357 — Black Literature Matters (3cr) or ENG 375 — U.S. Latino Literature
- HIS 335 — History of Gender and Sexuality (3 cr)
Great writers and critical thinkers aren’t born; they’re taught. With a minor in English, you’ll study the masterworks of British and American literature. You’ll learn the craft and artistry of writing nonfiction and fiction, and you’ll develop the essential skills of critical questioning and creative self-expression.
When you minor in English, you will take courses like:
- ENG 101 – As Good As Your Word (3 cr)
- Three 200 level ENG courses (9 cr)
- Two 300 level ENG courses (6 cr)
Explore the exciting field of eSports. Combining principles of business, management, hospitality and event planning, a minor in eSports Management will prepare you to manage eSports organizations, events and competitions. You'll focus on sports organization, administration, venue management and analytics while learning the skills to create successful digital experiences in the fast-growing industry of eSports.
With a minor in eSports Management, you’ll take courses in Sport Management and Arts and Entertainment Management:
- SMGT 223 — Introduction to eSports (3 cr)
- SMGT 203 — Sport Venue Management (3 cr)
- SMGT 305 — Organization and Administration of Sport (3 cr)
- AMGT 325 — Live Event Planning and Management (3 cr)
- SMGT 341 — Sports Analytics (3 cr)
- SMGT 317 — Sponsor Development and Digital Sports Hospitality (3 cr)
Learn how to make effective financial decisions in any career path. With a minor in Finance, you'll study core principles of finance, budgeting, taxes and accounting. You'll learn from experienced business faculty in the Dean School of Business (DSB) as you grow your understanding of the finance function in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. You'll also take an in-depth look at financial institutions and global finance trends.
With a minor in Finance, you'll take Business courses like:
- ACCT 201 — Intermediate Accounting (3 cr)
- ACCT 203 — Taxation (3 cr)
- BUS 325 — Principles of Finance and Budgeting (3 cr)
- BUS 336 — Financial Institutions (3 cr)
- BUS 385 — Advanced Principles of Finance (3 cr)
- BUS 430 — Cryptocurrency and Global Finance (3 cr)
History is more than what’s written in dusty textbooks. It’s a first-person account passed down from a 94-year-old World War II veteran, a new presidential biography based on recently discovered documents, and the ongoing process of research and analysis. With a minor in History, you will gain a broad understanding of the major forces and events of American and world history, the diversity of historical perspectives, and the research and analytical methods to make sense of it all.
When you minor in History, you will take courses like:
- Six courses in History (18 cr), at least two of which (6 cr) must be at the 300 or 400 level
Explore the profession of human services practice across a diverse range of settings and with various service populations. You will be introduced to the basic skills and duties of human service practitioners (e.g., interviewing, assessment and case management skills). Additional focus will be placed on the ethical and evidence-based delivery of services to clients and consumers in applied behavioral analysis, rehabilitation, recovery, life coaching, school and public agency settings. Explore your own interests and strengths in relation to the spectrum of practice settings presented over the course of the minor.
When you minor in Human Services, you will take courses in Sociology, Psychology, Business and Criminal Justice:
- SOC 113 – Introduction to Sociology (3 cr)
- PSY 111 – General Psychology (3 cr)
- PSY 325 – Professional Orientation to the Human Services
- Three additional courses ( 9 cr) from the following list, at least one (3 cr) must be at the 300 or 400 level:
- BUS 245 – The Diverse Workforce (3 cr)
- BUS 346 – Negotiations (3 cr)
- CRM 110 – Introduction to Criminal Justice (3 cr)
- CRM/SOC 324 – Juvenile Justice (3 cr)
- PSY 202 – Human Development: A Lifespan Perspective (3 cr)
- PSY 211 – Child Development (3 cr)
- PSY 241 – Adolescent Development (3 cr)
- PSY 250 – Social Psychology (3 cr)
- PSY 310 – Family Psychology (3 cr)
- PSY 320 – Counseling Psychology (3 cr)
- PSY 332 – Personality (3 cr)
- PSY 333 – Abnormal Psychology (3 cr)
- PSY 345 – Psychology of Extremism (3 cr)
- SOC 203 – Sociology of the Family (3 cr)
- SOC 225 – Health and Illness: A Sociological Perspective (3 cr)
- SOC 255 – Social Inequality and Stratification (3 cr)
- SOC 320 – Public and Applied Sociology (3 cr)
- SOC 345 – Drugs and Society (3 cr)
- SOC 350 – Social Movements and Collective Behaviors (3 cr)
A minor in Justice Studies is designed to familiarize you with the history, theory, practice and philosophy of the criminal justice system. The emphasis is on acquainting students with the various components of the criminal justice system (law enforcement, courts and corrections) and their roles and functions in the criminal justice system and process. Through interactive lectures, class discussion, reflective writing assignments, film clip critiques and career exploration activities, students develop a solid foundation in the discipline.
When you minor in Justice Studies, you will take courses in Criminal Justice and Sociology:
- CRM 110 – Introduction to Criminal Justice (3 cr)
- Three additional courses in Criminal Justice (9 cr)
- Two additional courses in Sociology (6 cr) at the 300 or 400 level
With a minor in Marketing you will learn sales methods, audience measurement, demographics, advertising, promotions and public relations in traditional broadcast media, new media and social media.
When you minor in Marketing, you will take courses in Business, Communications and Sociology:
- BUS 218 – Principles of Advertising (3 cr)
- BUS 235 – Principles of Marketing (3 cr)
- BUS 314 – Marketing Analytics (3 cr)
- BUS 350 – Sales and Relationship Management (3 cr)
- COM 202 – Integrated Marketing Communications (3 cr)
- SOC 355 – Consumer Culture (3 cr)
Neuroscientists focus on the brain and its impact on behavior and cognitive functions. Not only is neuroscience concerned with the normal functioning of the nervous system, but also with what happens to the nervous system when people have neurological, psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. The field of neuroscience is an interdisciplinary field, drawing on biology, psychology, chemistry, and other disciplines. With a minor in Neuroscience, you will study this growing and exciting field and gain comprehensive knowledge of brain function and the nervous system from the cellular to the holistic level.
When you minor in Neuroscience, you will take courses like:
- PSY 111 — General Psychology (3 cr)
- PSY 201 — Abnormal Psychology (3 cr)
- PSY 334 — Biopsychology (3 cr)
- PSY 340 — Cognitive Psychology (3 cr)
- NEUR 310 — Neuroscience Foundations
- NEUR 320 — Biological Basis of Perception and Movement (3 cr)
A minor in Pre-Law is designed to prepare you with the core skills needed for success in law school, the job market and beyond. Upon completion of the Pre-Law minor, you will have gained the skills necessary to pursue a legal education.
When you minor Pre-Law, you will take courses in Criminal Justice, History, Sociology, Psychology, Communications, Business, Arts and Entertainment Management and Sport Management:
- CRM 231 – Courts and Criminal Procedure (3 cr)
- POL 211 – American Government (3 cr)
- HIS 112 – U.S. History – 1865 to Present (3 cr)
- Choose one of the following:
- CRM/SOC 205 – Criminology: Theories of Crime (3 cr)
- CRM 221 – Criminal Law (3 cr)
- HIS 111 – U.S. History to 1865 (3cr)
- PHL 115 – Ethics (3 cr)
- POL 215 – Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (3 cr)
- SOC 113 – Introduction to Sociology (3 cr)
- SPC 111 – Public Speaking (3 cr)
- Choose two of the following Upper-Division Law Courses:
- AMGT 317 – Arts and Entertainment Law (3 cr)
- BUS 346 – Negotiations (3 cr)
- SMGT 405 – Sport Law (3 cr)
- COM 417 – Media Law and Ethics (3 cr)
With a Project Management minor, you will apply advanced principles to effectively conceptualize, strategize, execute, and conclude a project. You will also learn how to evaluate intricate project issues, employing advanced problem-solving skills to create innovative solutions and adapt to evolving project dynamics.
When you minor in Project Management, you will take the following business courses:
- BUS 123 — Foundations of Business (3 cr)
- BUS 230 — Principles of Management (3 cr)
- BUS 237 — Introduction to Project Management (3 cr)
- BUS 327 — Project Planning (3 cr)
- BUS 347 — Project Execution, Monitoring & Control Implementation & Closure (3 cr)
- BUS 447 — Advanced Project Management (3 cr)
Why do people behave the way they do? What leads to personality disorders? How can human behaviors be changed? These are just a few of the questions you’ll explore with a minor in Psychology at Dean College. You will learn how to understand and analyze problems, family relationships, workplace and institutional dynamics, and social trends that influence individual behavior.
When you minor in Psychology, you will take courses like:
- PSY 111 – General Psychology (3 cr)
- Five additional courses in Psychology (15 cr), two of which (6 cr) must be at the 300 or 400 level
The Public Health minor takes a holistic approach to health, exploring important variables at the individual, community, national and international levels. You will learn to assess health needs, develop interventions, and advocate for policies that promote health, equity and social justice.
When you minor in Public Heath, you will take courses in Sociology, Public Health and Biology like:
- PBHL 121 — History of Public Health (3 cr)
- SOC 225 — Health and Illness: A Sociological Perspective (3 cr)
- BIO 151 — General Biology – The Cell (4 cr)
- BIO 171 — Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 cr)
- PBHL 340 — Epidemiology (3 cr)
- PBHL 415 — Public Health Studies I (3 cr)
Sociologists attempt to answer some of the toughest questions facing society. Why do people commit crime? Why is there growing income equality between the rich and poor? Are we giving too much power to technology? A minor in Sociology from Dean College will equip you with the theoretical framework and research methods to answer these questions and more.
When you minor in Sociology, you will take courses like:
- SOC 113 – Introduction to Sociology (3 cr)
- Five additional courses in Sociology (15 cr), two of which (6 cr) must be at the 300 or 400 level
Theatre has the power to build bridges and open hearts. And with a minor in Theatre from Dean College, you’ll have the hands-on experience and educational foundation to build a dynamic career in any aspect of the theatre world. From singing and acting to stage management and set design, the Theatre program at Dean College has it all.
When you minor in Theatre, you will take courses like:
- THA 101 – Introduction to Theatre I: The Curtain Rises ( 2 cr)
- THA 113 – Basic Performance I (2 cr)
- THA 131 – Production and Design I: Stagecraft (2 cr)
- Twelve credits in additional courses in Theatre from the Following list, at least two (6 cr) must be at the 300 or 400 level:
- THA 114 – Basic Performance II (2 cr)
- THA 132 – Production and Deign II: Lighting (2 cr)
- THA 235 – Acting I: The Fundamentals of Truth (2 cr)
- THA 331 – Production and Design III: Costume and Make-up for the Stage (2 cr)
- THA 231 – Basic Stage Management (3 cr)
- THA 341 – Theatre History and Literature II: Shakespeare to Ibsen (3 cr)
- THA 342 – Theatre History and Literature III: Modern and Contemporary Drama (3 cr)
- THA 361 – Musical Theatre Performance I: Fundamentals of Acting in Musical Theatre (2 cr)