School of Arts and Sciences Minors

African-American Studies 18 credits

Department of Humanities

Students of all majors will benefit from gaining insights into the African-American experience in this interdisciplinary minor that explores topics ranging from media, race, and gender to African-American history.

Biology 19 credits

Department of Physical and Biological Sciences

Students majoring in psychology, chemistry, environmental science, or criminal justice can enhance their studies with the addition of a biology minor. You’ll study plants, animals, and their interactions.

Chemistry 20 credits

Department of Physical and Biological Sciences

Chemistry impacts many professions. A minor in chemistry provides an opportunity for students to investigate more fully the relationships between chemistry and disciplines such as biology, criminal justice, environmental science, and psychology.

Communication 18 credits

Department of Communication

Students in every major will find the communication minor beneficial in learning how to write clearly, speak well, handle electronic media, and make professional presentations.

Computer Science 20 credits

Department of Computer Science and Information Technology

From medicine to education, virtually every profession requires computer competency. Make yourself a real asset to future employers with a deeper understanding of the technology behind your desktop computer.

Criminal Justice 18 credits

Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology

Crime affects business, the environment, our families, and personal lives. Why not gain a better understanding of the criminal justice system through courses such as Criminology and Criminal Procedure. Even if you do not plan to work in the criminal justice system, think of the opportunities to apply what you learn in business, security, or social services.

Economics 18 credits

Department of Economics

Economics is the study of the production and distribution of wealth—something that affects every facet of our society. Regardless of your major or career plans, a knowledge of how the American and world economies work will be valuable and useful.

Education 18 credits

Department of Education

Many people spend their early careers in business and later share what they know as teachers. If you think you would one day want to enter this rewarding field, an education minor is an excellent addition to your resume.

English 18 credits

Department of English

The study of literature can help you develop your ability to think critically and express your ideas as well as provide the stimulation and enjoyment of reading many wonderful works. This minor is an ideal complement to majors ranging from marketing communication/advertising to history and government.

Fine Arts 18 credits

Department of Humanities

The arts can enrich your life regardless of the career you choose to pursue. The fine arts minor offers you a way to express your creativity and gain an appreciation for a variety of art forms.

History 18 credits

Department of History and Political Science

How can you know where you’re going if you don’t understand where you’ve been? The fascinating study of history helps us to put the present into perspective. From business to sociology majors, history offers a perfect complement to many majors.

International Studies 21 credits

Department of History and Political Science

The United States and U.S. companies are affected in so many ways by events beyond our borders, even events in the farthest places. This minor will help students better understand what some people call the "global village" and our place in it.

Latin American Studies 18 credits

Department of History and Political Science

From literature to history, this minor will take you into the rich cultural tapestry of Latin America. Upon the approval of the dean, certain language requirements may be waived for students with a demonstrated proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese.

Mathematics 18-20 credits

Department of Mathematics

An ideal complement to a major in computer science, economics, or any field in the School of Business, this minor will give you a solid mathematical foundation for jobs that use mathematical tools.

Media 18 credits

Department of Communication

The minor in media will prepare students for working with radio, television, production companies, and other electronic media. Students learn to develop news stories from start to finish through hands-on training in fact gathering, interviewing, writing, editing, filming, and on-air speaking.

Philosophy 18 credits

Department of Humanities

Students with a minor in philosophy might study such topics as how we distinguish between reasonable and unreasonable beliefs, moral right and wrong, and justice and injustice, as well as explore Eastern and Western religions. They can also sharpen their reasoning, reading, and writing skills.

Political Science 18 credits

Department of History and Political Science

Globalization makes it increasingly difficult to separate business, education, and social issues from the influences of national and international governments. This minor is ideal for students majoring in business, history, economics, or communication.

Psychology 18 credits

Department of Psychology

Why do people do what they do? Studying psychology can help us understand other people and even ourselves. Understanding human behavior can benefit you in almost any career.

Public Administration 18 credits

Department of History and Political Science

If you are considering a career working for a nonprofit organization or the government, the public administration minor is an ideal choice. Choose courses ranging from Constitutional Law to Urban Economics.

Quantitative Economics 18 credits

Department of Economics

Quantitative economics is an ideal complement for a math, computer science, or Engineering major as well as for any Business student who has calculus.  Mathematical and statistical skills are at a premium in the worlds of business, government or the non-profit sector and the Economics substance of this minor will focus on issues that affect all of our lives.

Social Work 18 credits

Department of Social Work

Considering a career in human resources management, teaching, law, or social services? In this minor, you’ll gain an understanding of the relationships between people and their social environment and acquire skills that will enable you to help others.

Sociology 21 credits

Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology

The study of sociology promotes an understanding of how society affects and influences our lives. The sociology minor will complement a variety of majors from general business to economics.

Spanish 18 credits

Department of Humanities

The ability to converse in Spanish will benefit students entering business, education, or social services. The Spanish minor also offers courses specifically for criminal justice and social work majors.

Theatre Minor 18 Credits

Department of Humanities

The Theatre Minor is perfect for the student who loved theatre in high school as an actor, designer, or Techie. This Minor is also great for the student who wants to pursue Theatre for fun or professionally after graduation. Some theatre courses include Acting I and II, Improvisational Comedy I and II, Directing I and II, and Theatre Appreciation. Participating in the schools drama club or Improv troupe can count towards your Minor. There are independent studies available for those students who want to pursue more specialized disciplines or just need help getting into the professional acting world.

Women’s Studies 18 credits

Department of Social Work

An interdisciplinary minor, women’s studies explores the role of women in society, women’s strengths, and issues that impact women’s lives. This not-for-women-only program will enrich the studies of students in any major.

Certificates

Western New England College offers several credit and non-credit certificate programs.

Certificate: Communication
Certificate: Computer Studies