Minors

Minor Offerings

A

Addictions & Mental Health Treatment

Addictions & Mental Health Treatment is one of the most versatile degrees found at the college or university level. It was established to provide a core of expertise for those individuals seeking administrative, counseling and case management positions in the fields of addiction and mental health treatment. This program is also offered as an undergraduate major, as an Adult Education major and as an online major.
 

21 credits

• AMH 201
• AMH 202
• AMH 204
• AMH 303
• AMH 310
• Two AMH electives

Art

Alvernia offers a minor in art that provides students with the foundation needed to perceive and uniquely express their knowledge about the world. The study of art prepares students for independent critical thinking and provides inspiration for personal creativity. Basic skills acquired relate to all areas of curriculum and professional endeavors, and a minor in art may be well suited to students majoring in communication, education, general studies, history, marketing, occupational therapy, or psychology. Courses in digital art have been added to the program.

The following categories are required for the art minor. Students must have one from each foundational skill set, plus 6 credits of art electives. Prerequisites may be required for 200 level course or higher.
 

21 credits

• Drawing: ART 101, ART 115, ART 124, ART 201
• Color Theory: ART 103, ART 208, ART 308, ART 340
• 3-Dimensional Design: ART 106, ART 251
• Digital Design: ART 130, ART 222, ART 230, ART 235, ART 281, ART 319
• Art History: ART 215, ART 217
• Art Electives: 6 credits

B

Biology

The biology program aims to develop, in students, an appreciation for and knowledge of the fundamental principles of biology necessary to prepare them for professional schools, such as medical, dental, and pharmaceutical science; medical laboratory science; graduate study and research; and those techniques used in teaching biological science at the secondary school level. This program is also offered as an undergraduate major.
 

17 credits

• Eight credits at the 100 level (either BIO 103 and 104 or BIO 107/117 and 108/118)
• At least three credits at the 200 level
• At least six credits at the 300/400 level

Business

The Business Department at Alvernia embraces the Catholic, Franciscan tradition. Therefore, Alvernia's business programs examine the contemporary business world from both practical and ethical standpoints. Alvernia's Business Department is committed to providing quality opportunities for students to obtain the necessary knowledge, skills, and advisement to become productive members of the business community. Students who major in another discipline may minor in business by earning 21 credits. Learn more about Alvernia's Header School of Business.
 

21 credits

• BUS 101
• BUS 200
• BUS 206
• BUS 207
• BUS 342
• BUS 410
• ECON 248 or 249

C

Chemistry

Programs of specialization in chemistry provide opportunities and guided experiences through which students may be introduced to the basic knowledge and skills essential to pursue careers in industrial and governmental research, medical technology, teaching in secondary schools, professional careers, and attending graduate school in the various areas of chemistry. This program is also offered as an undergraduate major.
 

18-20 credits

• CHE 104/110
• CHE 107
• CHE 201/210
• CHE 202
• 2 courses in CHE 212, 401, 403 or 404. Determination is made with assistance of the academic advisor.

Communication

The Alvernia University communication program includes a broad spectrum of courses encompassing podcasting, video production, professional speech, cinema studies, plus technical and creative writing for content creation and media applications. Students majoring in other fields may wish to consider a communication minor attained by completing 18 credits in communication. This program is also offered as a major.
 

18 credits

Choose from:

• COM 103 or COM 223
• COM 122
• COM 131
• COM 140
• COM 260
• COM 420
• COM 470
• COM 481

Community & Environmental Sustainability

The minor in community and environmental sustainability is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with experiences to enrich their education with knowledge and skills to address society's most pressing issues.
 

17 credits

• BIO 230
• BIO 203
• CES 330
• Electives: 9 credits from the following 3 areas:
  • Science-Environmental: BIO 104, 205, 320; PHY 103
  • Socio-Cultural: COM 131, 422; LIT 106, 207; HCS 420; PHI 250; SW 302; THE 210;
  • Business-Economics: BUS 100, BUS 324.

Community Engagement

The minor in Community Engagement is an interdisciplinary academic program designed to increase students’ understanding of their ability to create positive change in their community and to address serious community issues through the development and implementation of short- and long-term impactful civic projects. Students learn theoretical and moral considerations that underpin community engagement and voluntary service.
 

18 credits

• Required: PHI 207, SOC 212, completion of any designated service-learning course (at least 3 credits), and CE 300
• 6 credits selected from: BIO 230, POS 111, PSY 350, SSC 111, SW 201, SW 231, SW 301, SW 303, SW 304, SW 347, SOC 111, SOC 401, and THE 255 (Not more than 3 credits may come from a 100 level course.)

Computer Science

The Computer Science program offers a major for students who are interested in cyber security, data science, and software engineering. Programs of specialization in computer science provides opportunities and guided experiences through which the student will be introduced to the knowledge and skills essential to pursue careers in industrial, governmental, and professional fields, and attend graduate school in various areas of computer science. This program is also offered as an undergraduate major.

21 credits

• CS 115
• CS 155
• CS 210
• CS 220
• CS 310
• CS 320
• CS 400

Criminal Justice Administration

The Criminal Justice Department is dedicated to providing the theoretical, practical and professional knowledge needed in today’s environment to be successful in the fields of law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, private security and related careers. Emphasis is placed on preparing the student to enter the professional workplace or continue studies in graduate school. The curriculum is designed to provide students with expert instruction on the most current trends, policies and practices in the discipline. This major provides the variety offered in course selection to encourage each individual to build a personal program for the future with the assistance of an advisor. The program is also offered as an undergraduate major, as an Adult Education major, and as an online major.

18 credits

• CJ 101
• CJ 102
• CJ 217
• CJ 379
• Two CJ elective courses (6 credits)

Cybersecurity

The Computer Science program offers a minor for students who are interested in cybersecurity, the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks.

21 credits

• CS 115
• CS 155
• CYB 110
• CYB 210
• Any 3 courses (not required by major) from CS at 200 level or above or CYB at 300 level or above

D

Data Science

The Computer Science program offers a minor for students who are interested in data science, the study of data to extract meaningful insights for business.

21 credits

• CS 115
• CS 155
• DS 110
• DS 210
• MAT 209
• Any 2 courses (not required by major) from CS at 200 level or above or DS at 300 level or above

Digital Media Marketing

The digital media marketing minor is a flexible interdisciplinary minor that features course selections from Communication, Art, and Business. Digital media marketing encompasses technology, information, culture, and the multiple ways in which they interact. All students should understand social media and work to master digital skills, which makes this minor desirable for nearly any student. The program is also offered as an undergraduate major and an online major.

21 credits

• ART 103
• ART 222
• ART 251
• BUS 206
• BUS 207
• COM 260
• COM 342

E

Economics

With a minor in economics, students will be in demand in both the private and public sectors. A course of study in economics will provide students with an understanding of economics and train students to engage in critical thinking by studying behaviors of firms, workers, resource distribution, and the performance of exchange systems. Knowledge of economics is important to creating an informed public, and a minor in economics will equip students to engage society in an informed manner. This program is also offered as an undergraduate major.

18 credits

• ECON 248
• ECON 249
• ECON 348
• ECON 349
• 6 credits of electives; 3 of which may be applied from BUS 

Entrepreneurship

With a minor in entrepreneurship, students will learn how to develop and launch their own business. A course of study in entrepreneurship will provide students with an understanding of the basic functions of a business organization, the creative and innovation processes behind a business idea, the theory and practice of evaluating entrepreneurial opportunities, and how to obtain funding for an entrepreneurship. In the two capstone courses, students will learn how to launch and sustain their entrepreneurial endeavor.

18 credits

• BUS 213
• BUS 214
• BUS 333
• BUS 334
• BUS 415
• BUS 416

Environmental Science

Maintaining a habitable planet Earth is essential for our survival. Alvernia’s Environmental Science program provides students with an interdisciplinary foundation in the natural sciences to understand current environmental challenges and their potential solutions. This program is also offered as an undergraduate major.

18 credits

• BIO 103
• BIO 440
• CHE 104/110
• CHE 430
• One course from BIO 221, BIO 320, CHE 212 or CHE 221

F

Forensic Science

Defined as science that is used for purposes of the law, forensic science is an exciting and fascinating field for students who have a strong interest in chemistry and biology. Forensic scientists work closely with investigators, attorneys and others to discover, analyze and deliver evidence during criminal investigations. This program is also offered as an undergraduate major.

 

19-20 credits

• CHE 104/110
• 230
• 405
• BIO 103
• One course from CHE 212, CHE 221, CHE 315, CHE 325, BIO 303/309 or BIO 304/311

G

General Science

Alvernia’s General Science minor offers students insight into the intellectual and philosophical natures of science, and helps them develop the ability to select, adopt, evaluate and employ strategies and materials. Students will acquire a broad background in the sciences, enabling them to develop skills that relate to a variety of topics, ideas and experiences. The curriculum includes biology, chemistry and physics, teaching how science intersects with society. This program is also offered as an undergraduate major.

18-20 credits

• Two courses from Biology (BIO 103, 104, 115 & 116, 203)
• Two courses from Chemistry (CHE 102, 104 & 110, 105 & 111)
• One course from Physics (PHY 103, 110, 111)

Gerontology

A gerontology minor is offered to help students meet the rapidly expanding job market in the field of geriatrics. A minor in gerontology offers one-to-one involvement with older adults, class experience in a variety of geriatric settings, and the theory necessary to work effectively with this population.

18 credits

• SW 201
• SW 203
• SW 209
• SW 211
• SW 305
• SW 316

H

Health Communication

The Health Communication minor includes a curriculum of theory, research, and application, focusing on health issues in the interpersonal, organizational, public, and mass-mediated contexts. The study of health communication can contribute to health promotion in areas such as health campaigns, health professional-patient communication, health information, public health, health journalism. This minor is designed to be a program for students from a wide variety of majors who may seek careers in health and/or communication fields.

21 credits

• COM 236
• One course of each group:
  • COM 103 or 223
  • COM 213 or 234
  • COM 220, 240 or 340
• Nine credits from the following: AMH 204, AMH 305, AT 445, BIO 200, COM 481 (in a health/medical communication field), DPT 505, HCS 305, HCS 330, NUR 312, NUR 412, OT 429, OT 513, PHI 206, PHI 207, PSY 215, PSY 330, SPA 108, SW 231, SW 322, THE 210

History

The minor in history is designed to give students a chance to develop their talent and interest in historical study within a flexible schedule of courses. This program is also offered as an undergraduate major.

18 credits

• Students may select any six 3-credit history courses to earn this minor.

L

Literature

The focus of the Literature program is the study and appreciation of written, oral, and visual literature. Students majoring in other fields may wish to consider a Literature minor. This program is also offered as an undergraduate major.

18 credits

• Students may select 18 credits from literature courses to earn this minor. The choices must include LIT 340 and one course in the Textual Perspectives sequence.

M

Mathematics

The mathematics program is designed to provide students with sufficient background into mathematical theory and practice so they may pursue graduate work, research, and various types of work in industry. This program is also offered as an undergraduate major.

17-18 credits

• MATH 230
• MATH 231
• Three from: 
  • MATH 204 or MATH 250
  • MATH 209
  • MATH 210
  • MATH 232
  • MATH 240
  • MATH 345

Music

Music offerings seek to serve students by presenting the basics of music and the relationship of music to other areas of human endeavor. Skills courses seek to develop the student as a performer to foster self-expression and enjoyment of the art of music. Performance groups include chorus and ensembles. 

18 credits

• MUS 135
• MUS 235
• MUS 051 (repeated)
• MUS 010 or 020 (repeated)
• Six credits in other music courses

P

Physics

The minor in physics allows students to gain a basic understanding of the physical principles in the world around us.

17 credits

• PHY 200
• PHY 201
• 3 additional PHY courses above the 100 level.

Philosophy

The abilities students develop in Alvernia's Philosophy program set them apart and make them valuable to employers. In addition, exploring and wrestling with questions that have occupied humankind since its beginning are rewarding endeavors. This program is also offered as an undergraduate major.

 

18 credits

• Students may select any six 3-credit philosophy courses to earn this minor.

Political Science

As our world becomes increasingly complex, understanding politics is crucial for being informed and involved citizens. Adding a political science minor to a course of study gives students an understanding of the contemporary world and of important policy issues. This program is also offered as an undergraduate major.

18 credits

• Students can achieve a minor in political science through a flexible course of study that requires 18 total hours. A maximum of 6 hours may be attained through an internship experience.

Pre-Law

The pre-law minor provides the critical reading, thinking, and discussion skills necessary for success on the LSATs and in law school while exposing students to ideas and subjects related to law such as public policy and contemporary social issues. Through their minor pre-law students will engage in conversations about American democracy, the nature of justice, and the rule of law in society and explore legal and ethical issues in fields such as business, criminal justice, communications, and more. In meeting requirements for their major, students with pre-law minors are encouraged to undertake an internship related to the field of law. Alvernia’s pre-law faculty advisors have varied academic and professional backgrounds enabling them to help students interested in pursuing a career in law, regardless of the student’s academic major. Pre-Law is also offered as a pre-professional program.

18 credits

• PHI 220
• PHI 230
• POS 331
• LIT 200 level or above
• POS 101 or POS 111
• 3 credits in electives outside of the student’s major from:
  • CJ 201
  • CJ 207
  • BUS 342
  • BUS 420
  • HIS 303
  • HIS 308
  • HIS 322
  • HIS 337
  • HIS 353
  • HIS 364
  • HIS 426
  • COM 420
  • PSY 303
  • PSY 306
  • PHI 332
  • PHI 351
  • PHI 352
  • PHI 353
  • PHI 354
  • PHI 420
  • PHI 440
  • POS 212
  • POS 424
  • CE 300

Psychology

Psychology prepares students for careers in virtually any industry. It also prepares them for life by teaching important skills like communication and critical thinking. This program is also offered as an undergraduate major, as an Adult Education program and as an online program.

18 credits

• PSY 101
• 208
• 270
• Three electives (at least 6 credits at 300/400)

S

Sociology

Sociology is the study of social life and social causes and consequences of human behavior. Provides insight into how the individual shapes and is shaped by groups such as family, community, occupation, and other associative situations. The sociology program provides an understanding of society in terms of its organization, institutions, social processes, and social relationships.

18 credits

Students may select 18 credits from the following courses to earn this minor.

• SOC 111
• SOC 209
• SOC 210
• SOC 212
• SOC 214
• SOC 306
• SOC 310
• SOC 401
• SOC 411

Spanish

World languages courses are designed to enable students to acquire a functional competence of French, German, Italian, Latin and Spanish. Since the acquisition of a foreign language is closely linked with the culture of a given country, the instructors offer opportunities for students to appreciate, experience and learn to respect cultural differences through classroom discussions and/or presentation of a variety of material.

18 credits 

• Students may select 18 credits from Spanish courses to earn this minor, with the exceptions of SPA 101, SPA 107 and SPA 115.

Sports Media

The Sports Media minor curriculum explores the role and impact of sports media in society and teaches students to write, report, and develop multimedia sports packages. Experiential learning will be emphasized via print, digital, and social media for events on campus. Students will learn the methods and techniques for sharing information about athletics, sports, and recreation in a variety of formats, media and contexts.

21 credits

• Required: COM 103, COM 131, COM 232 (repeatable), COM 251
• Elective Coursework (choose 9 to 11 credits from the following): BUS 207, BUS 309, COM 132 (repeatable), COM 220, COM 240, COM 260, COM 330, COM 332, COM 340, COM 342, COM 346, COM 352, COM 362, COM 420; SM 201, SM 210, SM 310, SM 325

T

Theatre

Alvernia provides many opportunities for students to participate in theatre and dance. Students can major in theatre or minor in the program. Students from any major can participate in the university’s production program, which presents major works (Shakespeare, Chekhov, Sophocles, and world premieres of new plays). Beyond producing major plays, the theatre program has supported numerous student-initiated projects.

18 credits

• THR 150
• THR 155
• THR 255 or 350
• THR 355 or 404
• Six credits from COM 250, 351; LIT 213, 303

Theology

A minor in theology provides students with greater knowledge of religious questions. The program is also offered as an undergraduate major.

18 credits

• Students may select 18 credits from Theology courses to earn this minor.

W

Women’s & Gender Studies

Alvernia offers an interdisciplinary minor in women’s and gender studies that will expose students to the historical, economic, social, psychological, and political factors that have shaped traditional gender roles, contemporary issues of gender and sexuality, and historical struggles and achievements of women. As a discipline that addresses how gender intersects with categories such as sex, race, class, ethnicity, and nationality to shape identities and communities, WGS is committed to the ideals of inclusivity and diversity and shares in the Franciscan tradition of working toward social justice. By developing students’ awareness of diversity, equality, and justice, this program participates in Alvernia’s mission to provide students an intellectual breadth and an ethical foundation for their life-long personal and professional growth.

18 credits

• PHI 250.
• 9-15 credits from: HIS 230, PSY 308, ENG 216, ENG 253, COM 237, SOC 411, CJ 217, THE 300, POS 231, SW 231, PHI 205 (when Care Ethics), Special Topics (identified by the instructor and approved by the WGS coordinator as specifically pertaining to the field of women and gender studies)
• No more than 6 credits from: COM 238, CJ 285, CJ 411, ENG 202, MUS 222, MUS 322, NUR 312, PHI 420, PSY 215, PSY 220, SSC 321, SW 202, SW 203, WGS-Cognates.*

*Cognates are identified by the student, the WGS Coordinator and the course instructor. A contract is created to add a significant gender component to the general class requirement. These may include, but are not limited to, readings, guided research on a topical paper, service project or an honors thesis. The contract should be approved by the WGS Coordinator prior to the beginning of the course. Only one cognate course may count toward the minor.