Ball State has several minors that are available 100% online. If you enroll in the bachelor of general studies (BGS), you will be required to have two minors. To add a minor or for more information contact your student success specialist.

The minor in accounting provides foundational knowledge of accountancy in conjunction with your major in business. The required courses will help you build a foundation of accounting knowledge, provide you with the skills you need to use popular accounting software programs, and offer you the flexibility to choose elective courses relevant to your career goals.  

This minor is only available to Miller College of Business majors.

Required courses (9 credits)

  • ACC 260 Accounting Application for Small Business (3) 
  • ACC 301 Financial Accounting & Reporting I (3)
  • ACC 401 Federal Taxation of Individuals and Businesses (3) 

Complete 2 courses from optional electives (6 credits)

  • ACC 302 Financial Accounting & Reporting II (3)
  • ACC 305 Accounting Systems & Analytics (3)
  • ACC 306 Managerial Accounting (3)
  • ACC 410 Tax Planning for Businesses and Entities (3)
  • ACC 420 Selected Topics in Accounting (3)
  • ACC 430 Government and Nonprofit Accounting (3)

Minoring in African American Studies can make you a more informed citizen. Not only will you learn about the historical and modern contributions of African Americans to American life, culture, and politics, you will also be instilled with critical thinking skills, intellectual dexterity, and cultural competencies that will be valuable throughout life. Throughout your courses, you’ll explore how race, power, and resistance have shaped American society.

African American Studies is dedicated and committed to engaging with students outside of the classroom as well. We frequently host guest speakers, including iconic activist and scholar Angela Davis, and award-winning poets Mahogany L. Browne, Hanif Abdurraqib, and Tyehimba Jess. 

Required Courses (9 credits)

  • AFAM 100 Introduction to African American Studies
  • AFAM 200 African American Studies Theory and Methods
  • AFAM 400 African American Studies Capstone

Electives (6 credits)

Choose two of the following courses:

  • ARCH 407 Fourth World Theory
  • CJC 211 Race, Gender, and Crime
  • ENG 215 Introduction to African American Literature
  • HIST 210 Introduction to Black History
  • HIST 407 American Civil War and Reconstruction, 1848-1877
  • HIST 416 Pre-Civil War South, 1776-1861
  • SOC 221 Introduction to Race and Ethnic Relations
  • TCOM 363 Film Genres

American Sign Language (ASL), which is a visual language of the Deaf community in the United States, and several ASL-influenced countries. ASL is a complete and complex language that includes signing, facial expressions, body movements, grammar-syntax, morphology, structure, and an extensive and evolving vocabularies.

Consider a minor related to your profession that focuses on working with Deaf individuals. This minor emphasizes the language and culture of those who use ASL as their primary and native language. An ASL minor offers opportunities to communicate conversationally in ASL and/or work with Deaf persons in their professions.

Note: This minor does not lead to an endorsement for teaching ASL, nor does it provide qualification in ASL interpreting, Deaf Education or other related fields.

Courses You Will Take

  • SNLN 251 American Sign Language 1 (3 credits)
  • SNLN 252 American Sign Language 2 (3 credits)
  • SNLN 253 American Sign Language 3 (3 credits)
  • SNLN 254 American Sign Language 4 (3 credits)
  • SNLN 255 American Sign Language 5 (3 credits)
  • SNLN 256 American Sign Language 6 (3 credits)
  • SNLN 300 Structure of American Sign Language (3 credits)

Applied behavior analysis is a scientific-based approach used to modify the behavior of children with autism spectrum disorder, behavior disorders, or cognitive disabilities. ABA can also be used with adults. It is the only treatment that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use with individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Applied Behavior Analysis also involves understanding behavior and using this knowledge to change or maintain desired behaviors. For example, ABA can be used to:

  • Increase positive behaviors, such as attending to a speaker or greeting a peer
  • Correct oral motor problems
  • Teach an individual a new skill, including using a spoon, letter sounds, or riding a bus independently 
  • Reduce or eliminate interfering or challenging behaviors in a variety of settings 

This online minor is another option if you become a bachelor of general studies student as you will be required to take two minors. Many who are interested in this minor, also have interest in our autism spectrum disorders minor. The ABA minor would also pairs well with psychology of human development, criminal justice, or sociology.

Prepares You for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam (BCaBA)

ABAI Logo

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified the course sequence as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Assistant Behavior Analyst Examination (BCaBA).

Our curriculum for this minor is verified to meet the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) course content standards to prepare you to sit for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) exam. To become a BCaBA, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree, complete ABA course work with a grade of C or better, fulfill supervised fieldwork hours, apply to take the BCaBA exam, and pass the BCaBA exam.

This minor will also provide you with:

  • The ability to develop, implement, and monitor behavioral programs to treat various kinds of behavior issues (e.g., excessive interfering behavior, skill deficits) within a variety of settings such as schools, treatment centers, and work settings
  • The ability to conduct effective functional behavioral assessments and analyses in a variety of applied settings, and then use that information to develop appropriate behavioral intervention plans
  • A firm foundation in ABA if you ever wish to pursue a master's degree in order to become a board-certified behavior analyst 

Courses You Will Take

Courses in the ABA minor teach you the skills necessary to apply behavior analytic principles in numerous career settings.

  • SPCE 280 Behavior Analysis: Principles, Procedures, and Philosophy (3 credits)
  • SPCE 307 Ethical and Professional Practice in Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
  • SPCE 310 Application and Consultation in ABA (3 credits)
  • SPCE 315 Advanced Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
  • SPCE 316 Single Subject Research Design and Application (3 credits)

Your advisor notes that you will want to make sure you devote 10-15 hours per week per course to meet course requirements and adequately understand course content.

State Regulatory Authorizations

If you reside in a state other than Indiana, this information may apply to in regards to being admitted to Ball State.

The significant increase in the number of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) means a growing demand for professionals with expertise in this area. In response to this national need, Ball State introduces a new undergraduate minor in ASD. Whether you plan to work in special education, education, nursing, psychology, speech/language pathology, or social work, you can use autism theories, techniques, and treatments in your career setting.

This online course work is another option for bachelor of general studies students, who are required to take two minors.It is especially well-suited to pair with our applied behavior analysis minor, but can also go well with other online minors such as psychology of human development or sociology.

Courses You Will Take

  • EDPS 270 Lifespan Development (3 credits)
  • SPCE 200 Exceptional Children and Adults (3 credits)
  • SPCE 290 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
  • SPCE 292 Treatment and Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
  • SPCE 320 Advanced Interventions for ASD (3 credits)

Some courses may require a background check and some work with a client.

Your advisor notes that you will want to make sure you devote 10-15 hours per week per course to meet course requirements and adequately understand course content.

Do you like collaborating with others to analyze information technology (IT) needs so you can design creative information technology solutions? Business information technology students learn to analyze business processes and advise on IT resources needed by organizations and users.

This minor, which focuses on the practical application of computing to business problem-solving, helps you develop strong computer skills to open career doors to the business world and other settings. Course work covers project management, systems application development, information systems, business communication, and microcomputer applications.

Required Courses

  • ISOM 125 Microcomputer Applications for Business (3 credits)
  • ISOM 210 Business Information Systems (3 credits)
  • ISOM 249 Foundations of Business Communication (3 credits)

Choose two courses from:

  • BIS 226 Business Systems Applications Development (3 credits)
  • BIS 317 Computer Networks for Business (3 credits)
  • BIS 450 E-Commerce Design/Applications (3 credits)
  • ISOM 250 Contemporary Design for Business Solutions (3 credits)
  • ISOM 300 Project Management (3 credits)

Consult with your advisor before enrolling in any course to ensure its applicability toward your degree program. Not open to students with minors in consumer finance, entrepreneurship, foundations of business, foundations of management, legal studies in business, marketing, professional selling, or risk management and insurance.

If you are interested in a corporate management or entrepreneurial career track, a minor in communication and management will prepare you for the communication, decision-making, and management skills necessary for your future.

This business communication minor teaches you the important skills of communication in a professional setting, including corporations, companies, organizations, and nonprofits. You will learn effective communication, entrepreneurial leadership, decision-making in group settings, and employee management and development.

Course requirements for this minor vary depending on your major.

Required Courses (18 credits) - Business Administration Majors

Choose 15 credits from:

  • COMM 100 Intergroup Dialogue (1 credit)
  • COMM 251 Business and Professional Communication (3 credits)
  • COMM 315 Communication and Technology (3 credits)
  • COMM 340 Leadership and Small Group Communication (3 credits)
  • COMM 345 Work-Life Communication (3 credits)
  • COMM 351 Organizational Communication (3 credits)
  • COMM 375 Advanced Presentation Design and Delivery (3 credits)
  • COMM 381 Communicating the Pitch (1 credit)
  • COMM 382 Virtual Presentations (1 credit)
  • COMM 383 Executive Presentation Coaching (1 credit)
  • COMM 425 Speech Writing (3 credits)

Choose 3 credits from:

  • ENT 241 The Entrepreneurial Experience (3 credits)
  • MGT 250 Lessons in Leadership (3 credits)
  • MGT 300 Managing Behavior in Organizations (3 credits)
  • MGT 301 International Management (3 credits)
  • MGT 361 Foundations of Human Resource Management and Employee Relations (3 credits)
  • MGT 364 Managing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Workplace (3 credits)
  • MGT 367 Managerial Decision Making (3 credits)

Required Courses (18 credits) - All Other Majors

Choose 9 credits from:

  • COMM 100 Intergroup Dialogue (1 credit)
  • COMM 251 Business and Professional Communication (3 credits)
  • COMM 315 Communication and Technology (3 credits)
  • COMM 340 Leadership and Small Group Communication (3 credits)
  • COMM 345 Work-Life Communication (3 credits)
  • COMM 351 Organizational Communication (3 credits)
  • COMM 375 Advanced Presentation Design and Delivery (3 credits)
  • COMM 381 Communicating the Pitch (1 credit)
  • COMM 382 Virtual Presentations (1 credit)
  • COMM 383 Executive Presentation Coaching (1 credit)
  • COMM 425 Speech Writing (3 credits)

Choose 9 credits from:

  • ENT 241 The Entrepreneurial Experience (3 credits)
  • MGT 250 Lessons in Leadership (3 credits)
  • MGT 300 Managing Behavior in Organizations (3 credits)
  • MGT 301 International Management (3 credits)
  • MGT 361 Foundations of Human Resource Management and Employee Relations (3 credits)
  • MGT 364 Managing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Workplace (3 credits)
  • MGT 367 Managerial Decision Making (3 credits)

The criminal justice and criminology minor can be a stepping stone to a career in social services, community outreach, psychology, and more. In fact, there are still positions in criminal justice and criminology that do not require a bachelor’s degree. Many students pair criminal justice and criminology with the sociology minor.

With this minor, you will develop an understanding of the American criminal justice system, philosophies and practices of various correctional programs, and techniques and theories of law enforcement. Professors who teach in the minor are from Ball State’s bachelor’s program in criminal justice and criminology, a program with a national reputation for its demanding curriculum.

Required Courses (6 credits)

  • CJC 101 Introduction to American Criminal Justice System (3 credits)
  • CJC 102 Introduction to Criminology (3 credits)

Elective Courses (15 credits)

Choose any five courses:

  • CJC 211 Race, Gender, and Crime (3 credits)
  • CJC 229 Decision-Making and Ethics in Criminal Justice (3 credits)
  • CJC 230 Introduction to Policing (3 credits)
  • CJC 240 Introduction to Corrections (3 credits)
  • CJC 250 Introduction to Courts/Judiciary (3 credits)
  • CJC 309 Juvenile Justice and Delinquency (3 credits)
  • CJC 332 Victimology (3 credits)
  • CJC 333 Policing in a Free and Diverse Society (3 credits)
  • CJC 340 Institutional Corrections (3 credits)
  • CJC 341 Community Corrections (3 credits)
  • CJC 350 Criminal Evidence and Procedure (3 credits)
  • CJC 397 Constitutional Issues in Criminal Justice (3 credits)
  • CJC 398 Human Services in Criminal Justice (3 credits)
  • CJC 399 Special Populations in Criminal Justice (3 credits)
  • CJC 410 Special Topic in Criminal Justice and Criminology (3 credits)
  • CJC 479 Professional Experience in Criminal Justice and Criminology (3 credits)
  • CJC 490 Independent Study in Criminal Justice (3 credits)

With languages comes with culture and history. This minor promotes the understanding of Deaf people as a linguistic and cultural group. Students will not only be exposed to the uniqueness of ASL, but also have the opportunity to acquire cultural knowledge that will enable them to interact with the American Deaf community. The minor compliments any other courses of study as it prepares students to work in a variety of settings where basic skill in ASL and knowledge of Deaf history and culture are necessary to work with the Deaf community.

Consider a minor related to your profession that focuses on working with Deaf individuals. This minor emphasizes the language and culture of those who use ASL as their primary and native language. A Deaf Studies minor offers opportunities to work with Deaf persons in their professions.

Note: This minor does not lead to an endorsement for teaching ASL, nor does it provide qualification in ASL interpreting, Deaf Education or other related fields.

Required Courses (15 Credits)

  • SNLN 251 American Sign Language 1 (3 credits)
  • SNLN 252 American Sign Language 2 (3 credits)
  • SNLN 253 American Sign Language 3 (3 credits)
  • SNLN 300 Structure of American Sign Language (3 credits)
  • SPCE 291 Social Services in the Deaf Community (3 credits)
    or SPCE 240 Introduction to Sign Systems, Educational Environments, and Services (3 credits)

Directed Elective (Select One)

  • SPCE 246 Speech Development and Technology for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Individuals (3 credits)
  • SPCE 322 Deaf People and Civil Rights (3 credits)
  • SPCE 323 Deaf Culture: A Global Perspective (3 credits)
  • SPCE 324 Deaf Community in the Modern World: Current Issues (3 credits)
  • SPCE 325 Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students with Multiple Disabilities (3 credits)
  • SNLN 254 American Sign Language 4 (3 credits)

Choose this minor to help secure your future in the field of early childhood special education.

Please note: Students who transfer credit for ECED 230 from Ivy Tech (or an equivalent course elsewhere) will be able to complete the remaining courses for this minor online.

Required Courses

18 Credits

  • SPCE 200 Exceptional Children and Adults (3 credits)
    Or SPCE 201 Introduction to Students With Exceptional Needs (3 credits)
    Or SPCE 302 Teaching Students with Disabilities in the General Education Classroom (3 credits)
  • SPCE 210 Theory and Practices in Early Childhood Special Education (3 credits)
  • SPCE 215 Assessment of Young Children With Exceptional Needs (3 credits)
  • SPCE 311 Developmental Methods for Infants and Toddlers with Exceptional Needs (3 credits)
  • SPCE 312 Developmental Methods for Preschool Children with Exceptional Needs (3 credits)
  • SPCE 417 Practicum: Infants/Toddlers and Preschoolers with Special Needs (1-6 credits)

Want to change the life of a child—literally? That’s the job description of an early interventionist, that is, one who works with infants and toddlers at risk for developmental delays. Ball State’s minor in early intervention introduces you to a field that has needs in Indiana and nationwide for interventionists and developmental therapists.

Ball State’s minor presents techniques for working with young children—birth through 35 months—and methods of early intervention to help mitigate the risks of disability and improve the lives of children and their families. Various exercises and play activities are key to this intervention.

This minor can be completed fully online and pairs well the online bachelor’s degree in applied behavioral analysis or general studies (BGS). It also works well with many on-campus bachelor’s degrees including:

Work with your academic advisor to confirm you are eligible for this minor and to develop a plan of study that is best for you.

The curriculum is designed to be in compliance with First Steps in Indiana, a program which connects families whose youngest are experiencing developmental delays with services that help them achieve critical milestones.

Your academic course work covers child development and early intervention services.

Required Courses

  • ECYF 210 Promoting Prosocial Behavior in Young Children: Guidance and Cultural Factors (3 credits)
  • ECYF 252 Creative Experiences for Young Children (3 credits)
  • ECYF 315 Infant Toddler Curriculum and Environment (3 credits)
  • SPCE 210 Theory and Practice in Early Childhood Special Education (3 credits)
  • SPCE 215 Assessment of Young Children With Exceptional Needs (3 credits)
  • SPCE 311 Developmental Methods for Infants and Toddlers with Exceptional Needs (3 credits)

If you complete more than two of the required courses for another program, you cannot count them toward this minor.

Minoring in economics provides a foundation for many business and social science disciplines, including marketing, political science, finance, management, etc. Throughout your courses, you’ll develop skills that employers are searching for, such as critical thinking and reasoning, data analysis, general business operations and trends, and writing and communications.

The minor is open to business and non-business majors (except those majoring in economics).

Required Courses (6 credits)

  • ECON 201 Microeconomics (3 credits)
  • ECON 202 Macroeconomics (3 credits)

Electives (12 credits)

Electives consist of courses from the economics core curriculum. At least 9 credits must be from ECON 300- or 400-level courses. For a complete list of courses, view the course catalog.

It’s hard to resist the opportunity to care for young children, youth, young adults, and adults in the later stages of life. Positive family engagement, the building of healthy families, is a job for anyone and everyone. Ball State University’s minor in family engagement teaches you how to draw on the power of family dynamics to develop genuine, healthy relationships among the many family members. In the process of family engagement, children are the big winners and deservingly so.

This minor can be completed fully online and pairs well the online bachelor’s degree in applied behavioral analysis or general studies (BGS). It also works well with many on-campus bachelor’s degrees including:

Work with your academic advisor to confirm you are eligible for this minor and to develop a plan of study that is best for you.

Required Courses (6 credits)

  • ECYF 250 Family Relations (3 credits)
  • ECYF 350 Family in Cross-Cultural Perspectives (3 credits)

Elective Courses (9 credits)

Choose any three courses:

  • ECYF 285 Youth Work* (3 credits)
  • ECYF 340 Life and Workplace Management* (3 credits)
  • ECYF 360 Authentic Community Engagement and the Work of Social Justice (3 credits)
  • ECYF 375 Healthy Partner Relationships (3 credits)
  • ECYF 380 Parenting (3 credits)
  • ECYF 393 Presentations, Practices, and Techniques for Family Life Education (3 credits)
  • ECYF 442 Program Administration (3 credits)
  • ECYF 484 Family Stressors and Crises (3 credits)
  • ECYF 485 Family Policy** (3 credits)

*These courses have online sections available at least once a year.
**This course may have a summer online section. Online-only students are given preference for the online section.

The minor in financial information provides you with broad exposure to the principles of business finance for non-business majors. The required courses will help you build a foundation of accounting knowledge and offer you the flexibility to choose elective courses relevant to your career goals.  

This minor is only available to majors outside of the Miller College of Business.

Required courses (9 credits)

  • ACC 200 Introduction to Finacial Accounting (3 credits) or ACC 201 Principles of Accounting I (3 credits)
  • ACC 202 Principles of Managerial Accounting (3 credits)
  • ACC 260 Accounting Fundamentals for Small Business (3 credits)

Choose one or more of the following courses (3 credits)

  • ACC 305 Accounting Systems and Analytics (3 credits) or ACC 401 Federal Taxation of Individuals and Businesses (3 credits)

One directed elective which must be different from the courses completed for the above requirements (3 credits)

  • ACC 305 Accounting Systems and Analytics (3 credits)
  • ACC 401 Federal Taxation of Individuals and Businesses (3 credits)
  • FIN 300 Principles of Finance (3 credits)
  • ISOM 250 Contemporary Design for Business Solutions (3 credits)
  • BA 205 Foundations of Business Analytics (3 credits)

     

      Build high-demand skills and knowledge in a growing field with a minor in geographic information science (GIS). This 15-credit minor focuses on the diverse skillset employers are searching for, including spatial data visualization and analysis, remote sensing, cartography (map creation and design), computer programming and more.

      Required Courses (12 credits)

      • GEOG 265 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (3 credits)
      • GEOG 433 Cartography and Visualization of Spatial Data (3 credits)
      • GEOG 436 Introduction to Remote Sensing (3 credits)
      • GEOG 438 Advanced Geographic Information Systems Analysis (3 credits)

      Elective Course (3 credits)

      Choose one of the following:

      • GEOG 434 Maps, Environment, and Society (3 credits)
      • GEOG 437 Advanced Remote Sensing (3 credits)
      • GEOG 445 Geographic Information Systems Applications Design and Development (3 credits)
      • GEOG 448 Geographic Information Systems Design (3 credits)

      The minor in gerontology provides a strong grounding in both the theory and practice of serving the elderly. It also incorporates an internship as part of the core courses and will provide experience in one or more of the agencies, institutions, or programs providing gerontological services. Among other outcomes, you will learn:

      • Theories of aging
      • Multidimensional perspectives on changes in well-being and health
      • Strategies for coping with change
      • How people age in communities

      Courses You Will Take

      You will take the 6 credits from the list of core courses below and 9 credits of electives related to gerontology from the approved course list found in the course catalog.

      • GERO 430 Aging Well: Adaptations in Later Life (3 credits)
      • GERO 435 Aging in Communities (3 credits)

      Studying the past exposes you to the diversity of human cultures, helps you comprehend change and continuity over time, enhances your ability to discern patterns of comparison and contrast amid the complexities and similarities of human experience, and sharpens your communication skills.

      With the history minor you’ll learn how to communicate effectively and analyze data, two important skills that employers seek in new hires. A minor in history can be helpful if you’re interested in journalism, business, political science, or law.

      Courses

      Our 18-credit minor gives you a blend of studies in world history and U.S. history, and you’ll take 9 credits in each.

      At least 6 of your 18 credits must be 301-level or above courses. 

      World History (9 credits)

      • HIST 150 The West in the World (3 credits)
      • HIST 151 World Civilization 1 (3 credits)
      • HIST 152 World Civilization 2 (3 credits)
      • HIST 495 Modern China, 1600-Present (3 credits)

      U.S. History (9 credits)

      • HIST 201 American History, 1492-1876 (3 credits)
      • HIST 202 American History, 1877-Present (3 credits)
      • HIST 301 U.S. and Vietnam War (3 credits)
      • HIST 310 Intro to History of Business in US (3 credits)
      • HIST 407 The American Civil War and Reconstruction (3 credits)
      • HIST 413 Recent U.S.History: 1945 to Present (3 credits)

      The above list consists of history classes that are offered online at Ball State. If you have previous college credit in world or U.S. history, consult with your advisor to see if the credit will apply toward these areas.

      Content Backed by the State

      The course content for the minor in infant and toddler specialization is aligned with the Indiana Core Knowledge and Competencies for Early Childhood, School Age, and Youth Professionals.

      Acquire the skills and knowledge you need to work with and serve our youngest children with our minor in infant and toddler specialization. With engaging course content, covering broad topics related to child care and development, you will be prepared to go into and make a positive impact in this growing, ever-changing field.

      This 100% online minor is a great addition for any program where one will work with or serve children including nursing, psychology, social work, and many others. This minor is available to complement all degree programs with the exception of three of the concentrations in the major in Family and Child. Students cannot earn both a minor and certificate in Infant and Toddler Specialization.

      This minor is not available to students in the bachelor’s in Family and Child: Early Childhood Education, Family and Child: Child Life, nor Family and Child: Early Intervention. Check with your advisor to make sure your minor complements your degree program.

      Courses You Will Take (15 credits)

      • ECYF 202 – Child and Family Wellness (3 credits)
      • ECYF 210 – Promoting Prosocial Behavior in Young Children: Guidance and Cultural Factors (3 credits)
      • ECYF 315 – Infant Toddler Curriculum and Environment (3 credits)
      • ECYF 320 – Leadership and Management in Child Development Programs (3 credits)

      Select one (1) course from the following

      • ECYF 252 – Creative Experience for Young Children (3credits)
      • ECYF 380 – Parenting (3 credits)

      Psychology is a science that studies behavior and mental processes. Psychologists look at individual differences in personality and cognitive abilities, social and biological influences on behavior, and the effects of development and learning on the individual. The study of psychology can help you understand both your own motivations and the behavior of others.

      In the psychology of human development minor, you’ll discover the importance of physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development across the lifespan with the psychology of human development minor. Understanding child, adolescent, and adult developmental processes is key to this minor which can be applied to careers in social services, education, health care, and related areas.

      This minor makes for a natural pairing with the sociology minor.

      12 or 15 credits from the following courses

      You may take all 15 credits from the top list or take 12 credits from the top list and 3 credits from the second list.

      • EDPS 254 Psychology of Early Childhood (3 credits)
      • EDPS 270 Human Development Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
      • EDPS 350 Child Psychology (3 credits)
      • EDPS 351 Adolescent Psychology (3 credits)
      • EDPS 355 Adult Psychology (3 credits)
      • EDPS 360 Service Learning with Children, Families, and Adults (3 credits)
      • EDPS 370 Immersive Learning with Children, Families, and Adults (3 credits)
      • EDPS 380 Global Perspectives on Child Development (3 credits)
      • EDPS 381 Developmental Psychopathology (3 credits)

      3 credits from the following courses

      If you take 12 credits from the top list, then you’ll take one 3 credit course from the second list.

      • ANTH 311 Ethnicity and Race (3 credits)
      • BIO 214 Genetics (3 credits)
      • BIO 453 Human Genetics (3 credits)
      • CPSY 360 Interrelational Aspects of Sexuality (3 credits)
      • EDPS 250 Human Growth and Development (3 credits)
      • EDPS 306 Behavior Analysis in Education (3 credits)
      • EDPS 345 Educational Tests and Measurement (3 credits)
      • ECYF 202 Child and Family Wellness (3 credits)
      • ECYF 250 Family Relations (3 credits)
      • ECYF 265 Infant/Toddler Development and Education (3 credits)
      • ECYF 275 Child Development (3 credits)
      • ECYF 475 Marriage (3 credits)
      • GERO 435 Aging in Communities (3 credits)
      • GERO 440 Women and Aging (3 credits)
      • HSC 365 Health and Aging (3 credits)
      • HSC 371 Death and Dying (3 credits)
      • HSC 372 Women and Health (3 credits)
      • PHYS 205 Fundamentals of Human Physiology (3 credits)
      • PSYS 316 Social Psychology (3 credits)
      • PSYS 317 Personality (3 credits)
      • PSYS 318 Psychopathology (3 credits)
      • PSYS 321 Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
      • PSYS 324 Psychology of Women and Gender (3 credits)
      • PSYS 326 Psychology of Diversity (3 credits)
      • PSYS 362 Motivation and Emotion (3 credits)
      • PSYS 468 Cognitive Neuroscience (3 credits)
      • SOC 221 Introduction to Race and Ethnic Relations (3 credits)
      • SOC 224 Family and Society (3 credits)
      • SOC 235 Sociology of Gender (3 credits)
      • SOC 421 Racial and Cultural Minorities in the United States (3 credits)
      • SOC 424 Family (3 credits)
      • SOC 431 Aging and the Life Course (3 credits)
      • SOC 434 Sociology of Human Sexuality (3 credits)
      • SPAA 270 Language Development (3 credits)
      • SPCE 201 Introduction to Students With Exceptional Needs (3 credits)
      • SPCE 302 Teaching Students with Disabilities in the General Education Classroom (3 credits)
      • SPCE 334 Topics in Autism (3 credits)

      A minor in social work is a great option for anyone wanting experience in the social work field but majoring in a different area. With this minor you’ll gain a basic understanding of the profession and prepare for a master of social work if you choose that route after earning your undergraduate degree in another field. Like our social work majors, you’ll have the opportunity for hands-on experiences in the field. You’ll learn:

      • how to use empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to effectively build a relationship with clients in a variety of settings and modalities
      • how to understand and apply the theories of human behavior and the social environment
      • how to intervene and alleviate problems in a social services setting

      Courses You Will Take

      • SOCW 100 Introduction to Social Work (3 credits)
      • SOCW 200 Social Work Practice 1 with Field Experience (3 credits)
      • SOCW 220 Social Welfare Policy 1 (3 credits)
      • SOCW 250 Human Behavior and the Social Environment 1 (3 credits)
      • SOCW 325 Human Behavior and the Social Environment 2 (3 credits)
      • 3 credits from elective (approved 300- or 400-level University course)

      Sociology can be described as the systematic study of human society and social interaction. Sociologists study the effects of groups upon individuals, interactions among groups and organizations, and cultural beliefs that direct human behavior within a local and global context.

      This minor allows you to apply the development of reason and judgment instead of just professional skills. You will study contemporary sociological theory and research and apply it to social issues such as globalization, social inequality, diversity, health care, education, family, work, and religion. The sociology minor pairs well with our minor in criminal justice and criminology.

      Required Course

      • SOC 100 Principles of Sociology (3 credits)

      Electives (12 credits)

      At least two of the hour elective courses must be at the 300 or 400 level.

      • SOC 228 Globalization and the Third World (3 credits)
      • SOC 235 Sociology of Women (3 credits)
      • SOC 241 Deviance (3 credits)
      • SOC 242 Social Problems (3 credits)
      • SOC 260 Society and the Individual (3 credits)
      • SOC 312 Leisure (3 credits)
      • SOC 380 Sociological Research Methods (3 credits) 
      • SOC 382 Applied Social Statistics (3 credits)
      • SOC 402 Social Theory (3 credits)
      • SOC 421 Racial and Cultural Minorities in the U.S. (3 credits) 
      • SOC 424 Family (3 credits)
      • SOC 431 Aging and the Life Course (3 credits)

      The above list of sociology electives consist of classes that are offered online by Ball State. If you have previous college credit in sociology, consult with your advisor to see if the credit will apply toward your electives.

      This interdisciplinary field looks at ways sex and gender are displayed in social, cultural, and political contexts. Employers who face the pressing issues of gender in business and other sectors of society are demanding personnel who understand issues about gendered experience.

      Psychology, history, sociology, and criminal justice majors use the women’s and gender studies minor for its diversity competency and its relevance to today’s workplace. If you pair this minor with an online history or a criminal justice and criminology minor, you can share credit requirements.

      The minor can also benefit those preparing for counseling positions, managing businesses, active in the military, or committed to activism.

      Women's and Gender Studies Courses (6 credits)

      Required courses

      • WGS 210 Introduction to Women and Gender Studies (3 credits)
      • WGS 499 Women/Gender Studies Capstone (3 credits)

      Interdisciplinary Courses (15 credits)

      Your choice of 15 credits

      • CJC 211 Race, Gender, and Crime (3 credits)
      • HSC 261 Health, Sex, and Family Life (3 credits)
      • SOC 235 Sociology of Gender (3 credits)
      • SOC 424 Family (3 credits)
      • SOC 434 Sociology of Human Sexuality (3 credits)
      • SOCW 250 Human Behavior and Social Environment (3 credits)
      • WGS 220 International Women’s Issues (3 credits)
      • WGS 369 Paid Internship (1-6 credits)
      • WGS 479 Unpaid Internship (1-6 credits)

      Other relevant electives may be substituted with the approval of the program director.

      Transfer Students May Already Have a Minor

      If you are transferring credits from another college or have attended Ball State previously, you may be able to complete other minors. Contact an academic advisor to discuss which minors may be counted based on your previous credits earned and the online courses that are available through Ball State.

      You may also be interested in knowing about the minors offered on campus.