Minors

Students who are enrolled in the Honors Program and have a grade point average of 3.25 or higher are eligible for a minor – which means they can take at least 18 semester hours of honors courses. (Ten of those hours must be at the 300 or 400 level.)

In addition to general education or major-specific courses, honors courses can include service hours, lectures and topics of the student’s choice. Study abroad courses also count toward the honors minor.

This minor indicates that students have achieved an advanced level of scholarship and demonstrated their aptitude within these challenging courses.

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If you enjoy solving accounting problems and working with financial data, an accounting minor would be a good fit to complement your degree program at Columbia College.

Adding a minor in accounting to your degree will give you a deeper understanding of day-to-day financial transactions. You’ll take upper-level accounting courses to learn more about areas such as accounting information systems, auditing and financial management.

This minor will better prepare you to examine financial statements and organize records. You’ll also be prepared to recommend ways organizations can be more efficient.

The accounting minor is a good choice for students majoring in business fields.

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A business minor is a great choice for students who want to get an understanding of business or use their degree in a corporate or small business setting.

Adding a minor in business will give you a foundational understanding of accounting, economics, finance, management and marketing.

The business minor complements business majors within the Robert W. Plaster School of Business. Additionally, students taking non-business majors would greatly benefit from gaining an understanding of how today’s businesses operate.

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Focus on statistical and analytical techniques to solve business problems in a variety of organizational contexts. Combining the examination of business principles with an emphasis on data and technology, this program aims to prepare student to aggregate and interpret data in a business context. Students gain a broad base of knowledge in management and marketing. Students will also examine basic programming, database principles, and introductory analytical concepts including spreadsheet design and modeling.

Because our economy relies heavily on computers in the workforce, a minor in computer information systems complements many other degrees.

You choose the areas within computer information systems and science that best support your degree and future career. You can study software development and databases or learn to program in Java, C++, or Python. You can select courses in operating systems and networking for business as well as web programming and information systems security. You can even choose computer science courses like computer graphics and artificial intelligence.

The computer information systems minor is a great choice for students majoring in mathematics or science. It also works well with business administration, innovation and entrepreneurship, management and marketing majors.

An economics minor from Columbia College will introduce you to economic theories and ideas.

You’ll study macroeconomics, microeconomics at both the introductory and intermediate level. Additionally, you’ll select from electives to learn more about the political economy of film and media, environmental economics and the economics of healthcare. You can also elect to take international finance, resource management and sports finance. Or, study the history of American business and the politics of developing nations.

The economics minor works well for students majoring in business related fields and also complements majors such as political science, human services and sociology among others.

A minor in finance from Columbia College is a good choice for students who may go into careers that require financial management. You'll learn to take a broad view of organizational assets and liabilities.

Gain an understanding of finance as it relates to businesses, individuals, markets and institutions. Additionally, you'll study managerial and cost accounting.

The finance minor couples well with students majoring in business fields in the Robert W. Plaster School of Business. It can also be a good choice for students who are interested in public administration, political, non-profit and social and community work.

A minor in entrepreneurship from Columbia College can help you develop a more creative, innovative perspective.

Through the minor, you’ll learn more about financial accounting, business communication and marketing. Additionally, you will study small business finance, human resources and small business management.

The entrepreneurship minor works well with business majors in the Robert W. Plaster School of Business. It’s also a great addition to degrees within the humanities, arts and computer science programs.

Even if you aren’t looking to start your own company, the entrepreneurship program can give you an edge as employers seek new products, services and ways to remain relevant.

Whether effective or not, examples of leadership are all around us—at the national level, in our workplaces, and in local settings.

Students in this program first examine the theory, evolution, practice and dynamics for leadership in contemporary society. Next, they study how to observe behaviors, recognize values, communicate effectively and manage others – all while keeping diversity and inclusion in mind.

Finally, students apply what they’ve learned – and use their interpersonal and problem-solving skills – through internships, volunteering and experiential work under the guidance of faculty sponsors. 

You’ll gain an understanding of management principles and concepts as you take upper-level courses. Additionally, you’ll study business information systems.

The management minor at Columbia College is a great choice for students who aspire to higher-level positions. It complements business majors in the Robert W. Plaster School of Business. The minor also works well with political science, public administration, sociology and other programs where management is key.

Businesses and organizations rely on networks, databases and computer information systems to conduct daily operations.

You’ll take Agile Software Development, Introduction to Databases and Visual Basic . Students with any business major can take as few as these three courses to get the minor.

Additionally, elect to take courses that best match your interest in either the use of information systems in business or in a specific business area. Select from accounting, economics, finance, management or marketing courses.

The management information systems minor pairs well with the cybersecurity program and major within the business school.

You’ll study principles of marketing, consumer behavior, digital marketing, marketing research and strategic marketing. Additionally, select from marketing electives such as social media and public relations.

The marketing minor at Columbia College complements business majors in the Robert W. Plaster School of Business. Additionally, it works well with English, communication studies, arts and graphic design programs.

Develop key project management skills through studies covering areas such as Project Management, Project Performance, Project Risk, Project Cost and Project Human Resource Management.

Obtain a foundational knowledge concerning the principles and practices in the management of goods, services, and information in organizational supply chains. Additionally, the Supply Chain Management and Logistics minor provides foundational knowledge in the management and marketing disciplines and well as provide central knowledge in business communication and business research methods.

The major components of the criminal justice system – police, prosecution, defense, courts and corrections – have many permutations. Students explore their history and examine their roles and function, then undertake detailed examination of the procedures used within the system.

Students also gain an understanding of Constitutional rights and learn about criminal evidence as well as expert and scientific evidence.

A minor in criminal justice administration enhances employment possibilities in the justice system and sets the stage for further study.

This interdisciplinary minor builds awareness and understanding of juvenile offenders and at-risk youth.

Students build a comprehensive picture of this complex topic through courses in child and adolescent development, criminal law, the juvenile justice system, child welfare, juvenile delinquency and family models. Their perspectives on high-risk populations are informed by both historical overviews and current trends.

A wide variety of careers can benefit from this minor – especially those whose work intersects with at-risk youth, the child welfare system or juveniles already in the justice system.

This interdisciplinary program sxplore the ideas, processes and institutions that make up the U.S. legal system – while training you in critical thinking, analytical and communications skills.

You’ll study a fascinating combination of principles (for example, the rules of reasoning and logic) and theories (in argumentation and debate). You’ll explore the procedures utilized within the justice system – and the alternatives to the formal trial process.

This minor serves two purposes: It prepares you for further study of law, and it benefits anyone who wants to develop the ability to think clearly and analyze ideas critically.

This minor equips art students to plan lessons, teach, and assess children in kindergarten to grade 12. It’s part of our Beacon program for students who wish to complete a bachelor’s degree in a content area along with a minor in a teacher certification area.

Students explore drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture and more, building their understanding of art as a means to critically engage with one’s surroundings. They create their own works, experimenting with different techniques and mediums.

The professional education requirements prepare students for effective teaching, with courses from educational philosophy to classroom management to child and adolescent development.

Students learn about child and adolescent development and the factors that shape it both inside and outside the classroom, such as nutrition, health and more.

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Understanding how young children learn is central to becoming an effective elementary teacher. To prepare for this vital educational role, pair this certification minor through our Beacon program with a bachelor’s degree in a content area of your choice. The Bachelor of General Studies with Elementary Education Certification is also an option.

Students learn about child and adolescent development and the factors that shape it both inside and outside the classroom, such as nutrition, health and more.

The professional education requirements prepare students to provide instruction in all elementary school subjects, to manage a classroom and to conduct meaningful assessments of learning.

Immerse yourself in the content area of your choice for your bachelor’s degree – and pair it with a minor in middle school education certification through our Beacon program.

Aspiring middle school teachers, students delve into the topic they will be teaching, preparing them for instructing grades 5-9.

Students also learn effective strategies for teaching young adolescents, including managing a classroom, supporting literacy, and conducting meaningful assessments of learning.

• Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies
• Speech/Theatre

This minor equips students to plan lessons, teach, and assess music across elementary, middle and high school. It’s part of our Beacon program for students who wish to complete a bachelor’s degree in a content area along with a Music Education certification.

Students explore music history, theory, performance and conducting, building their personal musical proficiency as well as a deeper understanding of musical techniques and literature.

The professional education requirements prepare students for effective teaching, with courses from educational philosophy to classroom management to child and adolescent development.

Immerse yourself in the content area of your choice for your bachelor’s degree – and pair it with a minor certification in high school education through our Beacon program.

To prepare for the high school classroom, students go into depth on the topic they will be teaching, preparing them for instructing grades 9 to 12.

Students also learn effective strategies for engaging and instructing high schoolers. Professional education coursework includes adolescent development, classroom management and techniques for measurement and assessment.

Available minor certifications include:

• Biology
• Business
• Chemistry
• English
• Mathematics
• Social Studies
• Speech/Theatre

Explore the knowledge, skills and attributes of an effective teacher – and gain perspectives on contemporary issues facing teachers and schools.

Students can enhance their understanding of the scientific approach to teaching and learning, study instructional planning and classroom management or go into more depth on a particular subject area such as language acquisition or mathematics.

The broad parameters of this minor allow students to customize their coursework, tailoring it to benefit their field of study.

Every organization needs professionals who are skilled at writing and comprehending complicated written materials.

A minor in English will give you skills employers seek. You’ll develop your voice through works of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Learn more about descriptive grammar, literary theory and the history of the English language. Select courses that fit your specific interests and goals, sharpening your communication and critical thinking skills along the way.

An English major complements other programs within the humanities, including psychology and sociology. It also works well with a marketing degree.

The study of ethics encompasses nearly every aspect of our lives – from education and health to politics and business.

Columbia College emphasizes ethics courses within all its majors, but students in this course of study get the chance to explore a cross section of topics. They also learn about the foundations of moral philosophy and the three main ethical theories.

Students analyze the principles used to evaluate ethical issues that arise in medicine, criminal justice and more. They investigate problematic cases. And they study major writers and philosophers from the past as well as those who continue to shape the field today.

Filmmaking is increasingly becoming a popular medium through which to share ideas, express opinions and highlight historical events.

The film studies minor introduces you to cinema. You'll study the history of film, learn the basics of screenwriting and explore film styles and genres. Then, choose from electives such as mass communication, theatre, the political economy of film and media and visual communication and culture.

The film studies minor pairs well with programs in the arts and humanities, including graphic design and communication studies.

Studying history gives you a valuable understanding of the human past while strengthening your memory, your research skills and your ability to empathize with those “unlike” yourself, something vital for careers in today’s globalizing world.

United States and world history are required for this minor, but students can also pursue their own interests, learning about the history of areas such as business, immigration, gender, the military, or science and technology.

History courses encourage students to immerse themselves in cultures and time periods unlike their own. Learning to understand societies of the past helps us reflect on our present-day reality.

Any subject matter and any issue that affects society can be viewed through the lens of philosophy – making this, one of the oldest fields of study in human civilization, a powerful minor that can enhance any field of study.

Students learn to formulate the most profound questions, and then critically analyze ideas using a variety of methods. In the process, they build self-expression, as well as creative and intellectual abilities.

Philosophy equips students with a coherent personal value system, preparing them for a world where diverse ways of thinking abound.

Examining religions around the world gives students an objective setting where they can reflect on their own faith experiences. They can also better understand the context and cultures surrounding other traditions.

Thoughtful dialogue is an element of many courses, especially when points of conflict arise. Examples include the reality of God’s existence, or tensions between Christian or Muslim theologies and modernity.

Students can pursue their interests, whether those include classic texts, history, modern theology or alternative belief systems. Courses also explore the connections between religion and topics such as science and literature.

Starting at the cellular level, students learn about biological principles, models and theories – and then apply them to topics ranging from genetics to taxonomy to ecology.

The fascinating organisms around us come alive in rich detail as students develop the skills to conduct research about them, evaluate their results and describe their findings.

Immersing themselves in the scientific method, students become proficient in the laboratory skills, vocabulary and critical thinking abilities to work in biological research or other related fields.

To understand the transformations matter goes through, students first learn about its composition and properties – and then they dig into the principles, models and theories used to rationalize and predict chemical phenomena.

Atoms, the fundamental building blocks, play a starring role as students observe experiments, record results and analyze their findings – gaining laboratory and communications skills all the while.

Along with the quantitative analysis techniques that are needed for any work in chemistry, students can also learn real-world application in fields from environmental science to forensics.

Because our economy relies heavily on computers in the workforce, a minor in computer science works well with business and other degrees.

You’ll study programming and advanced algorithms and data structures. Then, elect to learn more about programming languages, computer architecture or automata theory, languages and computation.

The computer science major complements the mathematics and science programs. Additionally, it’s a great choice for students studying business administration, innovation and entrepreneurship, management and other topics within the Robert W. Plaster School of Business.

This minor focuses on the natural environment – including man’s interactions with it and use of its natural resources. Drawing on biology as well as botany, zoology and ecology, students gain an appreciation for and understanding of the complex environment around us.

Field work skills, laboratory techniques and statistical analysis are all integral to work in environmental science. Students can also explore conservation biology or resource management.

Students gain the ability to interpret results and draw conclusions from them – and to evaluate others’ results – which sets them up to recognize and address key issues that arise every day.

Gaining a better understanding of forensic science can help students across a variety of fields, including law enforcement, psychology, science, business and technology.

This minor familiarizes students with basic concepts and disciplines within forensic science. Coursework includes an in-depth look at laws related to criminal evidence as well as expert and scientific evidence.

Students will have working knowledge of what forensic scientists do and how integral their work is to our criminal justice system. (Those who are interested in learning the laboratory skills needed to work in this profession should consult with their advisor.)

Most organizations rely on complex processes to conduct daily operations. That’s why students in many areas of business and science find mathematics to be an excellent addition to their degree program.

You’ll take Calculus I and II in addition to your choice of upper-level mathematics coursework.

African American Studies is an interdisciplinary field of study with a focus on the lives of African American people and people of the African diaspora, living in the United States. This minor would focus on social institutions, identities, movements, resistance and the interplay between these elements.

The minor will make students familiar with the various ways in which African American people in the United States have contributed to shaping the country.

Anthropology explores what it means to be human – and how our diverse experiences in societies and cultures around the world shape our understanding of our own humanity.

Students learn about different regions and continents, unraveling history and making connections to modern-day countries. They also examine social processes and issues ranging from religion to human trafficking to the pressure of human activities on the environment.

A minor in anthropology enhances students’ ability to do qualitative research as well as their skills in observation, data collection and writing.

The crime rates in any society are shaped by social conditions. Studying these factors gives students a better understanding of the reasons for changes in crime rates over time, as well as differences between locations and social groups.

Courses include sociological theories about the nature, sources, control and prevention of crime as well as current crime rates, types of crime, patterns of victimization and current law enforcement and correctional policies.

Students gain skills in qualitative research, interviewing, critical thinking, writing and policy analysis.

The study of geography dates back to at least 200 BCE; people have always been curious about the physical features of the earth and its atmosphere. In modern times, it also includes the study of human activity and its affects on the planet, including the distribution of population, resources and industries.

Students can choose from courses on physical geology (the earth’s materials, landforms, landscapes and the forces acting on them), atmospheric sciences (including weather) or environmental sciences.

Along with the scientific aspects of geography, students explore humans’ impact on everything from climate to ecosystems.

A human services minor promotes people-centered knowledge, skills and values while preparing students for careers that are geared toward helping others.

Students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for working with individuals, families and groups within human service agencies. From there, they can choose to further specialize – for example, on working with client systems at the community level or on American social policy.

In order to apply research-based practices in real-world ways, students learn to find, understand, analyze and communicate empirical research.

As researchers learn more about the benefits of bringing the geriatric population and children together, the field of intergenerational studies is booming.

To learn about human development across the lifespan, students explore child psychology and welfare, general sociology, adult psychology, family structures, social gerontology and more. In short, they study everything that influences us from conception to death.

This interdisciplinary minor equips students with theoretical, methodological and practical skills so they can strengthen the relationships that hold communities together.

Understanding international affairs prepares you for careers with organizations, businesses and public-service agencies that work across borders.

Students study international structures and the nature of interactions among states, international agencies, non-governmental organizations and other actors. Courses highlight the experiences of people during the beginnings of globalization, wars, mass migrations and more.

In addition to gaining knowledge of international economics, law, and foreign policy, students can choose a region for in-depth study. Credits in foreign language and study abroad experiences can be applied toward this minor.

Examine government from both theoretical and practical perspectives – and become better prepared to participate as a citizen.

In this program, questions of democracy, justice and equality intertwine with the everyday functioning of the branches and levels of government. Students gain an understanding of the United States’ internal history as well as our external relations with other countries.

Internships offer students real-world application of their courses – equally valuable to those who plan a career in government and to those studying other topics such as journalism, law, public administration, public relations or international relations.

Psychology is the study of mind and behavior. It is dependent on high-quality observation and description to achieve the goals of understanding, predicting and controlling behavior and psychological processes.

Students can follow their interests – into human development, personality theory, neuroscience, memory and cognition, emotion, sensation and perception, interpersonal relationships, learning and more.

Because behaviors and psychological processes have a biological basis but are also influenced by environmental and interactive variables, psychology is endlessly diverse and thought-provoking.

Our shared experiences in society as well as our individual social lives provide a never-ending supply of topics for sociologists to study. In this program, you’ll build an understanding of social issues, institutions, policies, movements, innovations, ideas and behaviors.

The convergence of sports, human biology, society and psychology offers a rich area of study. Courses explore topics such as motivation, goal setting, human body structure and function, developmental changes that impact performance and much more.

Students learn about the impact of psychology in sports at both the coaching/teaching level and the athlete/participant level, preparing them for a variety of perspectives. They can also choose to go deeper into related topics such as personality theory, counseling, lifespan development or sensation and perception.

By critically examining gender as a social construct, this minor prepares students to think deeply about its role in all major social institutions.

From the macro level (in courses about globalization, world history and minority culture) to the individual level (looking at human sexuality, family life and communication), students gain an understanding of gender as an organizing feature of society.

Recurring themes across the program – such as power, status and inequality – offer new perspectives and challenge assumptions.

Understanding the history of sculpture, architecture and artistic works can give you better perspective of cultural identity over time. That will help you see today’s world through a more informed, critical lens.

With a minor in art history, you will take courses such as Renaissance Art History, 17th and 18th-Centruy Art History and 20th Century Art History. You may also opt to study the history of photography.

The art history minor pairs well with art and graphic design degrees. It also complements degrees in business, communication studies, history and philosophy.

Many businesses and organizations rely on creative employees who have problem-solving skills and a critical eye for visual aesthetics. Earning a minor in studio art can broaden your professional prospects.

In the studio art minor, you will study the fundamentals of drawing and painting. You will also examine the elements and principles of two-dimensional design, learning the basics of shape, texture, tools and techniques. Select from additional drawing, painting, graphic design, photography, printmaking or ceramics courses to round out your studies.

The art studio minor complements the graphic design program, as well as degrees in business, humanities, and sciences.

With a minor in ceramics, you will develop an understanding and appreciation for functional pottery. You will study the elements and principles of art and design, learn techniques of the potter’s wheel, understand glazing, and participate in the firing process. Emphasis is placed on contemporary trends in ceramics as well as movements throughout history.

You will also have the opportunity to sell your creations at our Student Pottery Sale, held each semester on campus.

The ceramics minor complements our art and graphic design programs, as well programs in business, humanities, and sciences.

Emphasis is placed on concept development, vocabulary, and techniques used in the creation of dynamic design solutions. The elements and principles of design are combined with computer-based production throughout the program. You will also discover historical movements and contemporary trends through research and studio projects.

A graphic design minor pairs well with an art degree, as well programs in marketing, humanities, and sciences.

Jewelry has been a form of human expression since pre-historic times when bones, feathers and shells were used as adornment.

Use the lost-wax casting process to design personal jewelry. Experiment with non-traditional materials and techniques to create one-of-a-kind pieces. You will also learn to design jewelry for commercial purposes.

The jewelry minor complements our art and graphic design programs, as well programs in business, humanities, and sciences.

The Columbia College music minor provides an intimate environment for study with all the resources of a larger institution. You will have the opportunity to perform in Chamber Choir, the Jane Froman Singers, or the Opera and Musical Theater Workshop. You will also learn proper vocal production and piano technique.

Additionally, you will explore music as an aspect of human culture, including the music styles of Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Americas. You will also delve into the study of the lives and musical styles of great composers throughout history as well as develop an understanding of music fundamentals, harmony, and composition.

This minor is a good choice for any student interested in performing or creating music.

The photography minor is geared toward image-makers and artists interested in developing their work, gaining technical skills, and engaging in critical conversations in relation to how images shape culture.

You will learn digital and analog camera operation, exposure, film developing and printing, digital editing, lighting and print finishing. Emphasis is placed on contemporary trends in photography as well as movements throughout history.

The photography minor pairs well with art and graphic design majors, as well programs in business, humanities, and sciences.