Minors

A minor is an excellent way to broaden your education, develop new skills, and stand out in today’s competitive job market. While offering less depth than a major, a minor allows you to explore an additional field of interest and tailor your degree to your personal and professional goals.

A minor requires a minimum of 15 credits, with at least 9 credits uniquely focused on the minor and not overlapping with the requirements of your major or another minor. To ensure a strong Marian University experience, students complete at least 30% of their minor credits through Marian University. Minors must be in a different discipline than the student’s major, giving you the opportunity to expand your knowledge in a new area.

Once completed, your minor is officially noted on your transcript—highlighting your expanded expertise to employers and graduate schools alike.

The Digital Media minor introduces students to the creative and technical foundations of digital communication. Students develop skills in content creation, visual story telling, and media production while learning to analyze and apply digital tools across platforms, preparing them for work in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

  • 18 credits as follows:
    • 12 credits:
      • ART 307 Digital Design Essentials, 3 cr.
      • COM 210 Mass and Digital Communication, 3 cr.
      • COM 415 Digital Story Telling, 3 cr.
      • MKT 330 Digital Marketing Tactics and Trends, 3 cr.
    • Pick 2 courses from the following:
      • ART 340 Web Design, 3 cr.
      • COM 333 Digital Applications for Communications, 3 cr.
      • DAT 101 Introduction to Data Science, 3 cr.
      • MKT 302 Principles of Advertising, 3 cr.
      • MKT 311 Consumer Behavior, 3 cr.
      • MKT 401 Marketing Research, 3 cr.
      • MKT 410 Social Media and Digital Media Strategics, 3 cr.

The English Writing minor strengthens students’ abilities in creative, professional, and academic writing. Through intensive practice and critical feedback, students develop clear, effective, and engaging written communication skills that are valuable across disciplines and careers.

  • 21 credits as follows:
    • 12 credits:
      • ENG 205 Introduction to Literary Studies and the English Profession, 3 cr.
      • ENG 240 Writing Ethically, 3 cr.
      • ENG 301 Creative Writing, 3 cr.
      • ENG 312 Professional Writing and Editing, 3 cr.
    • 3 credits of the following:
      • ENG 406 Seminar in Fiction Writing, 3 cr.
      • ENG 408 Seminar in Poetry Writing, 3 cr.
    • 3 credits from the following:
      • ENG 222 Business Communications, 3 cr.
      • ENG 311 Grant Writing, 3 cr.
      • ENG 340 Advanced Composition, 3 cr.
      • COM 202 Writing for Media, 3 cr.
      • COM 315 Public Relations Writing and Practice, 3 cr.
      • COM 412 Digital Communication, 3 cr.
      • COM 415 Digital Storytelling, 3 cr.
    • 3 credits from the following:
      • ENG XXX English Elective, 3 cr.

The Management minor equips students with essential skills in leadership, organizational behavior, and strategic decision-making. Through applied coursework and real-world examples, students learn how to manage people, projects, and resources effectively, preparing them for leadership roles across a wide range of industries.

  • 18 credits as follows:
    • 6 credits:
      • BUA101 Intro to Business, 3 cr. or FIN 205 Personal Finance, 3 cr.
      • MGT 213 Principles of Management, 3 cr.
    • 12 credits from the following courses:
      • MGT 3XX or MGT 4XX, 3 cr.
      • MGT 3XX or MGT 4XX, 3 cr.
      • MGT 3XX or MGT 4XX, 3 cr.
      • TEC 403 Advanced Computer Applications, 3 cr.

The Mathematics Education minor provides students with a strong foundation in mathematical thinking and effective teaching practices. Designed for those interested in supporting math learning in classrooms or educational settings, the minor blends core mathematics content with instructional strategies that promote problem-solving, conceptual understanding, and student engagement. Students develop the skills needed to communicate mathematical ideas clearly, adapt instruction for diverse learners, and foster confidence in mathematics across grade levels.

  • 17 credits as follows:
    • MAT 122 Intro to Probability & Statistics, 3 cr.
    • MAT 150 Math for Elementary School Teachers I, 3 cr.
    • MAT 151 Math for Elementary School Teachers II, 3 cr.
    • MAT 201 Calculus I, 5 cr.
    • MAT 212 Introduction to Abstract Mathematics, 3 cr.

The Military Science (ROTC) minor introduces students to leadership, ethics, and military organization while developing skills in decision-making, teamwork, and physical readiness. Through classroom instruction and hands-on training, students gain practical leadership experience and preparation for service as commissioned officers or for leadership roles in civilian careers.

  • 29 credits as follows:
    • 26 credits:
      • MSC 101 Leadership and Military Science I, 2 cr.
      • MSC 102 Leadership and Military Science II, 2 cr.
      • MSC 201 Basic Leadership and Management I, 3 cr.
      • MSC 202 Basic Leadership and Management II, 3 cr.
      • MSC 301 Advanced Leadership and Management I, 4 cr.
      • MSC 302 Advanced Leadership and Management II, 4 cr.
      • MSC 401 Applied Leadership and Management I, 4 cr.
      • MSC 402 Applied Leadership and Management II, 4 cr.
    • Required each semester of enrollment in ROTC
      • MSC 183 Military Conditioning, 0-1 cr.
    • 3 credits of professional education requirement from the following:
      • HIS 112 History of the United States from 1877, 3 cr.
      • HIS 211 American Military History, 3 cr.
      • HIS 408 History of American Foreign Policy, 3 cr.
      • HIS 422 20th Century Europe, 3 cr.
      • MSC 404 Special Topics, 1-3 cr.
      • MSC 421 Contemporary Leadership and Management 1-3 cr.
      • MSC 431 Advanced Contemporary Leadership and Management, 1-3 cr.
    • 8 credits:

*indicates an English speaking course. Only one course taught in English may be taken

The Thanatology minor provides an interdisciplinary study of death, dying, and bereavement, examining cultural, psychological, and ethical perspectives. Students gain insight into end-of-life issues and grief, preparing them for compassionate work in fields such as healthcare, counseling, social work, education, and ministry.

  • 18 credits as follows:
    • 9 credits:
      • THA 205 Dying, Death, and Bereavement, 3 cr.
      • THA 415 Dying, Death, and Loss Across Cultures, 3 cr.
      • THA 420 Understanding Bereavement, 3 cr.
    • 9 credits from the following:
      • THA 404 Special Topics, 3 cr.
      • THA 421 End-of-Life Care, 3 cr.
      • THA 422 Children, Teens, and Death, 3 cr.
      • THA 423 Comprehending Suicide, 3 cr.
      • THA 220 Death and Suffering, 3 cr.