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College of Arts and Sciences

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College of Arts and Sciences

MINORS

  • Africana Studies

    Minor

    Africana Studies, an academic discipline, offers an intellectual approach to the study of African people both nationally and globally. Thus, it seeks to provide historically accurate assessments of the roles and contributions of people of African descent to America and to human history. As as interdisciplinary program, this minor offers students the opportunity to communicate more effectively across cultural lines as well as to explore the social, political, and economic reality of the black experience in the United States. In addition, the minor encourages creative research, the acquisition of practical experiences, and the development of intellectual expertise in Africana Studies. 

  • Anthropology

    Minor

    Sociology is a social science that involves the study of human society. Sociologists examine aspects of society and social behavior, including cultures, social institutions, groups and more. Anthropology also involves the study of people but focuses on humans and their immediate ancestors. Anthropologists examine patterns of culture and behavior in order to understand human diversity in the present and past. Students in the sociology and anthropology undergraduate program have the unique opportunity to take core classes in both disciplines, then select a concentration in either applied and clinical sociology or anthropology. The graduate program focuses on applied sociology, a field in which sociological knowledge is used to analyze real-world situations.

    Careers

    • Admissions Counselor
    • Affirmative Action Specialist
    • Anthropologist
    • Archeologist
    • Career Counselor
    • See more careers
  • Applied Statistics

    Minor

    The minor is designed to prepare students for careers in research, education, industry, and government. If you are a STEM major; you are halfway toward a Mathematics or Statistics minor!

    Careers

    • Actuary
    • Insurance Underwriter
    • Market Research Analyst
    • Operational Research Analyst
    • Statistician
  • Astronomy

    Minor

    Astronomy, one of the oldest sciences, is the study of celestial bodies including planets, stars, galaxies and other entities in space. Astronomers utilize principles in physics to learn about the universe and create theories based on their research. Astronomy majors at Valdosta State University gain knowledge of the fundamental branches of astronomy, including solar system astronomy, astrophysics and observational astronomy. 

    Careers

    • Aerospace Professional
    • Data Analyst
    • Lab Technician
    • Observatory Scheduler
    • Planetarium Director
    • See more careers
  • Biology

    Minor

    A new Minor in Biology will be available starting in fall 2017. The minor requires fifteen hours of upper division biology courses including genetics, ecology and evolution, and eight hours of upper division biology electives.

    Careers

    • Biotechnology
    • Forensics
    • Genetic counseling
    • Medicine
  • Chemistry

    Minor

    Chemistry is all about imagining new solutions and solving problems. These skills are relevant in every field, which is why a Minor in Chemistry can be so useful. Chemistry relates to so many fields of science, engineering and mathematics. In addition, the chemical industry employs many graduates with business degrees. A Minor in Chemistry can give you a competitive advantage when applying to nursing school or other post-graduate health science programs.

    Careers

  • Computer Science

    Minor

    Computer scientists and computer information systems professionals use computers to solve problems by programming, analyzing, designing and implementing software systems. They deal with theoretical components related to computers and to issues with hardware. Jobs in the field of computer science and computer information systems are in high demand and graduates in these disciplines are prepared for a variety of positions in the field of science, technology, engineering, education, business and more. The computer science and computer information systems majors at Valdosta State University prepare students to enter the workforce and many students in the program find part-time jobs in the field while they continue their studies.

    Careers

    • Applications Developer
    • Computer Programmer
    • Computer Science Teacher
    • Computer Scientist
    • Computer Support Specialist
    • See more careers
  • Creative Writing

    Minor

    English majors are good writers and effective communicators and possess the ability to process complex ideas and understand and successfully communicate with others. The English program at Valdosta State University builds upon the basic knowledge, skills and values provided by the core curriculum while preparing students for a wide range of careers and for graduate study in numerous fields

  • French

    Minor

    French is the second most spoken language in the European Union and the seventh worldwide with more than 230 million native and non-native speakers.  It is the official language of 29 countries throughout the globe. College graduates who are proficient in French and who have a deep understanding of the richness and diversity of French and Francophone cultures have many advantages in the workforce and can pursue careers in education, humanities-related fields, fashion, and business, to name just a few.

    Careers

    • Bilingual Educator
    • Bilingual Tax Assessor
    • Business Manager
    • Customs/Immigration Officer
    • Fashion Correspondent
    • See more careers
  • Geography

    Minor

    A Minor in Geography is available to students of all majors. It consists of two specific core courses (GEOG 1112k and GEOG 1113k) and at least nine hours of upper-division elective courses. Geography is an interdisciplinary field that bridges both natural and social sciences so this Minor complements many other programs at VSU.  Geography teaches a variety of methods to analyze the natural environment and how it is impacted by humans.  Skills honed in this minor add breadth to students’ preparation for employment in the public or private sector or pursuit of graduate education.

  • Geology

    Minor

    A Minor in Geology is available to students of all majors.  This minor consists of two lower-level courses (GEOL 1121k and GEOL 1122k) as well as Mineralogy (GEOL 3101), Petrology (GEOL 3102) and at least three additional upper-division hours in geology.  Geology is the study of Earth’s materials, their composition, how they change over long spans of time, and ways that humans utilize natural resources.  These courses teach a variety of analytic techniques both in the classroom and in the field.  Skills honed in this minor augment students’ preparation for employment in the public or private sector or pursuit of graduate education.

  • German

    Minor

    Official language of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg, German is the first language of the largest number of citizens of the European Union and a major world language.  High proficiency in the German language and a deep understanding of the richness and diversity of German culture will broaden your horizons and give you a competitive edge on the job market. They will prepare you for successful careers in education, the humanities, foreign service, sciences, and business, to name just a few.

    Careers

    • Business Manager
    • Customs/Immigration Officer
    • Foreign News Correspondent
    • German Instructor
    • Government Administrator
    • See more careers
  • History

    Minor

    History is the study of past events, people and eras. The discipline involves research, reading and writing, with an emphasis on interpreting and analyzing information. The history program at Valdosta State University is a good choice for students interested in the discipline who want to broaden their educational horizons and prepare for a number of careers or graduate school.

    Careers

    • Archivist
    • Community Relations Professional
    • Congressional Aide
    • Historian
    • Historic Site Professional
    • See more careers
  • Journalism

    Minor

    The programs in the English Department build upon the basic knowledge, skills, and values provided by the University Core Curriculum while preparing students for a wide range of careers as well as for graduate study in numerous fields. The Journalism minor prepares students for careers in print journalism, editing, and in-house news writing. The minor in Journalism at Valdosta State offers courses in writing for newspapers, magazines, sports and features, with opportunities for publication through a close curriculum relationship with the student newspaper, The Spectator.

  • Literature & Language

    Minor

    The programs in the English Department build upon the basic knowledge, skills, and values provided by the University Core Curriculum while preparing students for a wide range of careers as well as for graduate study in numerous fields. The Literature and Language minor provides a pre-law and pre-theology education as well as prepares students for graduate study in English.

  • Mathematics

    Minor

    Mathematicians study quantity, distance and space with the goal of problem solving, reasoning, making connections and communicating. They advance knowledge by developing new principles and recognizing previously unknown relationships between existing principles of mathematics. Applied mathematicians use mathematical theories and techniques, including mathematical modeling and computational methods, to formulate and solve real-world problems in business, government and engineering, and in the areas of physical, life and social sciences.

    Careers

    • Actuary
    • Budget Analyst
    • Claims Adjustor
    • Computer System Analyst
    • Controller
    • See more careers
  • Middle Eastern Studies

    Minor

    Arabic is the fifth most spoken language in the world with 420 million native and non-native speakers.  It is the official language of 28 countries throughout the globe and the liturgical language of Islam.  College graduates who are proficient in Arabic and who have a deep understanding of the richness and diversity of the cultures in the Arab world have many advantages in the workforce and can pursue careers in civil service, intelligence, the military, humanities-related fields, and business, to name just a few.

    Careers

    • Business Manager
    • Customs/Immigration Officer
    • Foreign News Correspondent
    • Government Administrator
    • Import/Export Specialist
    • See more careers
  • Minor in Aerospace Studies

    Minor

    The Department of Aerospace Studies is the United States Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) detachment at VSU. Students seeking a commission into the active duty Air Force will take classes aimed at developing leadership, fostering teamwork, military history, and understanding the role of the US Air Force in national defense. The academic portion of AFROTC is also open to students who wish to only take the academic component without pursuing a commission.

    Careers

    • Air Battle Manager
    • Aircraft Maintenance Officer
    • Combat Rescue Officer
    • Combat Systems Officer
    • Contracting Officer
    • See more careers
  • Native American Studies

    Minor

    The Native American Studies minor is committed to an interdisciplinary approach in the study of Native American cultures and their contributions to the global community. The program serves students of Native American descent as well as members of the larger University community. Course offerings include anthropology, art history, history, philosophy, religion, literature, and languages, providing the basis for a greater understanding of Native American cultures.

  • Philosophy

    Minor

    Philosophy is the discipline of learning about different ways of life and gaining an appreciation for the richness of culture. Religious studies focuses on the diversity of religious thought and practice from multicultural perspectives. Students in these two disciplines at Valdosta State University develop critical and objective thinking skills, become clear and effective writers and persuasive speakers, hone their organizational and analytical skills, and expand their political awareness.

    Careers

    • Business Manager
    • Church Administrator
    • Clergy
    • College Professor
    • Corporate Ethics
    • See more careers
  • Physics

    Minor

    Physics is a foundation science concerned with space, time, matter, energy, gravitation, electromagnetism, light, atoms, nuclei and the fundamental forces of the universe. Famous physicists such as Albert Einstein and Sir Isaac Newton responsible for some of the most profound scientific discoveries in history, and the discipline continues to produce great thinkers who uncover the inner-workings of the universe. The physics program at Valdosta State University helps students achieve their dreams of in the discipline and prepares them for careers in the field and for further graduate studies.

    Careers

    • Astronomer
    • Astrophysicist
    • Atomic Physicist
    • Biophysicist
    • Chemical Physicist
    • See more careers
  • Political Science

    Minor

    Political science is the study of systems of government, politics, political behavior and public policies. Political scientists study the stages of government, the process by which political decisions are made and various matters that affect government behavior. Political science students at Valdosta State University focus on subfields of the discipline, including the American government and politics, comparative government and politics, international relations, political theory, public law and public administration.

    Careers

    • Archivist
    • Banking Analyst
    • Campaign Advisor
    • Campaign Finance Advisor
    • CIA Agent
    • See more careers
  • Professional and Applied Ethics

    Minor

    A minor in Professional and Applied Ethics provides students with skills for critical and objective thinking, clear and effective writing skills, the ability to present a convincing case, organizational & analytical skills, and political awareness.

     

  • Professional Writing

    Minor

    The programs in the English Department build upon the basic knowledge, skills, and values provided by the University Core Curriculum while preparing students for a wide range of careers as well as for graduate study in numerous fields. The Professional Writing minor prepares students for graduate study as well as careers in law, business, advertising, and publishing. The Professional Writing minor emphasizes the importance of critical thinking skills, encourages an appreciation of diverse cultural perspectives, and develops a greater understanding of the cognitive, emotive, and aesthetic dimensions of language as an avenue of self-knowledge, cultural understanding, and social responsibility while providing the necessary skills to write for professional publication.

  • Public Administration

    Minor

    In a fundamental sense, public administration involves the implementation of government policies. As an academic discipline, public administration trains students to become effective leaders responsible for implementing policies in any type of public or private organization. Students in the public administration program at Valdosta State University learn administrative skills that may be used in a variety of administrative careers and settings in both the public and private sectors.

    Careers

    • Archivist
    • Banking Analyst
    • Campaign Advisor
    • Campaign Finance Advisor
    • CIA Agent
    • See more careers
  • Religious Studies

    Minor

    Philosophy is the discipline of learning about different ways of life and gaining an appreciation for the richness of culture. Religious studies focuses on the diversity of religious thought and practice from multicultural perspectives. Students in these two disciplines at Valdosta State University develop critical and objective thinking skills, become clear and effective writers and persuasive speakers, hone their organizational and analytical skills, and expand their political awareness.

  • Sociology

    Minor

    Sociology is a social science that involves the study of human society. Sociologists examine aspects of society and social behavior, including cultures, social institutions, groups and more. Anthropology also involves the study of people but focuses on humans and their immediate ancestors. Anthropologists examine patterns of culture and behavior in order to understand human diversity in the present and past. Students in the sociology and anthropology undergraduate program have the unique opportunity to take core classes in both disciplines, then select a concentration in either applied and clinical sociology or anthropology. The graduate program focuses on applied sociology, a field in which sociological knowledge is used to analyze real-world situations.

    Careers

    • Admissions Counselor
    • Affirmative Action Specialist
    • Anthropologist
    • Archeologist
    • Career Counselor
    • See more careers
  • Spanish

    Minor

    Spanish, a Romance language, is the primary language of Spain, Mexico, and most countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean. It is the second most spoken language worldwide as well as in the United States. Fluency in Spanish is an invaluable tool for those living and working in the United States and abroad. Valdosta State University students who are proficient in Spanish have numerous advantages in the workforce and can pursue a number of careers in areas such as teaching, translation and interpretation, health care, social services, law and law enforcement, and more.

    Careers

    • Bilingual Educator
    • Bilingual Tax Assessor
    • Business Manager
    • Customs/Immigration Officer
    • Foreign News Correspondent
    • See more careers
  • Women's and Gender Studies

    Minor

    A Women's and Gender Studies (WGST) minor prepares students for life, work, and service in the 21st century. Students learn from women’s history, feminist theory, and gender analytics, how gender as a form of cultural identity shapes human thought, experience, expectations and interactions. Courses in the WGST minor focus on the historical and contemporary experiences of women as well as other populations vulnerable because of race, class, gender, or sexual identity often regarded in the mainstream as unconventional. Employers and graduate schools are actively seeking candidates who understand the positive value of diversity. Alumni minors report many practical applications of what they learn in their WGST coursework, field work, service learning projects and internships.