Minors

The Minor in African and African Diaspora Studies offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the diverse experiences of African and African-descended peoples worldwide. Students explore the complex historical, cultural, and social dynamics between Africans on the continent and those in the Diaspora, engaging with topics across various regions including the U.S., Caribbean, South America, Europe, and Asia.

Through a blend of required courses and electives, the minor provides a broad perspective on African diasporic identities, activism, and cultural contributions.

The Minor in Comparative American Studies offers students a comprehensive, multidisciplinary exploration of the various cultures and histories of the Americas. By engaging with differing areas of disciplines, students analyze American societies from local, regional, national, and transnational perspectives. The program focuses on key topics such as race, identity, popular culture, politics, and social movements, allowing students to critically examine the complexities of American life and its global connections.

Through this minor, students gain a deeper understanding of the historical and contemporary issues shaping American communities.

The Minor in Criminology explores the root causes and consequences of crime, both in the U.S. and globally. Students gain insight into how crime is measured, the social factors influencing criminal behavior, and the systems in place to prevent and respond to it.

Through interdisciplinary coursework, this flexible program equips students to think critically about crime, justice, and public safety—preparing them for careers or further study in the social sciences, law, or public policy.

The Minor in European Studies provides an interdisciplinary exploration of Europe’s diverse cultures, rich history, and complex political systems. Through a combination of foundational coursework, study abroad opportunities, and experiential learning, this program encourages students to develop a broad understanding of Europe’s role in global affairs. Students will engage with a wide array of subjects, including art, literature, geography, philosophy, and political science, all aimed at fostering critical thinking and cross-cultural analysis.

By bridging national and disciplinary boundaries, the minor equips students with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of European societies and their interconnectedness with the rest of the world.

The Minor in Geography equips students with a spatial perspective to analyze the dynamic relationships between people, places, and environments. This 15-credit program emphasizes key themes such as human-environment interaction and regional geography, preparing students to apply geographic knowledge across public, private, and academic sectors.

The Minor in History gives students a deeper understanding of the world’s major civilizations and the cultural traditions that help to shape them. By taking courses focused on key historical developments across Afro-Eurasia—including China, India, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe—students will explore the origins and lasting impact of philosophical, religious, and cultural systems.

This minor equips students with the critical thinking skills and global perspective that complements any KSU major.

The Minor in Japanese gives students a focused study of the Japanese language and culture, providing a strong foundation for careers or graduate study in Japan-related fields. With a learner-centered approach, this program emphasizes linguistic skill development alongside cultural understanding, equipping students for work or further academic exploration in Japan or other contexts where Japanese is essential.

The minor consists of 15 credit hours, with opportunities for advanced learners to earn credit through advanced standing exams, ensuring flexibility for students at various proficiency levels.

The Minor in Latin American and Latinx Studies offers a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic societies in Latin America and the diverse Latinx communities in the United States. Through courses exploring history, politics, economics, culture, and language, students gain valuable insights into the region's complexities. This interdisciplinary program emphasizes community engagement and study abroad opportunities, providing students with hands-on experiences to deepen their knowledge of Latin American and Latinx issues in both global and local contexts.

This minor is ideal for students seeking to expand their understanding of these influential cultures.

The Minor in Medical Sociology allows for a focused study of the social factors that shape health, illness, and healthcare systems. As the healthcare industry evolves to meet the demands of aging and chronically ill populations, this minor equips students to critically analyze health-related issues from a sociological perspective.

With interdisciplinary coursework, students will gain deeper insights into the societal impacts of medical practices and policies—preparing them for careers or graduate study in healthcare, policy, or social services.

The Minor in Peace Studies gives an interdisciplinary approach to understanding and promoting peace in a complex world. Designed for students passionate about justice and conflict resolution, this program prepares you for careers in fields such as human relations, nonprofit work, government, law, and international conflict transformation.

Through a combination of required and elective courses, the minor focuses on non-violence theories, peace-building methods, and the broader social and political implications of peace, equipping students with the tools to advocate for and create meaningful change.

The Minor in Public History provides students with a hands-on approach to understanding the presentation and preservation of history and culture. Combining both classroom learning and fieldwork, this minor equips students with practical skills in historic preservation, museum studies, community documentation, and cultural program development.

Whether you’re pursuing graduate study or preparing for work at historic sites, museums, or cultural organizations, this program provides a comprehensive foundation in the theory and practice of public history.

The Minor in Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies allows for a deep dive into the history, politics, and culture of a region central to global affairs. This interdisciplinary program equips students with critical insights into Russia, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe—regions marked by rich traditions and complex transformations.

Ideal for students in international affairs, history, political science, and business, this minor enhances global awareness and strengthens professional preparation for careers in diplomacy, government, or international enterprise.