Minors

Communication Sciences

The Communication Sciences minor is ideal for students who are curious about careers in the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology, or who intend to work in an adjacent career where they would benefit from foundational knowledge in the broader field of communication sciences and disorders - such as education, policy development, or advocacy. 

This minor is open to all students at WVU except for those enrolled in the Communication Sciences and Disorders major. Students who wish to take these courses as a prerequisite for application to graduate school in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology should consult our advising team via email to determine which pathway (major or minor) will better prepare them to be a competitive applicant. Other questions? Contact Dr. Jayne Brandel via email.

Disability Studies

The minor in Disability Studies focuses on disability and its intersections with family and social life. Courses emphasize topics such as special education in contemporary society, lifespan disability policy, and service-learning opportunities with individuals who have a disability. The minor culminates in a portfolio-based capstone course, allowing students to effectively demonstrate their learning across the program. 

This minor is open to all students at WVU. Questions? Contact Dr. Lesley Cottrell via email. 

Healthcare Data Analytics

The Healthcare Data Analytics minor allows students to explore data analytics processes and workflows in healthcare, and how to secure, manage, and present health data. It is ideal for students who are pursuing non-clinical, data-focused careers, or who want to learn how to effectively use data as a future healthcare professional.

This minor is open to all students at WVU except for those enrolled in the Health Informatics and Information Management major. Additionally, listed prerequisite courses are required for students in the major but are waived for students enrolled in the Healthcare Data Analytics minor. Questions? Contact Prof. Megan McDougal via email. 

Molecular Medicine

The minor in Molecular Medicine introduces students to "big picture" concepts in molecular medicine, and how to apply these concepts to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disease. Students will have opportunities to engage in real bench research in active laboratories, giving them foundational skills that make them competitive for postgraduate study in the biomedical or health sciences or for entry-level biomedical research positions. 

This minor is open to all students at WVU. Questions? Contact Caitlin Cather via email.

Performing Arts Medicine

The minor in Performing Arts Medicine (PAM) introduces students to applied principles of movement, mechanics, conditioning, training, and prevention of injury in performing artists, as well as to unique cultural considerations, performance enhancement goals, and genre-specific injury patterns found across the performing arts. It is ideal for students who wish to apply these principles to their future practice as performers, performer educators, or healthcare professionals who work with performing artists. 

This minor is open to all students at WVU. Additionally, listed prerequisite courses are required for students in the EXPH major but may be waived for students enrolled in the Performing Arts Medicine minor. Questions? Contact Dr. Jill Descoteaux via email.

Rural Appalachian Health Disparities

The minor in Rural Appalachian Health Disparities is designed for students who intend to address health challenges experienced in rural regions like Appalachia, whether as a healthcare provider, policymaker, advocate, researcher, or in some other capacity. Students will apply and contextualize their learning through a focus in community engagement, policy development, or research.

This minor is open to all students at WVU. Questions? Contact Dr. Azalea Hulbert via email.