A minor concentration requires a minimum of six courses, representing at least eighteen credits, in the minor field of study. In addition, a department may add prerequisites or requirements in related fields, but the total will not exceed 60% of the department's major program requirements. Minor requirements are listed under departmental entries. In order to complete requirements for a minor, the student must take the majority of credits in the minor field at King's.

Minor areas of concentration (minors) are permitted, but not required. The following minor concentrations are available:

Chemistry of Materials

Humanity's progress throughout history has been marked by the desire for superior material good such as sharper tools, warmer clothing, and more comfortable houses; in short, for a higher standard of living. Often the best way to improve something was to make it from better material. The search for improved materials began with natural materials such as wood, stone or wool. Over the centuries better materials such as pottery, bronze and iron were found accidentally and improved by trial and error. Beginning in the last century, the scientific method has led to enormous advances in such materials as ceramics and steels.

The need for better materials has not lessened: indeed, with modern computers, spacecraft and even automobiles, improved performance waits for improvements in the materials used. Totally new combinations of properties such as strength, corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, etc., are required. What has changed is how these materials are obtained.

The Chemistry of Materials is the modern way to new materials. We no longer find them; we design them. We use our chemical knowledge to predict which structures will have the desired combination of properties. Our chemical ingenuity allows us to produce these structures. This approach has led to all the advances in plastics; to the entire semiconductor industry (the basis of computers and electronics); to ceramic cutting tools for industry; stronger steels; and a host of others. More than half the chemists in the United States work in this area; yet there are few programs that specifically train in materials.

King's College faculty has special expertise in the area so the Department has initiated a concentration in the Chemistry of Materials. Materials are studied at levels from the theoretical to the applied. Students learn about polymers, alloys, ceramics, composites and other types of materials - what their properties are and why. Their research projects involve the search for new materials or for better ways to produce present ones. Graduates of this program will be eligible for certification by the American Chemical Society (ACA), and recognized as having a special competence in this area.


Ethics

The establishment of this minor is in response to the need to provide our students with increased opportunities to address ethical issues in public and professional life. All students are welcome to the program but those who intend careers in business, government, journalism, law, and medicine should be especially interested. Courses in the program are designed to give students a solid background in the moral literature of philosophy and theology as well as opportunities to address and study contemporary moral issues, especially as they occur in the context of professional life.

Forensic Studies

Forensic science is the application of technical knowledge to the resolution of legal questions. Nearly all disciplines have forensic applications. The minor is designed to provide an overview of the forensic science disciplines and how they aid the investigation of criminal activity. The principles, methods, and skills used in analyzing evidence and applying the results to criminal investigation are examined. More advanced courses within the major provide the technical knowledge required.


Latin American Studies

Latin American Studies is an interdisciplinary area studies minor developed to allow a combination of many different disciplines to examine a common theme. The interdisciplinary focus provides an opportunity to study Economics, History, Sociology, Political Science, Languages and Cultures of Latin America, thus gaining a broader understanding of this complex region of the world. Requirements are intended to ensure that each student acquires the necessary foundation of understanding and relevant language skills. A working proficiency of Spanish is required.

The interdisciplinary context of the program also allows students to pursue individual interests that will best complement their major field of study and long-term career goals. Students will be required to complete 18 hours of approved courses including an internship or study abroad component; and, they will have achieved language proficiency in Spanish.


Women's Studies

An interdisciplinary program, the minor in Women's Studies offers courses in several fields. In addition, with the support of Student Affairs staff, students have the opportunity to apply classroom learning through participation in co-curricular activities and programs. Women's Studies prepare students-both women and men-to make valuable contributions to society throughout their lives. Part of this preparation involves heightening awareness of and respect for the contributions and perspectives of diverse sectors of society.

International Studies

The International Studies minor was instituted in 2010 to address the need for students to respond to the challenges of rapid globalization in economic, social, political, and cultural realms. This minor adds value to any major program of study by demonstrating a student’s capacity to apply the skills and knowledge developed within the major program of study to issues of global importance. In this program, students critically engage the world beyond their local borders through an interdisciplinary curriculum focused on international issues, foreign language study, and study abroad experience.

Use this link for more information on King's International Studies program.