This interdisciplinary minor will help you become conversant with American culture, including its literary, historical, musical, artistic and philosophical traditions.

Department contact: Dr. Trent Brown (browntre@mst.edu)

Would you like to learn how to write publishable short stories, poems, and essays? If so, this minor may appeal to you. You will become part of a community of writers and receive feedback on your work from peers and instructors. 

Department contacts: Professor Matt Goldberg (goldbergmr@mst.edu) or Professor Kelly Tate (tatekj@mst.edu)

Game studies is the academic study of games and their role in culture, society, and industry. This minor explores games as objects of in-depth, critical study, inviting students to analyze, research, and create games. With courses in game design and writing for the games industry, this minor is a solid choice for anyone interested in learning more about games.

Department contact: dr. victoria braegger (victoria.braegger@mst.edu)

Linguists are interested in the systematic study of language with particular interest in how people use language to establish their identities and situate themselves in the world. Being exposed to this view of language opens up new modes of thinking for students. In particular, by taking courses in linguistics, students gain an understanding of not only the basic prescriptive rules for correctness that are expected in certain written and spoken genres but also the patterns and features that comprise actual, real-world linguistic usage in a number of different speech communities—patterns that sometimes violate the prescriptive rules. 

Department contact: Dr. Sarah Hercula (herculas@mst.edu)

This minor is designed to improve your ability to read and think critically and use language effectively. Not only will you strengthen your ability to read carefully and competently, but reading literature is also an interesting way to explore significant psychological, philosophical, and aesthetic concerns. 

Department catalog: Dr. Eric Bryan (bryane@mst.edu)

This minor will allow you to explore the connections between literature and film and increase your understanding and enjoyment of each form of artistic expression.

Department contact: Dr. Trent Brown (browntre@mst.edu)

The purpose of this minor will be to supplement existing degree programs with the latest knowledge concerning social media. Objectives include training students to write for social media, brand and market products via social media, use social media to conduct user research, and create and manage social media sites such as user forums.

Department contact: Dr. Ed Malone (malonee@mst.edu)

This minor is a logical complement to a degree in engineering or one of the sciences. The courses you take will prepare you to design usable documents that communicate scientific and technical information effectively.

Department contact: Dr. Kathryn Northcut (northcut@mst.edu)

If you are interested in developing practical writing skills, this minor may be your best option. You will have many opportunities to practice your writing, and you will gain a better understanding of the written language as a means of communication.

Department contact: Dr. Ed Malone (malonee@mst.edu)