2025-26 Undergraduate Online Minors
Explore WVU's current catalog of online undergraduate minors and their courses.
In addition to pursuing a major area of study, as an undergraduate student, you may decide to pursue a minor to expand your knowledge, explore your personal interests, broaden your skills, appeal to future employers, and more. Take a closer look at what we have to offer and discover the options that align with your goals and passions. Consult with your advisor to design a path that works for you.
Please note that some online courses and minors are very popular. We strongly encourage our online students to sign up for courses as soon as registration becomes available.
Offered by the College of Applied Human Sciences
The online minor in Addiction Studies is a powerful way to make a real impact in
West Virginia and across the country. If you’re ready to be part of the solution to the addiction crisis, this minor gives you the skills to support individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. Through specialized coursework,
you'll build a strong foundation in behavioral health and community wellness that
complements majors like psychology, social work, nursing, public health, and more.
Whether you're planning a career in healthcare, education, criminal justice, or
social services, this minor helps you stand out as a compassionate and capable
professional who is ready to lead positive change.
Offered by the College of Creative Arts and Media
The online minor in Advertising is your launchpad into one of today's most creative
and fast-paced industries. You will be equipped for roles in advertising sales,
graphic design, creative services, copywriting, media buying, account planning
and market research. Through engaging coursework, you will explore the complex
role of branding, how persuasive messages are produced and delivered, and the powerful
influence advertising has on our daily lives. You will also learn how companies
build successful campaigns through media and creative strategies to reach and motivate
target audiences.
Offered by the College of Applied Human Sciences
Offered by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
The online minor in Communication Studies helps you master one of the most essential skills in any career: the ability to connect, influence, and lead through effective communication. With a diverse curriculum that teaches you the basics of communication theory and offers specialized courses, you will explore how communication shapes relationships, organizations, media, and society. This minor empowers you to refine your focus, deepen your understanding, and align your studies with your career goals.
Offered by the College of Creative Arts and Media
The online minor in Entertainment Media is a backstage pass to help you break into the entertainment industry. As the importance of social media and emerging technologies reshape how audiences engage with content, new strategies must be used to entice the consumer. The curriculum takes general principles of marketing communications and presents them through the lense of the entertainment business to really hone your skills. Courses cover topics in public relations, entertainment reporting, branding, campaigns, and more.
Offered by the College Applied Human Sciences
The online minor in Esports Management is a great entry point to this new and growing industry. Through its specialized coursework, this minor will introduce you to the rapidly evolving esports industry through coursework in event planning, team operations, marketing, business, and more. Whether you're interested in managing tournaments, building fan communities, or leading competitive teams, this minor complements a wide range of majors, letting you pursue your passions while gaining the skills to stand out in the esports industry.
Offered by the College of Creative Arts and Media
The online minor in Event Planning prepares you to create experiences that leave a lasting impression. Through specialized coursework focused on planning, promotion, media, and public relations, you will learn how to bring events to life from concept to execution. Whether you're organizing conferences, concerts, fundraisers, or festivals, this minor gives you versatile skills that apply across industries. It is a strong complement to majors in marketing, communication, hospitality, and more.
Offered by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
The online minor in Forensic and Investigative Science introduces you to the fascinating world where science meets criminal justice. Through specialized coursework in topics like biological evidence, crime scene investigation, fingerprint science, and forensic science ethics, you will learn how evidence is collected, examined, and used to solve cases. This minor is a strong fit for students pursuing careers in law enforcement, legal studies, biology, chemistry, or criminology. It gives you the analytical skills and scientific foundation to stand out in a field that demands precision, curiosity, and critical thinking.
Offered by the John Chambers College of Business and Economics
The online minor in General Business provides you with an understanding of several integral concepts of running and managing a business. Through coursework in topics like accounting, management, marketing, and logistics, you will gain a broad understanding of how businesses operate and grow. Whether you plan to work for a company or launch your own venture, this minor equips you with practical knowledge and strategic insight to thrive in any professional setting.
Offered by the Eberly College of Arts and Science
The online minor in Gerontology, the study of aging and the well-being of older adults, explores several topics relevant to the care of aging people provides valuable insights and skills such as health and wellness, social and cultural perspectives, policy and advocacy, and the psychological and physiological processes of aging that can shape both your personal and professional life. Whether you aspire to make a difference in the lives of older adults, or seek to pursue a career in healthcare, social services, or public policy, this minor gives you the knowledge and compassion to lead with purpose.
Offered by the College of Applied Human Sciences
The online minor in Health Coaching prepares you to guide others toward healthier, more fulfilling lives. The coursework will teach you the foundations of behavior-change science and the theoretical and practical considerations for empowering clients to adopt and sustain healthy lifestyles. Additionally, you will prepare for and complete the American Council on Exercise (ACE) national certification exam, which is required to become an ACE Certified Personal Trainer or an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor.
Offered by the College of Creative Arts and Media
The online minor in Health Promotion is a great opportunity to further your knowledge and make an impact in your community. This minor teaches actionable skills like campaign creation and coordination and how to use a variety of communication strategies, tactics, and media to increase awareness You'll be prepared to work in areas like healthcare marketing and communication for hospitals, health promotion for geriatric care facilities, health marketing for non-profits, or health communication positions within governmental organizations.
Offered by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
The online minor in History teaches students about American and Appalachian Regional history, from basic concepts to higher-level courses which offer more specialization in subject matter. You will also acquire skills of critical analysis by examining various historical sources. This minor aims to give you solid understanding of history, which is a traditionally important factor in succeeding in graduate or law school.
Offered by the John Chambers College of Business and Economics
The online minor in Hospitality and Tourism Management prepares you for dynamic roles in he world's largest and most people-focused industries. You will explore how operations work across restaurants, hotels, and tourism services, while gaining insight into effective management practices. The curriculum also includes an event planning component, giving you the skills to plan, promote, and execute memorable experiences. Whether you're pursuing a career in hospitality, travel, or event coordination, this minor helps you build the knowledge and confidence to thrive in a fast-paced, service-driven environment.
Offered by the College of Applied Human Services
The online minor in Human Services gives you the tools needed to improve the lives of the people you serve. Through coursework focused on families, communication, care, and lifespan development, you will build the skills needed to serve individuals and communities effectively. This minor also prepares you for graduate education or licensure, opening doors to careers in public agencies, hospitals, government-supported housing programs, community clinics, and some areas of the criminal justice system.
Offered by the John Chambers College of Business and Economics
The online minor in Marketing is designed to give you a strong understanding of the foundations of how brands connect with consumers to drive results. The curriculum covers topics such as reearch, buyer behavior, brand management, social media, product management, and more. This minor works nicely with other buisiness or media related majors, unlocking a versatile skill set that prepares you to succeed in a wide range of industries.
Offered by the College of Applied Human Science
The online minor in Personal Training prepares you to help others reach their fitness goals through science-based coaching and support. The coursework will train you analyze fitness abilities and develop exercise programs across individual and group settings to meet the needs of your clients. Additionally, you will prepare for and complete the American Council on Exercise (ACE) national certification exam, which is required to become an ACE Certified Personal Trainer or an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor.
Offered by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
The online minor in General Political Science provides you an understanding of how the political system works, how it impacts you, and how you can engage and influence the system around you. You can cover topics such as the legal system, local government, policy analysis, international relations, and more. Not only does this minor couple well with majors in related subjects like law, public administration, and journalism, but its value extends across disciplines.
Offered by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
The online minor in Professional Writing will help sharpen your writing skills for success in personal and professional settings. With a focus on writing theory, this curriculum exists to improve your writing and further your career. With a curriculum grounded in writing theory and practical application, you will learn how to craft clear, effective, and purposeful content across a variety of formats. Whether you're preparing for a career in publishing, communications, business, or law, this minor gives you the tools to write with confidence and impact.
Offered by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
The online minor in Psychology introduces you to the foundational concepts of human behavior and psycological reserach, as well as how to apply the theory behind them. The curriculum includes a variety of elective courses, allowing you to explore topics that align with your interests and career goals. Whether you're planning to pursue graduate study or enhance your understanding of people and behavior, this minor adds depth and versatility to your academic experience.
Offered by the College of Creative Arts and Media
The online minor in Public Relations teaches you how to craft strategic messages that build trust, shape perception, and drive engagement. You will learn to use communication tactics, media tools, and relationship-building strategies to connect with audiences across industries. The curriculum will prepare you for a variety of careers in public relations, media relations, event planning, corporate communications, crises management, publicity and promotion, public affairs and government relations. The coursework focuses on writing and case-study analysis, allowing you to build a portolio showcasing the projects and skills you have developed.
Offered by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
The online minor in Religious Studies explores religions of the world including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Course topics explore how those religions are practiced and studied across cultures. This minor aims to create a foundational understanding of these faiths so one can interact with people from different cultures in a more empathetic nature, both interpersonally and in your career.
Offered by the College of Applied Human Sciences
The online minor in Sports and Performance Psychology explores the various factors that impact how an athlete performs while playing sports. The curriculum gives you the opportunity to engage in self-exploration while learning sport and performance psychology basics, like leadership, group dynamics, motivation, and a range of psychological skills that help performers achieve excellence while supporting their well-being. After completing the minor, you will be prepared to work in several professional areas, such as business, law, medicine, the military, and the performing arts.
Offered by the College of Applied Human Sciences
The online minor in Sport Communication is unique in how it breaks down the common facets of communication and marketing through the lens of sports and athletics. Whether you dream of working in sports media, marketing, public relations, or team operations, this minor gives you the skills to stand out and succeed. It’s designed to help you thrive in a competitive industry where storytelling, strategy, and connection matter.
Offered by the College of Applied Human Sciences
The online minor in Sports Innovation and Global Industry Trends focuses on the intersection of sports, technology, and global market trends, which provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and succeed in this field. The coursework focuses on the importance of technology in shaping the future of sports, and how trends are formed from these innovations. This minor will explore key areas such as esports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and sports memorabilia, all within the context of a global industry.
Offered by the College of Creative Arts and Media
The online minor in Strategic Social Media offers you an integrated approach to social media marketing. With a curriculum featuring topics such as social media strategy, campaigns, advertising, and public relations, this minor will equip you to engage with a variety of audiences. No matter your major, if you're interested in a career in media and communication, this minor prepares you to work in industries such as marketing and advertising agencies, healthcare, government, professional sports, hospitality, and more.
What is a Minor?
A college minor is a secondary area of academic focus that consists of a smaller set of courses in a specific subject. Minors are designed to complement your major while you are pursuing your undergraduate degree program. Choosing a minor allows you to deepen your knowledge in a particular field, broaden your academic experience, or explore personal interests outside your primary area of study.
Why Pursue an Online Minor?
There are many reasons why you may want to purse an online minor while working on your bachelor's degree. You might choose a minor that complements your major and helps expand your skills and knowledge, or you might explore a subject that aligns with your passions and personal interests.
An online minor can help distinguish you from your peers in a competitive job marketing by providing you with additional skills and a broader academic foundation. Whether your minor complements your major or introduces you to a completely different field, it can help you build a diverse skill set and demonstrate adaptability, intellectual curiosity, and initiative.
Last updated: August 14, 2025.