Minors

Applied behavior analysis is a scientific-based approach used to modify the behavior of children with autism spectrum disorder, behavior disorders, or cognitive disabilities. ABA can also be used with adults. It is the only treatment that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use with individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Applied Behavior Analysis also involves understanding behavior and using this knowledge to change or maintain desired behaviors. For example, ABA can be used to:

• Increase positive behaviors, such as attending to a speaker or greeting a peer
• Correct oral motor problems
• Teach an individual a new skill, including using a spoon, letter sounds, or riding a bus independently 
• Reduce or eliminate interfering or challenging behaviors in a variety of settings 

This online minor is another option if you become a bachelor of general studies student as you will be required to take two minors. Many who are interested in this minor, also have interest in our autism spectrum disorders minor. The ABA minor would also pairs well with psychology of human development, criminal justice, or sociology.

Prepares You for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Exam (BCaBA)

Our curriculum for this minor is verified to meet the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) course content standards to prepare you to sit for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) exam. To become a BCaBA, you must obtain a bachelor’s degree, complete ABA course work with a grade of C or better, fulfill supervised fieldwork hours, apply to take the BCaBA exam, and pass the BCaBA exam.

This minor will also provide you with:

• The ability to develop, implement, and monitor behavioral programs to treat various kinds of behavior issues (e.g., excessive interfering behavior, skill deficits) within a variety of settings such as schools, treatment centers, and work settings
• The ability to conduct effective functional behavioral assessments and analyses in a variety of applied settings, and then use that information to develop appropriate behavioral intervention plans
• A firm foundation in ABA if you ever wish to pursue a master's degree in order to become a board-certified behavior analyst 

Courses You Will Take

Courses in the ABA minor teach you the skills necessary to apply behavior analytic principles in numerous career settings.

• SPCE 280 Behavior Analysis: Principles, Procedures, and Philosophy (3 credits)
• SPCE 307 Ethical and Professional Practice in Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
• SPCE 310 Application and Consultation in ABA (3 credits)
• SPCE 315 Advanced Behavior Analysis (3 credits)
• SPCE 316 Single Subject Research Design and Application (3 credits)

Your advisor notes that you will want to make sure you devote 10-15 hours per week per course to meet course requirements and adequately understand course content.

State Regulatory Authorizations

If you reside in a state other than Indiana, this information may apply to in regards to being admitted to Ball State.

The significant increase in the number of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) means a growing demand for professionals with expertise in this area. In response to this national need, Ball State introduces a new undergraduate minor in ASD. Whether you plan to work in special education, education, nursing, psychology, speech/language pathology, or social work, you can use autism theories, techniques, and treatments in your career setting.

This online course work is another option for bachelor of general studies students, who are required to take two minors.It is especially well-suited to pair with our applied behavior analysis minor, but can also go well with other online minors such as psychology of human development or sociology.

Courses You Will Take

• EDPS 270 Lifespan Development (3 credits)
• SPCE 200 Exceptional Children and Adults (3 credits)
• SPCE 290 Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
• SPCE 292 Treatment and Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
• SPCE 320 Advanced Interventions for ASD (3 credits)

Some courses may require a background check and some work with a client.

Your advisor notes that you will want to make sure you devote 10-15 hours per week per course to meet course requirements and adequately understand course content.

Do you like collaborating with others to analyze information technology (IT) needs so you can design creative information technology solutions? Business information technology students learn to analyze business processes and advise on IT resources needed by organizations and users.

This minor, which focuses on the practical application of computing to business problem-solving, helps you develop strong computer skills to open career doors to the business world and other settings. Course work covers project management, systems application development, information systems, business communication, and microcomputer applications.

Required Courses

• ISOM 125 Microcomputer Applications for Business (3 credits)
• ISOM 210 Business Information Systems (3 credits)

Choose three courses from:

• BIS 226 Business Systems Applications Development (3 credits)
• BIS 317 Computer Networks for Business (3 credits)
• ISOM 250 Contemporary Design for Business Solutions (3 credits)
• ISOM 300 Project Management (3 credits)

Consult with your advisor before enrolling in any course to ensure its applicability toward your degree program. Not open to students with minors in consumer finance, entrepreneurship, foundations of business, foundations of management, legal studies in business, marketing, professional selling, or risk management and insurance.

The criminal justice and criminology minor can be a stepping stone to a career in social services, community outreach, psychology, and more. In fact, there are still positions in criminal justice and criminology that do not require a bachelor’s degree. Many students pair criminal justice and criminology with the sociology minor.

With this minor, you will develop an understanding of the American criminal justice system, philosophies and practices of various correctional programs, and techniques and theories of law enforcement. Professors who teach in the minor are from Ball State’s bachelor’s program in criminal justice and criminology, a program with a national reputation for its demanding curriculum.

Required Courses (6 credits)

• CJC 101 Introduction to American Criminal Justice System (3 credits)
• CJC 102 Introduction to Criminology (3 credits)

Elective Courses (15 credits)

Choose any five courses:

• CJC 211 Race, Gender, and Crime (3 credits)
• CJC 229 Decision-Making and Ethics in Criminal Justice (3 credits)
• CJC 230 Introduction to Policing (3 credits)
• CJC 240 Introduction to Corrections (3 credits)
• CJC 250 Introduction to Courts/Judiciary (3 credits)
• CJC 309 Juvenile Justice and Delinquency (3 credits)
• CJC 332 Victimology (3 credits)
• CJC 333 Policing in a Free and Diverse Society (3 credits)
• CJC 340 Institutional Corrections (3 credits)
• CJC 341 Community Corrections (3 credits)
• CJC 350 Criminal Evidence and Procedure (3 credits)
• CJC 397 Constitutional Issues in Criminal Justice (3 credits)
• CJC 398 Human Services in Criminal Justice (3 credits)
• CJC 399 Special Populations in Criminal Justice (3 credits)
• CJC 410 Special Topic in Criminal Justice and Criminology (3 credits)
• CJC 479 Professional Experience in Criminal Justice and Criminology (3 credits)
• CJC 490 Independent Study in Criminal Justice (3 credits)

Studying the past exposes you to the diversity of human cultures, helps you comprehend change and continuity over time, enhances your ability to discern patterns of comparison and contrast amid the complexities and similarities of human experience, and sharpens your communication skills.

With the history minor you’ll learn how to communicate effectively and analyze data, two important skills that employers seek in new hires. A minor in history can be helpful if you’re interested in journalism, business, political science, or law.

Courses

Our 18-credit minor gives you a blend of studies in world history and U.S. history, and you’ll take 9 credits in each.

At least 6 of your 18 credits must be 301-level or above courses. 

World History (9 credits)

• HIST 150 The West in the World (3 credits)
• HIST 151 World Civilization 1 (3 credits)
• HIST 152 World Civilization 2 (3 credits)
• HIST 495 Modern China, 1600-Present (3 credits)

U.S. History (9 credits)

• HIST 201 American History, 1492-1876 (3 credits)
• HIST 202 American History, 1877-Present (3 credits)
• HIST 301 U.S. and Vietnam War (3 credits)
• HIST 310 Intro to History of Business in US (3 credits)
• HIST 407 The American Civil War and Reconstruction (3 credits)
• HIST 413 Recent U.S.History: 1945 to Present (3 credits)

The above list consists of history classes that are offered online at Ball State. If you have previous college credit in world or U.S. history, consult with your advisor to see if the credit will apply toward these areas.

Acquire the skills and knowledge you need to work with and serve our youngest children with our minor in infant and toddler specialization. With engaging course content, covering broad topics related to child care and development, you will be prepared to go into and make a positive impact in this growing, ever-changing field.

This 100% online minor is a great addition for any program where one will work with or serve children including nursing, psychology, social work, and many others. This minor is available to complement all degree programs with the exception of three of the concentrations in the major in Family and Child. Students cannot earn both a minor and certificate in Infant and Toddler Specialization.

This minor is not available to students in the bachelor’s in Family and Child: Early Childhood Education, Family and Child: Child Life, nor Family and Child: Early Intervention. Check with your advisor to make sure your minor complements your degree program.

Courses You Will Take (15 credits)

• ECYF 202 – Child and Family Wellness (3 credits)
• ECYF 210 – Promoting Prosocial Behavior in Young Children: Guidance and Cultural Factors (3 credits)
• ECYF 315 – Infant Toddler Curriculum and Environment (3 credits)
• ECYF 320 – Leadership and Management in Child Development Programs (3 credits)

Select one (1) course from the following

• ECYF 252 – Creative Experience for Young Children (3credits)
• ECYF 380 – Parenting (3 credits)

Psychology is a science that studies behavior and mental processes. Psychologists look at individual differences in personality and cognitive abilities, social and biological influences on behavior, and the effects of development and learning on the individual. The study of psychology can help you understand both your own motivations and the behavior of others.

In the psychology of human development minor, you’ll discover the importance of physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development across the lifespan with the psychology of human development minor. Understanding child, adolescent, and adult developmental processes is key to this minor which can be applied to careers in social services, education, health care, and related areas.

This minor makes for a natural pairing with the sociology minor.

You may choose five courses (15 credits) from the top list or four courses from the top list and one from the second list.

Option 1: 15 credits from the following courses

• EDPS 254 Psychology of Early Childhood (3 credits)
• EDPS 270 Human Development Across the Lifespan (3 credits)
• EDPS 350 Child Psychology (3 credits)
• EDPS 351 Adolescent Psychology (3 credits)
• EDPS 355 Adult Psychology (3 credits)
• EDPS 380 Global Perspectives on Child Development (3 credits)
• EDPS 381 Developmental Psychopathology (3 credits)

Option 2: 12 credits from above and 3 credits from the following courses

• ANTH 311 Ethnicity and Race (3 credits)
• BIO 214 Genetics (3 credits)
• BIO 453 Human Genetics (3 credits)
• CPSY 360 Interrelational Aspects of Sexuality (3 credits)
• EDPS 250 Human Growth and Development (3 credits)
• EDPS 251 Human Growth and Development for Secondary Education (3 credits) 
• EDPS 260 Human Growth and Development for Elementary Education (3 credits)
• EDPS 306 Behavior Analysis in Education (3 credits)
• EDPS 345 Educational Tests and Measurement (3 credits)
• EDPS 360 Service Learning with Children, Families, and Adults (3 credits)
• EDPS 370 Immersive Learning with Children, Families, and Adults (3 credits)
• EDPS 490 Research Practicum in Educational Psychology (3 credits)
• EDPS 498 Seminar in Educational Psychology (3 TO 6 credits)
• EDPS 499 Independent Study: Educational Psychology (1 TO 12 credits)
• ECYF 202 Child and Family Wellness (3 credits)
• ECYF 250 Family Relations (3 credits)
• ECYF 265 Infant/Toddler Development and Education (3 credits)
• ECYF 275 Child Development (3 credits)
• ECYF 375 Healthy Partner Relationships (3 credits)
• GERO 435 Aging in Communities (3 credits)
• GERO 440 Women and Aging (3 credits)
• HSC 365 Health and Aging (3 credits)
• HSC 371 Death and Dying (3 credits)
• HSC 372 Women and Health (3 credits)
• PHYS 205 Fundamentals of Human Physiology (3 credits)
• PSYS 316 Social Psychology (3 credits)
• PSYS 317 Personality (3 credits)
• PSYS 318 Psychopathology (3 credits)
• PSYS 321 Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
• PSYS 324 Psychology of Women and Gender (3 credits)
• PSYS 326 Psychology of Diversity (3 credits)
• PSYS 362 Motivation and Emotion (3 credits)
• PSYS 468 Cognitive Neuroscience (3 credits)
• SOC 221 Introduction to Race and Ethnic Relations (3 credits)
• SOC 224 Family and Society (3 credits)
• SOC 235 Sociology of Gender (3 credits)
• SOC 421 Racial and Cultural Minorities in the United States (3 credits)
• SOC 424 Family (3 credits)
• SOC 431 Aging and the Life Course (3 credits)
• SOC 434 Sociology of Human Sexuality (3 credits)
• SPAA 270 Language Development (3 credits)
• SPCE 201 Introduction to Students With Exceptional Needs (3 credits)
• SPCE 302 Teaching Students with Disabilities in the General Education Classroom (3 credits)
• SPCE 334 Topics in Autism (3 credits)

Sociology can be described as the systematic study of human society and social interaction. Sociologists study the effects of groups upon individuals, interactions among groups and organizations, and cultural beliefs that direct human behavior within a local and global context.

This minor allows you to apply the development of reason and judgment instead of just professional skills. You will study contemporary sociological theory and research and apply it to social issues such as globalization, social inequality, diversity, health care, education, family, work, and religion. The sociology minor pairs well with our minor in criminal justice and criminology.

Required Course

• SOC 100 Principles of Sociology (3 credits)

Electives (12 credits)

At least two of the hour elective courses must be at the 300 or 400 level.

• SOC 228 Globalization and the Third World (3 credits)
• SOC 235 Sociology of Women (3 credits)
• SOC 241 Deviance (3 credits)
• SOC 242 Social Problems (3 credits)
• SOC 260 Society and the Individual (3 credits)
• SOC 312 Leisure (3 credits)
• SOC 380 Sociological Research Methods (3 credits) 
• SOC 382 Applied Social Statistics (3 credits)
• SOC 402 Social Theory (3 credits)
• SOC 421 Racial and Cultural Minorities in the U.S. (3 credits) 
• SOC 424 Family (3 credits)
• SOC 431 Aging and the Life Course (3 credits)

The above list of sociology electives consist of classes that are offered online by Ball State. If you have previous college credit in sociology, consult with your advisor to see if the credit will apply toward your electives.

This interdisciplinary field looks at ways sex and gender are displayed in social, cultural, and political contexts. Employers who face the pressing issues of gender in business and other sectors of society are demanding personnel who understand issues about gendered experience.

Psychology, history, sociology, and criminal justice majors use the women’s and gender studies minor for its diversity competency and its relevance to today’s workplace. If you pair this minor with an online history or a criminal justice and criminology minor, you can share credit requirements.

The minor can also benefit those preparing for counseling positions, managing businesses, active in the military, or committed to activism.

Women's and Gender Studies Courses (6 credits)

Required courses

• WGS 210 Introduction to Women and Gender Studies (3 credits)
• WGS 499 Women/Gender Studies Capstone (3 credits)

Interdisciplinary Courses (15 credits)

Your choice of 15 credits

• CJC 211 Race, Gender, and Crime (3 credits)
• HSC 261 Health, Sex, and Family Life (3 credits)
• SOC 235 Sociology of Gender (3 credits)
• SOC 424 Family (3 credits)
• SOC 434 Sociology of Human Sexuality (3 credits)
• SOCW 250 Human Behavior and Social Environment (3 credits)
• WGS 220 International Women’s Issues (3 credits)
• WGS 369 Paid Internship (1-6 credits)
• WGS 479 Unpaid Internship (1-6 credits)

Other relevant electives may be substituted with the approval of the program director.