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Minors

Man looking at grain in field Agribusiness Management

This minor gives students additional skills aimed specifically at rural businesses that produce, process or market agricultural products and commodities. Such companies range from locally owned firms to Fortune 500 companies. This minor can be completed on campus or online.

Learn more about the Agribusiness Management Minor


deer among round bales of hay

Agricultural & Natural Resources Law

Designed to provide students specialized knowledge of regulations related to agriculture and natural resources, this minor emphasizes the legal issues associated with the production of food energy and fiber.

Leran more about the Agricultural & Natural Resources Law Minor


Image of an apple Applied & Environmental Microbiology

This minor is designed to introduce students to the beneficial and harmful role of microorganisms in a variety of diverse environments including plants, animals, soil, food, air and water.

Learn more about the Applied & Environmental Microbiology Minor


Trees in a park Arboriculture

A minor designed to provide students specialized knowledge in the areas of forestry and ornamental horticulture as they relate to urban environments. Students will learn how to establish and manage herbaceous and woody plants used in commercial, recreational and residential settings.

Learn more about the Arboriculture Minor


Student holding small bird Conservation Ecology

This minor provides students with specialized knowledge and skills related to conservation of wild resources. It benefits students interested in careers related to conservation, monitoring and restoration of natural ecosystems.

Learn more about the Conservation Ecology Minor


Road signs saying economy and environment Environmental Economics

Offering skills that can enhance employment opportunities in government agencies and private consulting firms dealing with environmental and natural resource policy, this minor is flexible to allow students to create strength in a particular area of expertise such as water, air, energy and raw materials.

Learn more about the Environmental Economics Minor


Man taking water sample Environmental Protection

Designed to educate students on the science and techniques applied to safeguard the quality of the environment. The curriculum provides interdisciplinary training in a broad array of environmental sciences and includes specialization in either pest management or soil and water conservation.

Learn more about the Environmental Protection Minor


Student standing next to horse Equine Studies

Designed for students who wish to advance their knowledge of equine management practices or find basic employment within the equine industry, this minor has three tracks students can choose from—Equine Management, Equine Science, or Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies.

Learn more about the Equine Studies Minor 


Student looking in microscope Food Science & Technology

This minor provides students with knowledge of food processing, engineering, microbiology and marketing that broadens career opportunities in the areas of food safety, food science and technology, food engineering, sensory evaluation, food marketing research, food development, technical sales and marketing, and state or federal food inspection.

Learn more about the Food Science & Technology Minor


Student holding plate of tacos Food Service Production

The minor in food service production is designed to provide students educational opportunities in the areas of hospitality and/or foodservice management and/or food production management. Emphasis is given to those courses that provide expanded knowledge on management, food production and food safety. Students must obtain a 75% or higher on the ServSafe® Food Safety and Alcohol examinations offered in in order to obtain the minor.

Learn more about the Food Service Production Minor


Student measuring width of a tree Forest Resources Management

Providing an understanding of sustainable forest management in the Appalachian region, this minor benefits students seeking careers related to natural resources, recreation management, environmental engineering, biology and other environmental sciences.

Learn more about the Forest Resources Management Minor


Plant and soil in hands Horticulture

Emphasizing the establishment and management of herbaceous and woody plants used in commercial and home settings, this minor would benefit students interested in careers in various aspects of management and care of turf, parks and recreational areas as well as in landscape planning.

Learn more about the Horticulture Minor


Drawing of train and buildingsLandscape Studies

Designed to provide students with a comprehensive landscape architecture theoretical background, including both cultural and historical issues related to the discipline as well as planning and design issues at an urban and regional scale.

Learn more about the Landscape Studies Minor


Assorted color tomatoes and other vegetables on display at farmers market.

Nutrition & Food Studies

Discover the cultural, historical and sociological significance of food and nutrition in our world.



Learn more about the Nutrition & Food Studies Minor


Man painting mural on wallRural Community Development

This minor covers the concepts and principles pertaining to rural community development and requires courses focusing on the economy, communication and leadership and community design principles.

Learn more about the Rural Community Development Minor


Student suurounded by labeled soil samplesSoil Science

This minor is designed to introduce students to the relationships of soils to environmental protection and agricultural production. It helps to broaden and strengthen the backgrounds of students majoring in non-soils curricula within the Davis College as well as students majoring in biological, earth science and environmental curricula in other WVU colleges.

Learn more about the Soil Sciences Minor


Class looking at a roof of solar panelsSustainable Design

Offering students the opportunity for focused, interdisciplinary study of the design, delivery and operations of the built environment, this minor benefits students interested in careers in landscape architecture, interior design, civil engineering, wood science, public administration, business marketing and design studies.

Learn more about the Sustainable Design Minor


building a low rise residential structure

Sustainable Low-Rise Residential Construction

This minor provides students with a background in sustainable low-rise residential (i.e., single family, multi-family townhouses, and two- to three-story apartment buildings), specifically sustainable residential planning, construction and building techniques, building materials and finished wood products.


Learn more about the Sustainable Low-Rise Residential Construction Minor


View looking down trail with people walking at the far end.

Sustainable Trails Development

Learn skills necessary to properly plan, design, construct and maintain outdoor recreation trails with as little impact to the environment as possible.




Learn more about the Sustainable Trails Development Minor


Student examining water as part of research.

Wildlife & Fisheries Resources

This minor provides students with the necessary background and skills to effectively conserve and manage fish and wildlife habitats and populations.




Learn more about the Wildlife & Fisheries Resources Minor


Students lifting a large wooden column Wood Science & Technology

Providing students with a background in the properties, manufacturing and use of wood and related biomaterial products, this minor benefits students who will use wood and related biomaterials in their careers, such as engineers, designers and landscape architects.


Learn more about the Wood Science & Technology Minor