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Health, Medicine and Well-Being (Minor)

Explore the intersection of society, health and well-being with a minor in Health, Medicine, and Well-Being. Perfect for students interested in public health, healthcare policy or social research, this program builds expertise to improve lives and inform professional practice.
Type: Minor
Format: In-Person
Credit Hours: 21

This 21-credit minor examines social, cultural and structural factors affecting health. Courses cover medical sociology, mental health, aging, family dynamics and inequality, with electives allowing tailored focus. Fully online, it prepares students for careers in health care, policy, social services or graduate study, equipping them with analytical, research, and applied skills to address complex health and societal challenges.

This program was approved for students entering the university in the Summer 2025-Spring 2026 catalog year. For more information about catalog year, go to Catalog Year Information.

Minor in Health, Medicine and Well-Being

Unit: College of Arts and Sciences (AS)
Department: Sociology
Academic Plan Code(s): HMW MIN

The required courses in this minor can be completed 100% online.

Admission to the minor in Health, Medicine and Well-Being requires:

  1. Completion of SOC 320 or SOC 323 with a grade of C or better.
  2. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
  3. Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in sociology course, if any taken.

Program Requirements

SOC 201Introduction to Sociology - SB3
SOC 320Social Theory - WR3
SOC 323Diversity and Inequality3
Select two electives at the 300+ level:
Select one course from the following:3
SOC 305
Urban Sociology
SOC 315
Environmental Sociology
SOC 325
Sociology of Human Sexuality
SOC 327
Sociology of Gender
SOC 329
Sociology of Families
SOC 332
Japanese Families
SOC 334
Sociology of Deviant Behavior
Select one course from the following:3
SOC 340
Mental Health and Illness
SOC 342
Medical Sociology
SOC 343
Sociology of Women's Health
SOC 350
Special Topics in Sociology (if topic applicable)
Select two electives at the 400 level:6
SOC 410
Sociology of Aging - CUE
SOC 415
Sociology of Death & Dying - CUE, WR
SOC 425
Sociology of Leisure - CUE, WR
SOC 435
Sociology of Health and Illness - CUE, WR
SOC 440
The Health Care System - CUE, WR
SOC 442
Sociology of Disabilities
SOC 450
Special Topics in Sociology - CUE, WR (if topic applicable)
SOC 454
Social Inequality & Stratification - CUE, WR
Minimum Total Hours21

At least three (3) semester hours of the requirements for a minor must be successfully completed while enrolled in the University of Louisville.