Political Science Minor
As a political science student, you’ll develop a strong understanding of government systems in the United States and around the world.
You’ll explore political movements and the role of public policy, political processes and comparative politics in society. You’ll also engage in discussions on ethics and the law, international relations and public opinion, while gaining writing, communication, analytical and data skills.
What is political science?
According to the American Political Science Association, political science is the study of governments, public policies and political processes, systems and political behavior. When you invest time in learning about government systems, you broaden your knowledge of the world and learn to think critically and independently.
Curriculum
The political science minor consists of five courses. There are two required courses and three elective courses (18 credit minimum).
You may tailor your minor by selecting elective courses based on your own interests or career goals.
Required courses (complete both)
| POL 1100 | Politics of the United States |
| POL 1500 | Comparative Politics |
Electives (choose three)
| POL 1400 | Politics of Public Policy |
| POL 1900 | International Politics (formerly POL 2510) |
| POL 2000 | Political Science Methods |
| POL 2010 | Political Ethics |
| POL 2120 | Government, Business & Law |
| POL 2121 | Intro to Public Administration |
| POL 2122 | Law and Society |
| POL 2181 | American Political Thought |
| POL 2200 | Globalization |
| POL 2300 | The Politics of Food |
| POL 2581 | Intro to Political Theory |
| POL 3112 | Congress and the Legislative Process |
| POL 3113 | The American Presidency |
| POL 3122 | Issues in Public Policy |
| POL 3130 | Campaigns and Elections |
| POL 3140 | Mass Media and American Politics |
| POL 3141 | Political Communication |
| POL 3150 | Criminal Law |
| POL 3151 | American Constitutional Law |
| POL 3152 | Civil Liberties and Civil Rights |
| POL 3153 | Politics & Religion |
| POL 3160 | United States Foreign Policy |
| POL 3161 | Politics of Immigration and Human Movement |
| POL 3171 | Music and Politics |
| POL 3520 | Modern China |
| POL 3525 | Politics of the Middle East |
| POL 3530 | Democracy, Development and Violence |
| POL 3531 | Politics of Developing Nations |
| POL 3540 | International Political Economy |
| POL 3541 | Cyber Security |
| POL 4599W | Issues and Cases in U.S. Foreign Policy |
Additional Notes
- Only two political science courses may be double counted between a political science minor and an international studies major.
- Only two political science courses may be double counted between a political science minor and a pre-law minor.