Contact the Political Science Coordinator to learn more
About the Political Science Minor
The Political Science minor consists of eighteen credits with at least one course in each of the following Political Science areas: American, theory/methodology, comparative, and international relations. Six of these eighteen credits must be at the 400 level.
When electing this minor, the student should have fifth-semester standing. Special attention should be given to the fact that courses used to satisfy general education, degree requirements, electives, and major requirements may also be used to satisfy minor requirements.
What is political science?
Political science is one of the social sciences. It is the study of systems of governance and governmental institutions, political activity, political thought, and political behavior. Political science draws from many other academic disciplines, including economics, law, sociology, history, philosophy, geography, psychology, and anthropology. There also are subfields of political science, such as comparative politics, political theory, international relations, international law, public administration, and public policy. Political science students study how the American government works (and doesn't work) and what can be done to improve government at the federal, state, and local levels. In comparative government and international relations coursework, students study the politics and policies of other countries. Political theory courses examine the ideas of famous political philosophers, while courses on law and the legal process provide knowledge about criminal justice and civil litigation systems.
You might like this program if ...
You are in a major where your intended career is increasingly involved with governmental regulation or policy or if you want political or law background. It may lay the ground for better understanding your own field. It will also help you make sense of an increasingly complicated political world that confronts them in their own roles as citizens. A minor in political science is designed for students who want to improve their ability to deal intelligently and critically with issues and ideas about government and politics.
