Political Science

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Minimum number of credits to complete the minor: 20

Minimum cumulative GPA required to graduate: 2.0

School: School of Arts and Sciences

Department: Political Science and Public Policy

Learn more about the program

The Political Science minor is for any student interested in learning more and developing an understanding of government systems and actors in the United States and around the world. Students have the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics, including public policy, political processes, ethics and the law, and international relations. Students will gain writing, communication, research, analysis, and critical thinking skills. Each student can tailor their minor to meet their own interests and career goals.

Minor Requirements

The minor consists of five courses (20 credits): two required courses and three elective courses. The Political Science minor requires a GPA of 2.00 or better in the minor.

Core Courses

Complete the following two required courses:

POL 1100 - Politics of the United States Credits: 4
POL 1500 - Comparative Politics Credits: 4

Required Electives

Choose three courses from the following:

POL 1400 - Politics of Public Policy Credits: 4
POL 1900 - International Politics Credits: 4
POL 2000 - Political Science Methods Credits: 4
POL 2010 - Political Ethics Credits: 4
POL 2120 - Government, Business and Law Credits: 4
POL 1300 - Public Administration Credits: 4
POL 2122 - Law and Society Credits: 4
POL 2181 - American Political Thought Credits: 4
POL 2200 - Global Issues Credits: 4
POL 2300 - The Politics of Food Credits: 4
POL 2581 - Intro to Political Theory Credits: 4
POL 3111 - State and Local Politics and the Environment Credits: 4
POL 3112 - Congress and The Legislative Process Credits: 4
POL 3113 - The American Presidency Credits: 4
POL 3122 - Issues in Public Policy Credits: 4
POL 3130 - Campaigns and Elections Credits: 4
POL 3140 - Mass Media and American Politics Credits: 4
POL 3150 - Criminal Law Credits: 4
POL 3151 - American Constitutional Law Credits: 4
POL 3152 - Civil Liberties and Civil Rights Credits: 4
POL 3160 - United States Foreign Policy Credits: 4
POL 3161 - Politics of Immigration Credits: 4
POL 3162 - Race, Politics, and Law Credits: 4
POL 3171 - Music and Politics Credits: 4
POL 3520 - Modern China Credits: 4
POL 3525 - Politics of the Middle East Credits: 4
POL 3530 - Democracy, Development and Violence Credits: 4
POL 3540 - International Political Economy Credits: 4
POL 3541 - Cyber Security: The Intersection of Technology and Policy Credits: 4
POL 3600 - Special Topics Credits: 4
POL 4599 - Issues and Cases in United States Foreign Policy Credits: 4

Political Science Minor 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, Public Policy, Cyber Security, or International Studies minor.