Political Science Minor

Why a minor in Political Science?

The Political Science minor is an ideal course of study for students interested in gaining a complex, analytical understanding of:

• The institutions that comprise political systems, both in the United States and abroad;
• The ways in which the political system helps to shape people’s beliefs and promote social change;
• Political Science approaches to solving social problems.

The discipline of political science is dedicated to promoting respect for all ideological groups and social justice within and across societies.

What will I do in the minor?

Courses in the Political Science Minor will teach:

• The origins and development of political systems, ideologies and institutions;
• Political dimensions of difference and inequality;
• The impact of political values and the ways these values shape institutional development and change.

Students in the Political Science Minor will take between 19 and 20 credits of Political Science courses.

What can I do with the minor?

A Political Science Minor is an excellent complement to a number of majors. These include:

• Professional programs such as psychology, law enforcement, criminal justice, human services, social work, and international business
• Liberal arts programs in history, gender studies, professional communication, ethnic studies, or philosophy State and Federal Governments

More information on careers in political science can be found on the American Political Science Association website.

Student outcomes

The learning outcomes for this minor provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to enter the 21st-century workplace to:

• know and understand the essential concepts of social science;
• comprehend the historical foundations, theoretical paradigms, and research methods of social science;
• develop higher order thinking skills by analyzing and interpreting social science literature;
• write analytically in a style that is informed, well-reasoned, and literate;
• recognize and understand differences of gender and sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, religion, and social class;
• understand and utilize a global perspective; and
• develop civic skills by participating in community-based learning and internships
• become advocates and leaders in their communities, our nation, and the globe.