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Political Science Minor

College of Liberal Arts
Undergraduate 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.

Current students: Declare this program

Once you’re admitted as an undergraduate student and have met any further admission requirements your chosen program may have, you may declare a major or declare an optional minor.

Future students: Apply now

Apply to Metropolitan State: Start the journey toward your Political Science Minor now. Learn about the steps to enroll or, if you have questions about what Metropolitan State can offer you, request information, visit campus or chat with an admissions counselor.

Get started on your Political Science Minor

Program eligibility requirements

Only non social-science majors may do this minor.

Course requirements

Summary (19-20 credits)

Lower Division Course (3-4 credits)

Students hoping to transfer in lower-division credits in Political Science should meet with an advisor as soon as they declare their minor to see if a course substitution is possible. In some cases, lower-division electives may be transferred in and accepted as a substitute course for POL 101.

Survey Course (4 credits)

CHOOSE ONE:

POL 301 Citizenship in a Global Context

4 credits

This course investigates the theory and practice of citizenship in local communities, the United States and the world. Students draw on core concepts from political science to explore contrasting ideas about citizenship and the political, economic and cultural dimensions of critical issues facing the global community. Classroom inquiry is supplemented by field experiences and investigation.

Full course description for Citizenship in a Global Context

POL 321 Approaches to World Politics

4 credits

This course examines critical global issues and the organizations and institutions that are attempting to address them. Drawing on concepts from political science and international relations, students explore such issues as human rights, the global environment, violence within and between nations, and the gap between "have" and "have not" nations. The course investigates the response of the United States to these issues as well as the effectiveness of formal international organizations like the United Nations and emerging transnational citizen organization. Classroom inquiry is supplemented by field experience and investigation.

Full course description for Approaches to World Politics

Upper Division Electives (12 credits)

Students must take 3 upper division courses in political science. Students may substitute SSCI 300, SSCI 311, SSCI 401, or SSCI 501 for one upper division political science course.