Political Science, Minor
Program overview
The Political Science minor provides students with the opportunity to explore the study of politics while complementing their primary field of study. Through coursework in areas such as political institutions, political ideas, public policy, and global affairs, students develop valuable skills in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and informed argumentation. The minor enhances students’ understanding of political systems and public issues, making it a valuable addition for majors across the social sciences, humanities, business, and other disciplines.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PSC-1000 Introduction to Political Science 3
PSC-1100 American National Government 3
Select three PSC courses 2000 or higher
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES
PLO 1: Compare how politics is organized and governments operate in different contexts.
PLO 2: Evaluate fundamental ethical and moral values when interpreting political discourses and analyzing political orders.
PLO 3: Explain political events and phenomena using the established theories and concepts of political science.
PLO 4: Assemble interdisciplinary skill sets for a political science career.
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS
· 3 Credits in Introduction to Political Science
Introduction to Political Science provides students minoring in Political Science with a foundational overview of the discipline. It introduces the key concepts, institutions, and analytical approaches that prepare students for more advanced coursework in political science.
· 3 Credits in American National Government
American National Government introduces students to the institutions, constitutional principles, and political processes that shape governance in the United States. The course provides essential knowledge for understanding how public policy is made and how citizens participate in democratic politics.
· 9 Credits PSC Electives
These electives allow students to explore specific topics within the discipline that align with their interests and academic goals. These courses enable students to deepen their understanding of political institutions, ideas, and global issues beyond the introductory level
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
⚖️ Law and Legal Careers Preparation for law school and careers as attorneys, legal analysts, compliance officers, and policy advocates.
🏛️ Government and Public Service Roles in federal, state, and local government, civil service, legislative offices, public administration, and policy analysis.
📊 Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs Careers in think tanks, advocacy organizations, and regulatory agencies analyzing and shaping public policy.
🌍 International Affairs and Diplomacy Opportunities in foreign service, international organizations, global NGOs, and multinational institutions.
💼 Business and Corporate Strategy Positions in government relations, corporate compliance, political risk analysis, consulting, and public affairs.
🤝 Nonprofit and Community Leadership Work in nonprofit management, social justice advocacy, community development, and humanitarian organizations.
📰 Journalism and Media Political reporting, research analysis, communications, and strategic messaging.
🎓 Graduate and Professional Study Advanced degrees in law, public administration (MPA), public policy (MPP), international relations, business (MBA), and political science.