Political Science Minor

Program Overview

This program emphasizes critical thinking, understanding of government structures, and skill development in research, writing, and leadership. Students choose from a selection of core courses, including American and international government, and can customize their studies with upper-level electives tailored to their interests, preparing them for a wide range of careers or further academic pursuits.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Mission: To serve students through teaching and mentoring, serve society through research, public outreach and activities and serve the university through collegial participation in all aspects of the community.
• Learning Outcomes:
• Critically analyze political problems.
• Understand the structure and processes of local, state, national and foreign governments.
• Develop skills in research, writing, public outreach, advocacy and leadership.

Outline:

• Core Courses:
• PS 201 American National Government:
4 Credits
• PS 202 State and Local Government:
4 Credits
• PS 203 International Relations:
4 Credits
• PS 204 Governments of the World:
4 Credits
• Choose Two:
• PS 350 Introduction to Public Policy:
4 Credits
• PS 351 Introduction to Public Administration:
4 Credits
• PS 355 Civic Literacy and Engagement:
4 Credits
• PS 375 Scope and Methods of Political Science:
4 Credits
• Upper Division Political Science Electives:
8 Credits (Must be chosen with the advice of Political Science adviser)
• Total Credits: 28

Teaching:

• Professors: Eliot Dickinson, Mary Pettenger
• Associate Professor: Earlene Camarillo