Political Science, Minor


At a Glance: program details

  • Location: or
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
Do you have an interest in understanding how political systems work? Explore power, politics and important public issues in the U.S. and abroad.

Program Description

The minor program in political science offers students exposure to the skills and knowledge that will help them participate effectively as citizens in a democratic political system and flourish in the rapidly developing globalization of the world's political institutions, cultures and economies.

The program provides students with an introduction to the tools and skills necessary to link theory with contemporary problems and issues.

Courses in constitutional law or covering the U.S. Supreme Court as part of the minor can benefit those interested in law school.


Program Requirements

The minor in political science consists of 18 credit hours, of which 12 credit hours must be upper division. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be taken in courses offered by The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a scale of 4.00) or better can be used to satisfy minor requirements.
Required Courses (choose two) -- 6 credit hours
Electives -- 12 credit hours
No more than three credit hours of POS 484 Internship and three credit hours of POS 499 Individualized Instruction may be applied to the minor.
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.

Enrollment Requirements

GPA Requirement: None

Incompatible Majors: BA and BS in political science, BS in politics and the economy, BA in business (global politics)

Other Enrollment Requirements: None

Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Minor requirements appear on the degree audit once the minor is added. Certain major and minor combinations may be deemed inappropriate by the college or department of either the major program or the minor. Courses taken for the minor may not count toward both the major and minor.


Career Outlook

Minor programs allow students to develop additional competencies that complement the marketable knowledge and skills they acquire in their majors.

A minor in political science can benefit graduates as they pursue careers in government, public policy, advocacy or international relations.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Economists


  • Growth: 6.3%
  • Median Salary*: 113940
  Bright Outlook

Historians


  • Growth: 3.1%
  • Median Salary*: 64540

History Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 1.3%
  • Median Salary*: 79400

Intelligence Analysts


  • Growth: 1.5%
  • Median Salary*: 86280

Lawyers


  • Growth: 7.5%
  • Median Salary*: 135740
  Bright Outlook

Political Scientists


  • Growth: 6.6%
  • Median Salary*: 128020
  Bright Outlook

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 3.7%
  • Median Salary*: 83770

Legislators


  • Growth: 3.4%
  • Median Salary*: 48090

Statisticians


  • Growth: 31.6%
  • Median Salary*: 98920
  Bright Outlook

Urban and Regional Planners


  • Growth: 3.7%
  • Median Salary*: 79540

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.



Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.