The minor in political science is designed to help students gain an understanding of theory, practice and policy underlying political processes locally, nationally and internationally and to train students with the research skills necessary for the analysis of complex sociopolitical issues.
The minor program in political science helps students gain an understanding of theory, practice and policy underlying local, national and international political processes and trains students in the research skills necessary for the analysis of complex local and global sociopolitical issues.
Students engage in a flexible program of learner-centered coursework in political theory, American political institutions, and international relations and world affairs. The curriculum focuses on international urban, race or ethnic sociopolitical areas and internships and service-learning or action research opportunities. Under the direction of faculty, students focus on intellectual and concrete policy issues in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, Arizona, the Arizona-Mexico borderlands, the Americas, and the world.
The degree is offered by the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
At A Glance
Political Science (Minor)
- Offered by: New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
- Location: West
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
Find and apply for relevant scholarships.
Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Program requirements
Degree requirements
The minor in political science consists of 18 credit hours in POS courses, 12 of which must be in upper-division courses.
Required Courses:
Select two from among the following:
POS 110 Government and Politics, SB (3) or POS 310 American National Government, SB (3)
POS 150 Comparative Government, SB, G (3)
POS 160 Global Politics, SB, G (3)
POS 210 Political Ideologies, SB (3)POS upper-division electives (12)*
*A maximum of three credit hours of internship and three credit hours of individualized instruction may be used to fulfill requirements.
Depending upon a student's undergraduate program of study, prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
Enrollment requirements
GPA Requirement: None
Incompatible Majors: BA or BS in political science
Other Enrollment Requirements: None
Current ASU undergraduate students may pursue a minor and have it recognized on their ASU transcript at graduation. Students interested in pursuing a minor should consult their academic advisor to declare the minor and to ensure that an appropriate set of courses is taken. 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 the minor. Students should contact their academic advisor for more information.
Career outlook
The program serves as a good precursor to staff, manager or policy analyst positions in local, state and federal government. This degree is recognized as qualification for many careers in business (for-profit and nonprofit) and industry. Work may include binational, cross-border positions linking U.S. and Mexican businesses, Arizona-Sonora local government or local community groups on both sides of the border.
Many use the degree as a gateway to law school or as basis for graduate work in professional schools or in applied fields such as:
- community development
- political science
- public administration
- public policy
- social science disciplines
- urban affairs and urban and regional planning
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. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Economists | 6.3% | $102,490 |
| Historians | 6% | $59,120 |
| History Teachers, Postsecondary | 10.3% | $72,690 |
| Intelligence Analysts | 4.5% | $79,970 |
| Lawyers | 8.2% | $119,250 |
| Political Scientists | 2.8% | $115,110 |
| Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 10.6% | $81,430 |
| Legislators | 7.1% | $25,630 |
| Statisticians | 33.8% | $84,060 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | 12.8% | $71,490 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation