Political Science Minor
Study political institutions and processes while strengthening your major with skills valued in law, government, public service, journalism, and business.
Explore politics and public affairs. Build research and communication skills. Add a Political Science Minor to your degree.
Program Type: Minor
Total Credit Hours: 18–19 Credits
Open to: All MCLA Undergraduates
Why Add a Political Science Minor?
The Political Science Minor gives students the opportunity to study political institutions and processes while complementing a wide range of majors. Through coursework in government, public policy, law, elections, media, and global politics, students develop analytical, research, and communication skills that apply across many professions.
Pairs Well With Many Majors
Political Science complements interests in law, government, public service, journalism, and business while helping students understand politics and government at the local, national, and international levels. Students also strengthen research, analysis, problem-solving, and communication skills valued by employers.
Access to The Washington Center
Through MCLA’s partnership with The Washington Center, students can pursue internship opportunities and spend a semester or summer gaining professional experience in Washington, D.C.
Pi Sigma Alpha — National Political Science Honor Society
Eligible students may join Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society. MCLA’s Alpha Eta Kappa chapter has engaged students and the campus community in political discussion and civic learning since 2011.
Political Science Minor Requirements
The Political Science Minor requires 18–19 credits consisting of: Required Courses (6 credits)
- POSC 201: United States Government (3 credits)
- POSC 202: Comparative Government (3 credits)
- Elective Courses (minimum 12 credits)
Students complete four elective courses (minimum 12 credits). At least 9 of the 12 elective credits must be POSC-designated courses.
Confirmed elective options include
- POSC 210: Political Science Research and Methods
- POSC 300: Politics & the News Media
- POSC 302: Campaigns and Elections
- POSC 304: Constitutional Law
- POSC 333: The Politics of War and Conflict
- POSC 345: Model United Nations
View the full Political Science Minor course list in the MCLA catalog.
How to Add the Political Science Minor
Enrolled MCLA students can add the Political Science Minor by meeting with their academic advisor and selecting the required six courses. The minor includes two required courses and four electives.
History majors may pursue the minor, but courses used for the Political Science Minor may not also be used to fulfill History major requirements.
Who Can Add the Political Science Minor?
The Political Science Minor is open to all MCLA undergraduates.
- Pre-Law / Legal Studies: Students interested in law gain foundational knowledge of constitutional law, political institutions, public policy, and legal systems that complement MCLA’s Pre-Law concentration.
- Business Administration: Business students strengthen their understanding of public policy, regulation, government relations, and political decision-making relevant to consulting, management, and corporate affairs.
- Communications: Communications students deepen their understanding of democracy, political institutions, and the relationship between media and politics through courses such as POSC 300 Politics & the News Media.
- Global & Intercultural Studies (GIST): Students studying global issues gain additional insight into comparative government, international affairs, conflict, and political systems around the world.
- Interdisciplinary Studies (IDST): Students pursuing self-designed programs in areas such as environmental studies, public health, or social justice can add expertise in governance and policy through Political Science coursework, including ENVI 310 Politics and Environmental Policy.
Skills You Will Develop
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FAQs
The Political Science Minor requires 18–19 credits, including two required courses and four elective courses.
Related Programs
MCLA offers several Political Science degree pathways. Click below to learn more about specific curriculum structures and course requirements.
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