Political Science, Minor
Explore political institutions, public policy and constitutional law with a political science minor. You'll build research, analysis and writing skills that prepare you for law school, graduate study and careers in government, advocacy and beyond.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Minor description
Political Science minor description
In the minor program in political science, you gain the skills and knowledge that help you participate effectively as a citizen in a democratic political system and flourish in the rapidly developing globalization of the world's political institutions, cultures and economies.
The program provides you with an introduction to the tools and skills necessary to link theory with contemporary problems and issues.
Courses in constitutional law or that cover the U.S. Supreme Court as part of the minor can benefit those interested in law school.
Why earn a political science minor at ASU?
At ASU, the largest public research university in the country, you'll learn from scholars and practitioners in political science, campaigns and elections and United States politics. This minor helps you examine public sentiment and public policy while you practice clearly communicating complex ideas to decision makers.
Career-building experiences set this minor apart. You can take two semester-long diplomacy simulation courses and pursue internships and global experiences through the School of Politics and Global Studies. In focus groups and surveys run by the school's Experimental Research Lab, students pointed to the number, variety and quality of internship opportunities as a reason the school stands out.
With ASU campuses in Arizona, California and Washington, D.C., you'll analyze politics through local, national and global perspectives, helping you understand how governments influence communities, democratic processes and international affairs.
Additional details
Beyond the classroom, you can join Model United Nations at ASU, a student organization where you'll discuss international affairs, research complex global issues and simulate the work of the United Nations.
This political theory and government and politics minor is also available fully online, giving you flexible ways to complete your coursework.
Courses
This undergraduate minor includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below:
2026-2027 Catalog Year
The minor requires 18 credit hours. A "C" minimum is required for all courses in the minor, although students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in the post-baccalaureate certificate program.
| Requirement | Minimum grade | Credit hours |
|---|---|---|
|
The minor in political science requires 18 credit hours, of which 12 credit hours must be upper-division. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be completed through The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. When selecting courses, the college offering the course can be identified by viewing the course details in Class Search. Only courses completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a scale of 4.00) or better may be applied toward the minor requirements. |
||
|
Students select two courses.
6 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 6 |
|
Upper Division
POS Elective
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.
12 credit hours
Minimum
grade:C
|
C | 12 |
|
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); BA and BS in international relations
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.
Here are the admission and application details
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Careers this political science minor prepares you for
Minor programs enable students to develop additional competencies that complement the marketable knowledge and skills they acquire in their majors.
Graduates with a minor in political science can analyze political events and government processes, and communicate effectively to stakeholders. These skills help them pursue careers in law, advocacy, governance or public policy.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
School of Politics and Global Studies
|
COOR 6797
spgs-ugadvising@asu.edu
480-965-8563
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
