Minors

The minor in Political Science supplements many major programs, especially International Studies, Media & Communication, Health Administration, Public Health, and Business. The Political Science minor enables students to understand how political processes operate domestically and globally and strengthens oral and written communication skills. 

The minor in Political Science supplements many major programs, especially International Studies, Media & Communications, Healthcare Administration, and Business, by enabling students to understand how power and political processes operate and by strengthening oral and written communication skills. Students, regardless of major, can complete the Law & Public Policy minor and/or a minor in Political Science.

Six or more courses, totaling at least 24 credits, are required, including no more than two courses at the 100 level and at least one course at the 300 level.

The Law & Public Policy minor prepares students for admission to law school, a career in government, or graduate study in public policy, public administration, or public affairs. The minor draws on challenging courses requiring students to analyze and evaluate conflicting ideas and to communicate effectively. The minor provides students an opportunity to explore and critique contemporary legal and public policy issues. Because there are no curricular prerequisites for admission to law school, the Law & Public Policy minor exposes students to relevant courses for future study and helps students determine if they have an aptitude and interest for a career in law, government affairs, or the nonprofit sector.

Adviser: The Honorable Christopher Cerski, J.D.

The Law & Public Policy minor prepares students for a career in government, admission to law school, or graduate study in public policy, public administration, or public affairs.  The minor draws on challenging courses requiring students to analyze and evaluate conflicting ideas and to communicate effectively.  The minor provides students an opportunity to explore and critique contemporary legal and public policy issues. For those students interested in attending law school, the Association of American Law Schools stresses a broad liberal arts background as the most appropriate training for law school. There are no curricular prerequisites for admission to law school.  However, the Law & Public Policy minor helps students determine if they have an aptitude and interest in law and provides a background for law school and graduate school coursework.

Other advanced humanities and social science courses are highly recommended, especially if taken during a semester or year studying abroad. Any course, regardless of field, that furthers the development of clear and systematic thinking, the command of the English language (both written and oral), and a broad understanding of society constitutes sound preparation for the study of law or graduate study in public policy, public administration, or public affairs. A background of outstanding extracurricular activities supplements the academic record and serves to build and demonstrate communication and leadership skills.

The minor adviser is responsible for advising students interested in the Law & Public Policy minor and determining if courses taken abroad will count toward the minor. All students interested in legal or government related careers should contact the minor adviser early in their University program. The adviser works with students to prepare them for admission to law school.