Political Science Minor

The minor in political science may serve a variety of purposes and objectives. For students in majors where your intended career is increasingly involved with governmental regulation or policy (e.g., business, engineering, education, agriculture, public health), a minor in political science will help students gain helpful knowledge about how various organizations interact with, or are impacted by, political institutions and public policy. For students majoring in a related social science discipline, a political science minor may provide needed breadth to better understand your own field. Finally, we expect that some students may engage in a political science minor to help them make sense of an increasingly complicated political world that confronts them in their roles as citizens.

Minor Requirements

To complete the minor in political science, you must complete five courses.

Complete one 100-level political science course.
Complete two 200-level or above political science courses.
Complete two 300-level or above political science courses.

All coursework must carry at least 3 credits and be taken for a letter grade. The overall GPA for the minor must be at least 2.0. At least three of the five courses must be taken within the UMass Amherst Department of Political Science (only 2 courses can be transferred from another institution).

How to Declare the Minor

You may use this form to declare a minor in political science at anytime, but declaring early allows you to self-enroll in most classes.

Minor Declaration Form

Questions

Our peer advisors are available to talk about the political science minor. To meet with an peer advisor, just come by during drop-in hours. (no appointment necessary)