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Political Science Minor

Better Understand Political Phenomena
  • 90%

    Alumni Report Working or Going to Grad School Within 12 Months of Graduation

  • +6%

    Job Outlook for Political Scientists Over the Next Decade

  • 109

    Among Public National Universities, U.S. News & World Report

Follow our alumni into politics, nonprofits, business, academics and other fields as:

Hired or appointed by local, state or federal governments to help develop and implement public policies.

Chosen by voters to create and administer laws and policies at the local, state and national levels.

Manage or advise election and public policy campaigns.

Conduct research on public opinion to drive election campaigns or learn what’s important to voters.

Raise money for political campaigns, nonprofit organizations or other causes.

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program completion feature

Learn To

Build a foundation in American politics, international relations and related fields

Analyze political puzzles by collecting and analyzing evidence

Offer solutions to complicated real-world problems

Build skills necessary to develop, promote and implement public policy

Learn how to effectively communicate with the public, politicians and practitioners

“ The faculty is the main strength of the department. Everyone in the faculty is committed to educating and helping students grow. ”
Student with Minor in Political Science
Political Science Minor Overview

Supplement Any Academic Major

Minoring in political science is perfect preparation for working with governments or nonprofits, going to law school, joining a campaign, or running for office. Learn about ideas that shape American and international politics and all the ways you can put them to work. You will benefit from coursework in political science regardless of your academic program or future career path.

You’ll start with foundational courses in American government and political science methods. From there, you’ll select courses in political theory, public administration and public policy. Throughout, you’ll learn to evaluate competing ideas, build arguments based on evidence, and express yourself in ways that move people to action.

UNCW student sitting in a chair in the stacks in Randall Library.

Sample Courses in Political Science

Table shows sample courses for this program
PLS 101 American National Government
PLS 220 Intro to International Relations
PLS 230 Intro to Comparative Government & Politics
PLS 334 Revolutionary Movements
PLS 425 International Law
See The Full Curriculum

How Do I Minor in Political Science?

You must earn a course grade of C- or above. A minimum GPA of “C” (2.00) is required among all courses counted for a minor in political science.

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