Political Science ,Minor
Democracy, International, Policy, Security, government, law, politics
Do you have an interest in understanding how political systems work? Explore power, politics and important public issues in the U.S. and abroad.
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.
- College/school:
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Tempe or Online
2026-2027 Catalog Year
| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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| Requirement | Minimum Grade | Credit Hours |
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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. |
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Students select two courses.
6 Credit Hours
Minimum
Grade:C
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C | 6 |
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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
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C | 12 |
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Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this minor.
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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.
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.
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.
School of Politics and Global Studies
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COOR 6797
spgs-ugadvising@asu.edu
480-965-8563
Program term definitions
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.
