The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a minor in Political Science, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of politics, government, and international relations. To pursue a minor in Political Science at UMass Amherst, students must fulfill specific requirements, which are outlined below.
Overview of the Minor in Political Science
The minor in Political Science requires a total of 18 credits, which must be completed with a minimum grade point average of 2.0. Students are required to take a combination of core courses and electives, allowing them to tailor their minor to their interests and career goals. The minor is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the principles of political science, as well as the critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills necessary for success in a variety of fields.
Core Course Requirements
Students pursuing a minor in Political Science at UMass Amherst must complete the following core courses:
- POLSCI 101: Introduction to American Politics
- POLSCI 102: Introduction to Comparative Politics
- POLSCI 103: Introduction to International Relations
These core courses provide a foundation in the principles of American politics, comparative politics, and international relations, and are designed to introduce students to the key concepts, theories, and methods of the discipline.
Elective Course Requirements
In addition to the core courses, students must complete 9 credits of elective courses in Political Science. These electives may be chosen from a variety of subfields, including:
- American Politics: courses on topics such as Congress, the Presidency, and political parties
- Comparative Politics: courses on topics such as democracy, authoritarianism, and political economy
- International Relations: courses on topics such as global governance, international security, and human rights
- Political Theory: courses on topics such as political philosophy, ethics, and ideology
Students may choose from a wide range of elective courses, allowing them to tailor their minor to their interests and career goals.
Additional Requirements
In addition to the core and elective courses, students pursuing a minor in Political Science at UMass Amherst must also complete the following requirements:
- A minimum of 12 credits must be completed at the 300-level or higher
- A maximum of 6 credits may be transferred from other institutions
- Students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 in all courses counted towards the minor
These requirements are designed to ensure that students have a solid foundation in the principles of political science, as well as the critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills necessary for success in a variety of fields.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| POLSCI 101: Introduction to American Politics | 3 |
| POLSCI 102: Introduction to Comparative Politics | 3 |
| POLSCI 103: Introduction to International Relations | 3 |
| Elective Courses | 9 |
| Total | 18 |
What are the benefits of pursuing a minor in Political Science at UMass Amherst?
+Pursuing a minor in Political Science at UMass Amherst can provide students with a comprehensive understanding of politics, government, and international relations, as well as the critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills necessary for success in a variety of fields. The minor can also enhance career opportunities in fields such as law, public policy, and international relations.
Can I transfer credits from other institutions towards the minor in Political Science?
+Yes, students may transfer a maximum of 6 credits from other institutions towards the minor in Political Science. However, students must consult with the Political Science department advisor to ensure that the credits are transferable and meet the requirements for the minor.
How do I declare a minor in Political Science at UMass Amherst?
+Students can declare a minor in Political Science at UMass Amherst by completing a minor declaration form and submitting it to the Political Science department. Students are also required to meet with the department advisor to discuss their course options and career goals.
