Political Science minors must complete a total of SIX courses: two core courses from this list (PO111, PO141, PO151/IR251, PO171/IR271, or PO191), and four elective courses (numbered 200-599). *Students must earn a minimum of C or higher to count PO courses towards their minor.
Core Courses
These courses introduce the five subfields of political science: American Politics, Public Policy, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory.
Since the core courses are the foundation on which subsequent courses draw, students are recommended to complete their core courses before taking any PO-200 level or above elective courses for the minor.
Minors must complete TWO core courses from the following list of Introductory Courses:
- PO 111 Introduction to American Politics
- PO 141 Introduction to Public Policy
- PO 151/IR 251 Introduction to Comparative Politics
- PO 171/IR 271 Introduction to International Relations
- PO 191 Introduction to Political Theory
Elective Courses
Students may choose their FOUR elective courses from any of the Political Science courses numbered 200-599 that the department offers. PO 200-level courses are specifically offered through Study Abroad Programming, whereas PO 300-level and 500-level courses are offered on the Charles River Campus.
- Students may count 400-level Political Science Internships offered through Study Abroad Programming towards these electives.
- Political Science courses at the 500-level may count toward your elective courses. You are strongly encouraged to complete the core course requirements and recommended to complete at least one 200-level or above course before taking a 500-level course.