At which campus can I study this program?
Program Description
The study of politics consists of several related subfields, such as American Government, public policy and administration, comparative politics or the study of foreign governments, international relations, and political theory. Students who pursue this minor are expected to develop research and writing skills, in addition to critical analytical skills. Because the policy making process and the processes of globalization affect us in virtually all areas of our lives, the minor is appropriate for supporting the study of any of the majors offered at the College. Similarly, the minor provides an invaluable understanding of the political world that is useful in any career that has an impact on or is affected by public life. Students who study politics at Behrend also often pursue graduate professional studies in law or in other fields in graduate schools.
What is Politics and Government?
The study of politics and government is useful in any career that has an impact on or is affected by public life, and for anyone who wants to be an engaged citizen in our democracy. Students in the Politics and Government minor study American government, public policy and administration, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You want to be an informed and engaged citizen.
- You enjoy discussing current events.
- You are considering pursuing a law degree.
- You envision working in government or a public-policy field.
- You’d like to add liberal arts balance to a business or technical major.
Program Requirements
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| Requirements for the Minor | 18 |
Requirements for the Minor
A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor, as specified by Senate Policy 59-10. In addition, at least six credits of the minor must be unique from the prescribed courses required by a student's major(s).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| PLSC 1 | American Politics: Principles, Processes and Powers  | 3 |
| PLSC 3 | Comparing Politics around the Globe | 3 |
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 12 credits (at least 6 credits at the 400 level) from PL SC courses | 12 | |
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
Erie
Robert Speel, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Political Science
159 Kochel
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6206
rws15@psu.edu
Career Paths
The minor in Politics and Government can be pursued by students in most Penn State Behrend degree programs. Penn State Behrend has a comprehensive support system to help you identify and achieve your goals for college and beyond. Meet with your academic adviser often and take advantage of the services offered by the Academic and Career Planning Center beginning in your first semester.
Careers
Because globalization and the policy-making process affect virtually all areas of the modern workplace, the minor can be appropriate preparation for any career, and particularly those that demand strong research, writing, and analytical-thinking skills.
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
A minor in the liberal arts, particularly when added to a major program outside of the liberal arts, demonstrates to graduate school admissions committees your commitment to interdisciplinary thinking. Many students who choose the Politics and Government minor do so because they intend to pursue a law degree.
Contact
Erie
SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
170 Irvin Kochel Center
4951 College Drive
Erie, PA 16563
814-898-6108
HSSOffice@psu.edu
https://behrend.psu.edu/school-of-humanities-social-sciences