Minor in Political Science

Our students become proficient analytical observers of world issues, politics, government and citizenship, and they apply these skills in satisfying careers in government, civil service, journalism, criminology, politics and education.

A minor in political science provides students with the ability to think critically about issues facing the world today. Our students ask questions that challenge all of us to think more clearly about politics, government and citizenship. The minor helps students develop research, writing and analytical skills that will support them in a variety of careers. 

  • Be prepared to work at high levels of government, politics and business
  • Gain skills of inquiry and engagement that challenge all of us to think more clearly about politics, government and citizenship
  • Develop strong writing, research, presentation and communication skills

Learn from esteemed faculty whose research has appeared in the most prestigious outlets in the profession

Join a network of alumni found at the highest levels of government, in politics and law, and across the business world

Gain hands-on experience through our CU in D.C. internship program, where you can learn from D.C.’s most interesting agencies, institutions and organizations

Be successful.

A minor in political science provides students with skills and knowledge that can be applied to a variety of careers or graduate school.

 

Broaden your employment possibilities with additional knowledge and skills gained from a minor

 

Policy analyst, legislative assistant, city planner, foreign service officer or diplomat, journalist, and business development manager are common job opportunities for students

 

Work in government, civil service, journalism, criminology, politics or education

Academic Plan & Requirements

To earn the minor, students must complete a minimum of 21 credit hours in political science courses, including a total of 9 upper-division credit hours. The minor is open to all undergraduate students at CU Boulder, regardless of college or school.

Course topics include:

  • American politics
  • Comparative politics
  • International relations
  • Western political thought
  • Quantitative research methods

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

The political science department has an extensive list of alumni who have worked in a variety of fields across the globe.

Some alumni of the program include:

Pam Jenkins

(BA'82)
The president of global public affairs at Weber Shandwick, a public affairs and strategic communications firm in New York. She was previously president of Powell-Tate, a public-affairs and communications firm, and managing director of Ogilvy Communications.

Joseph Neguse

(BA'05)
The U.S. representative for Colorado's 2nd Congressional District since 2019. Previously, he was a lawyer at Snell & Wilmer and a member of the University of Colorado Board of Regents who was elected in 2008 while attending law school at CU.

Todd Saliman

(BA'89)
Vice president and chief financial officer of the University of Colorado since 2012. He also served from 1996 to 2001 in the Colorado House of Representatives and was chair of the Joint Budget Committee for four years. He was a cabinet member in the administrations of Colorado Govs. Bill Ritter and John Hickenlooper.

Carl Quintanilla

(BA'93)
A CNBC journalist. He is co-anchor and anchor, respectively, of CNBC's morning programs Squawk on the Street and Squawk Alley, both of which broadcast live from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

Loren B. Jenkins

(BA'61)
A Pulitzer Prize winner for international reporting in 1983.

News & Stories

College of Arts & Sciences magazine cover