Political science is the study of governments, political processes, public policies and political behavior by groups or individuals and is an ideal major for students with a passion for current events. 

At UWM, students take coursework from four broad areas of political science in order to obtain a well-rounded education in the field: American politics, international relations, comparative politics, and political theory. Along with exploring these substantive areas, students strengthen their research, writing, and critical thinking skills.  With this background, students leave UWM ready to enter graduate school or the world of work in government, international organizations, campaigns, business, consulting, nonprofits, and many other industries. This broad the minor is available entirely online, or students can mix-and-match and take a some online and some traditional classes.

Many students find that a degree in Political Science aligns well with their interest in law and their plans to attend law school after college. Students planning for law school also often participate in our law sports programs such as intercollegiate moot court and intercollegiate mock trial.

Requirements

Minors are required to complete a minimum of 18 credits in political science, of which at least 9 must be in upper-division courses (numbered 300 or above) taken at UWM. Minors must complete courses in at least two of the following four areas: American politics, comparative politics, international politics, and political theory. Students must attain a 2.0 GPA in all political science courses, including any transfer work, and a 2.0 GPA in all political science courses taken at UWM.

¹

Depending on instructor, may satisfy American Politics or International Relations area requirement, but not both.

²

May be used to satisfy Comparative Politics or International Politics but not both.

Letters & Science Minor Advising

Advising for the minor takes place within the department by a faculty member or staff member. Follow the steps using the "Declare a Minor" button on the department’s website which may include instructions on how to select a faculty advisor if there is more than one to choose from.

Students who already have an L&S college advisor because their degree plan is in L&S can discuss the minor with them as well since they will be familiar with any minor in L&S. Students who are working on a degree from a UWM college other than the College of Letters & Science will not need an L&S college advisor for just a minor and one will not be assigned. These students should work with the faculty or staff advisor they receive as part of the minor declaration process or contact the department directly for assistance.

Applicants who have not started classes at UWM yet who wish to declare a minor should wait until they are registered for their first UWM classes and then can declare the minor using the “Declare a Minor” button on the program’s website. If you have questions about the minor before then, contact let-sci@uwm.edu.