Political Science

Political science minors develop the strong analytical skills necessary for interpreting and evaluating evidence and arguments that can be applied in a variety of professional settings. Political science minors research a broad range of domestic and international social, political, cultural, and economic issues. Students learn how to conduct independent research. They engage in in-class discussions, evaluate the relevancy of different arguments, and apply their professional skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems. Through in-class discussion and hands-on experiential learning opportunities, students work with our award-winning faculty to study and evaluate theory, policy, and action. These unique experiences make them strong candidates for employment in government, private businesses, and the non-profit sector. 

Like students who study other social science and liberal arts programs, students with minors in political science are prepared for many different career options. Many political science minors use their degree to establish careers in:

• state, local, and federal government
• private sector
• non-governmental sector
• non-profit management
• party politics
• education
• journalism and public relations
• law
• public policy
• related disciplines

Students with minors in political science also pursue graduate degrees in political science. They often become attorneys, consultants, journalists, lobbyists, leaders in private and public corporations, professionals in media and communications, international business, economics and finance, law, national security, cybersecurity, professors, and researchers in colleges and universities.

The College of Arts and Sciences provides advising to all A&S students to advance each individual student’s educational goals and plans.  Further A&S information can be found here.

For further information, please contact the SPIA program director, whose name and information appear on this page.

The School of Public and International Affairs faculty provide advising about course content, specific program requirements, professional opportunities, and post-baccalaureate education.  Faculty advisors and office hours are provided on the SPIA website.

Students in UC's College of Arts and Sciences enjoy many benefits afforded through study at a research-intensive institution ranked among the nation's top 25 public research universities. UC's urban, Tristate location offers exciting opportunities for global education, research and service learning, while its student-centered focus includes an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, a nationally recognized Center for Exploratory Studies and a highly successful First Year Experience program that teaches critical skills for first-year students and provides connections with important campus resources.

Political science minors benefit from the active research mission of the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA), including not only faculty scholarship but also a vibrant graduate program, both of which enhance the learning environment for undergraduates. In conjunction with the political science major and minor, SPIA administers certificate programs in security studies (international and homeland security) and international human rights. The school also enjoys long-standing research excellence in political behavior, public opinion polling, survey research and other areas of American politics.

The School of Public and International Affairs is an interdisciplinary department and partners with other programs and departments in the UC College of Arts and Sciences that include journalism, environmental studies, women, gender and sexuality studies, history, geography, anthropology, foreign languages, Africana studies, the College of Law, the School of Information Technology, and others. Students from these programs are welcome to consider political science as their minor or explore some of our certificate programs.

Students taking courses in the department have a change to complete a certificate in War, Peace and Security, International Human Rights, Legal Studies, and Cybersecurity.

If you have declared the minor, then it will appear on your application for graduation. Apply for graduation as you normally would for your bachelor’s degree.

Admission to A&S is generally available for any off-campus student who was admissible directly from high school and has a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in the most recent institution.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 at most recent institution

University transfer scholarships are available to those who meet specific requirements and ANY admitted A&S transfer student might qualify for an A&S transfer scholarship. Deadlines and eligibility criteria are online via the previous links.

For any inquiries please contact us at artsci@ucmail.uc.edu.

Admission to A&S is generally available for University of Cincinnati students enrolled in other colleges if they were admissible directly from high school, have a cumulative 2.0 GPA and a 2.0 in their most recent UC college.

Students who were not admissible directly from high school must have:

• 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
• at least a cumulative 2.0 GPA

International students should visit the Undergraduate Admissions for International Students page for more information.