Overview
The Minor in Political Science, offered by the Department of Political Science, enables students to learn about the theory and practice of politics across four established subfields:
- American politics (including the local, state, and federal levels),
- comparative (foreign) governments,
- international relations, and
- political theory.
Minors are awarded only at the time of completion of the bachelor's degree and cannot be awarded either as a stand-alone program of study or after completion of the first bachelor's degree.
Course Sequencing for Political Science Minors
Students begin the major by taking four introductory courses: POLS 1101, POLS 1201, POLS 1301, and POLS 1401.
Courses should be sequenced so that students take the introductory courses before the upper-level courses. POLS 1101 is an introduction to U.S. politics; POLS 1201 introduces foreign governments; POLS 1301 introduces international politics; POLS 1401 introduces political theory and should generally be taken in the sophomore year. When possible introductory courses should precede upper-level theory courses. Students seeking a minor must complete 4 electives at the upper level, some of which may also count towards a certificate program such as the Political Economy Certificate Program.
Campus Locations: Main, Japan
The Political Economy Certificate Program
The Department of Political Science and the Department of Economics offer an interdisciplinary program leading to a Certificate in Political Economy. The program focuses on the interaction between government and the economy and is ideal preparation for students planning careers in either the public or private sector. It also provides an excellent foundation for graduate studies in law, the social sciences, and public administration. The program is open to all matriculated students in the university. Contact Alexandra Guisinger or Roselyn Hsueh for specific details and requirements.
Pre-Law Studies
Paul Crowe
Department of Philosophy
pcrowe@temple.edu
Beth Lawson
CLA Academic Advising
elizabeth.lawson@temple.edu
Political Science is one of the most popular majors for pre-law students. Pre-law students should develop skills in communicating ideas, sharpen their analytical abilities and ability to think logically, and acquire in-depth understanding of at least one liberal arts field (such as Political Science). Students interested in law school can read these requirements at CLA Pre-Law, and for more information contact Paul Crowe in the Philosophy department or Beth Lawson in CLA Advising.
Internships
The department encourages students to obtain internships linked to academic study. Students may replace up to four upper-level electives (equivalent to 12 credit hours) from qualifying internships undertaken with external organizations and programs, as approved by the Internship Coordinator. Interested students should contact Internship Coordinator Sean Murphy.
Public Service Opportunities through the Public Service Cooperative
Temple University's faculty, students and alumni have a long tradition of public service. For internships related to public service, the department offers several credit-bearing opportunities at the local, state and federal levels. Interested students should complete the program application and contact Internship Coordinator Sean Murphy.
The City Hall Experience
The City Hall Internship Experience allows undergraduate students the opportunity to work in Philadelphia City Hall for 10-12 hours each week while earning the equivalent of a 3-credit internship.
The Washington Semester
The Washington Semester allows Temple students to gain valuable career experience in the nation's capital, while remaining full-time students. If accepted into the program, students register for three courses in the College of Liberal Arts (two for 3 credits each, and one for 9 credits) for a 15-credit semester in the fall or spring. (Summer programs are also available for 12 credits.) Temple University serves as liaison to The Washington Center (TWC), a well-established and well-regarded internship semester program in Washington, D.C., through which Temple students receive internships and take classes. Interested students should contact Internship Coordinator Sean Murphy.
Study Abroad
Many Political Science minors have taken advantage of Temple's study abroad programs, which provide the life-changing experience of scholarship at overseas institutions, immersion in foreign cultures and learning new languages. The Office of Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses has information on a variety of programs. The most popular destinations include the Temple campuses in Tokyo and Rome, as well as programs in the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Spain. Study abroad destinations include over 80 countries located on every continent. For questions regarding eligibility and program equivalency, please contact Undergraduate Advisor Nick Catsis.
Student Organizations
The department hosts two main organizations that represent the breadth and depth of its students. The faculty advisor is Alexandra Guisinger.
Political Science Society
The Political Science Society is the organization for all Political Science majors and minors at Temple University. The purpose of the association is to represent the opinions and interests of undergraduate majors within the Political Science Department. The association sponsors activities including career forums, lectures, student and faculty mixers, law and graduate forums, seminars on popular topics, and trips to locales like New York City and Washington, DC.
Pi Sigma Alpha
Pi Sigma Alpha is the national honorary society for political science students. Temple's chapter was founded in 1965, and since then has inducted over a thousand students. Eligible students are offered membership prior to their junior or senior year. Membership is lifetime. Students who join have opportunities to attend special research conferences, apply for internship and graduate funding, and publish their work in research journals.
Contact Information
Main Campus
Please contact the College of Liberal Arts' Center for Academic Advising for more information on minors, certificates or other CLA programs.
Temple Japan Campus
Students interested in more information or declaring this minor should contact the TUJ Academic Advising Center (AAC), aac@tuj.temple.edu, Room 102, TUJ Building.