Politics (Minor)

Department Website

Program Description

A vibrant home for those interested in government and public affairs, the Wilf Family Department of Politics gives students the skills needed to reach a deeper analytical understanding of political events that is grounded in logic and evidence. We encourage a truly scientific inquiry into politics that informs a critical discussion of political institutions and a rigorous approach to effecting positive political change.

We offer courses in political theory, quantitative and formal political analysis, American politics, comparative politics, and international politics. Our curriculum covers a wide range of substantive topics including law, elections, ethnic conflict, justice, economic development, political accountability, war and peacekeeping, public policy, democracy, political economy, strategy, and political attitudes and beliefs. Our faculty specializes in the politics of the United States and countries around the globe. Courses are regularly offered on Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Africa, Russia, India, China, and Japan.

The analytical skills gained by politics majors prepare them for a wide range of careers. Our graduates accept positions with governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, international finance groups, multinational corporations, law firms, and other institutions. Many pursue further study in fields such as political science, law, and public and international affairs at highly competitive universities.

Minor Declaration

To request declaration of a minor, CAS students should visit the host department. To request declaration of a cross-school minor, CAS students should complete the online Minor Application available in their Albert Student Center. Students may also use the Minor Application in Albert to request cancellation of a CAS or cross-school minor.

Program Requirements

The minor requires the completion of 20 credits completed with a grade of C or better, comprised of the following:

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
Minor Requirements
Select five courses in the department 1
POL-UA ----		4
POL-UA ----		4
POL-UA ----		4
POL-UA ----		4
POL-UA ----		4
Total Credits		20

¹

In consultation with departmental advisers. A minor program may reflect a special emphasis in one of the department’s five fields, or a subfield of the student’s choosing. No special emphasis on a particular subfield is required for the minor, nor is a choice of subfield reflected on a student’s academic record or transcript.

Policies

Minor Policies

Only NYU courses with a POL-UA number not also counted toward another major or minor can be counted toward the politics minor. At least three of the five courses for the minor must be taken at the Washington Square campus. As per CAS policy, no more than two courses of the five may be transfer courses.

Students may count four points (the equivalent of one course) from Advanced Placement (Comparative or U.S.), International Baccalaureate (Global Politics), or Advanced (A) Level (Government and Politics) examinations towards the requirements of the minor. Up to four points from other advanced standing examinations may be accepted after consultation with the department. None of these credits can substitute for any specific course or requirement in the department (such as one of the core requirements); they simply count as generic POL-UA credit toward the minor. 

Double Counting of Courses

Students minoring in Politics may double-count no more than one course between this minor and a major or a second minor. They must first secure permission from both the Department of Politics and the other major or minor department or program.

NYU Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.

College of Arts and Science Policies

A full list of relevant academic policies can be found on the CAS Academic Policies page.