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American Politics

Minor

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Make an impact with a minor in politics

Ready to make your mark on American government and law? You’re in the right place! UW’s American politics minor helps students gain new perspectives on American political systems, contemporary political issues and public law.

As the sole 4-year higher education institution in Wyoming, our political science program has incredible access to local, state and national governments. This access gives our students invaluable hands-on learning experiences and internship opportunities.

Additionally, this minor serves as excellent preparation for law school or careers in public service and policy.

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Program Details

Tuition and Fees

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Program Requirements

Curriculum & Courses

Department

College of Arts & Sciences
School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies

About the American Politics Minor

The minor in politics is an 18-credit-hour program in which students take two required courses and choose the remainder of their courses from a list of approved electives. During these elective courses, students have the opportunity to learn about our voting system, judicial process, foreign relations, U.S. Congress and more.

Students may also gain credit for the minor through international study abroad programs and internship experiences.

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All minor students must take two required courses, including:

  • American and Wyoming Government
  • Seminar in Public Law or Seminar in American Politics and Institutions

Students additionally choose 12 credit hours from a list of approved courses, including 9 credit hours at the 3000-level or above.

At least 12 credit hours from the minor cannot be counted toward other degree requirements. Students must receive a grade of C or better in all courses.

 

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What can you do with a political science minor?

This minor is a wonderful addition to any major! It teaches students about our governing bodies, voting system, political parties and more. It’s a particularly great fit for students interested in pursuing careers in law, American politics, non-profits, and state and local governments. 

Where do grads work?

UW graduates pursue fulfilling careers in national, state, and local governments, as well as in law and non-profit organizations. Here are several places you’ll find our grads making an impact:

  • Wyoming state government
  • Local governments 
  • National and international non-profit organizations
  • Prestigious think tanks
  • Law firms

Many of our students also pursue law school after graduating from UW.

 

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WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE School of Politics, Public Affairs and International Studies?

SEE FOR YOURSELF!

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American Politics Minor Highlights

Politics minors graduate with incredible experience from study abroad programs, internships, and unique courses. Here are a few highlights you can look forward to if you choose to join our program.

Notable Faculty

The political science program is led by a group of dedicated, accomplished faculty, including:

  • Dr. Andrew Garner, Professor of American and Comparative Politics
  • Dr. Jason McConnell, Assistant Professor of Public Law and Political Communication
  • Dr. Ryan Williamson, Assistant Professor of American Politics, Electoral Politics and Legislative Procedure

Student Organizations

UW has many thriving clubs and organizations that help students connect with peers and network with professionals. Here are a few student organizations you may be interested in:

Unique Courses

Political science students study the structures and processes of American governments through unique and engaging courses. Several of these courses include:

  • Parties, Interest Groups and Elections — This course discusses the origins and evolution of American political parties, causes of interest group development, political socialization, political participation and voting behavior. 
  • Political Communication — In this course, students examine the intersection of politics and communication. We cover politics and media, interpersonal political discussion, organizational and governmental political communication and political campaigns.
  • Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties and Rights — This course utilizes case-study analysis of judicial decisions to discuss the constitutional interpretation of the 1st Amendment, privacy rights, the rights of the criminally accused and civil rights (including racial and gender equality).
  • US Congress — In this course, students analyze aspects of the U.S. Congress, including election of congressmen, congressional-presidential relations and the influence of political parties on the legislative process.

International Experiences & Internships

Our students thrive in international environments where they’re exposed to the cultures and political systems of different countries. In addition to gaining invaluable personal and educational experience abroad, students may count study abroad programs and international internships toward the completion of their minor with permission from the political science director.

Students may also intern with the Wyoming state legislative system, local non-profits or as part of our prestigious Washington semester program where students intern with Wyoming senators in Washington D.C.. These programs may additionally be counted toward the minor.

 

Related Programs

Interested in a political science minor? These programs may also be of interest to you:

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School of Politics, Public Affairs & International Studies

Arts & Sciences Building, Room 208

Dept. 3197

1000 E. University Ave.

Laramie, WY 82071

Phone: (307) 766-6484

Email: sppais@uwyo.edu