RIT students may complete a five-course minor in a specific discipline or interdisciplinary area. Completed minors will be noted on the student’s academic transcripts. The Political Science Department offers three minors: American Politics, International Relations, and Political Science.

Minor in American Politics

Minor Advisors:
Dr. Joe Fornieri (01-1332)
Dr. Sean Sutton (01-1342)

The value in studying the American political system can scarcely be overemphasized. As Thomas Jefferson maintained, only an educated and enlightened democracy can endure. A democratic society remains valid only to the extent that its citizens are educated and well-informed about their government and issues of public policy. The purpose of this minor in American Politics is to give students a sound understanding of the US. political system. Courses present in detail various aspects of the American political system which gives the student the tools to participate effectively in the political process.

Click here to view a list of courses in this minor.

Minor in International Relations

Minor Advisors:
Dr. Edward Kannyo (1-1338)
Dr. Spencer Meredith (1-1328)

This interdisciplinary minor introduces the student to the complexities and shifting trends of international affairs, with an opportunity to study in depth the significance of at least one aspect of the international system. We live in an increasingly interdependent world. Many career tracks will carry RIT graduates into the multicultural arena of international transactions which know no borders. Many emerging problems require international approaches if they are to be managed in the future. This concentration offers the prospect of serving their future needs.

Click here to view a list of courses in this minor.

Minor in Political Science

Minor Advisors: Paul Ferber (01-1334, phfgss@rit.edu) and Dr. John Murley (01-1324, jamgcj@rit.edu)

The Political Science Minor emphasizes the interdependence of domestic politics and international relations, in the present age of globalization. The minor brings together components of American Politics, International Relations, and Comparative Politics to provide students with both national and global perspectives on politics. Perhaps most importantly, the Political Science Minor seeks to help students make sense of an increasingly complicated political environment that confronts them in their role as citizen.
The courses in this minor are drawn from those in the American Politics and International Relations minors. Students may select three courses from the American Politics minor, and two from the International Relations minor, or vice-versa.

Click here to view a list of courses in this minor.