Global Politics and Society
Minor
Delivery Options
Fall 2027 Deadline
Priority: November 1
Regular: January 15
Late: April 1
Department
Why Global Politics and Society Minor?
Engineering and science shape the world, but the way new ideas are used, funded and regulated often depends on global politics and society. The Global Politics and Society minor at Colorado School of Mines helps you understand the bigger picture behind technical innovation. You will explore the political, economic and cultural forces that influence decisions around the world, adding valuable perspective to your engineering or science degree.
This minor is a great fit if you are curious about how technology, natural resources and public policy connect on a global scale. Through your coursework, you will build skills to analyze international issues, consider different viewpoints and understand how institutions and power shape real-world outcomes. You will develop a broader, more informed approach to problem-solving; one that employers value in graduates working in today’s interconnected, global environment.
Program Overview
The Global Politics and Society minor combines political science, economics and social analysis to help you understand how societies organize and make decisions. You will explore topics such as global governance, international relations and social change, building skills in critical thinking, research and clear communication.
This minor is designed to complement the intensity of an engineering or applied science degree. You will strengthen your ability to analyze complex problems, weigh evidence and articulate ideas clearly. When you graduate, you are better prepared to work on technical projects that involve international collaboration, policy considerations or global stakeholders.
Program Options
The Global Politics and Society minor at Colorado School of Mines is designed to complement a technical degree by adding global, social and political context. It helps students understand how engineering and scientific solutions are shaped by real-world systems and decisions.
The minor offers flexibility, allowing you to tailor their coursework around your interests while integrating smoothly with your major. This makes it a practical way to broaden your perspective without disrupting your primary degree path.
Minor/Major Pairings
Environmental Engineering:
Environmental engineers work on challenges like clean water, air quality and sustainable infrastructure. Pairing this major with the Global Politics and Society minor helps you understand how environmental policies, global agreements and social systems shape real-world solutions.
Petroleum Engineering:
Petroleum engineers focus on energy extraction and production, often in an international context. Adding this minor provides insight into global energy markets, geopolitics, and the cultural and regulatory environments that influence resource development.
Mining Engineering:
Mining engineers develop and manage resource extraction projects around the world. The Global Politics and Society minor strengthens your ability to navigate international regulations, community impacts and political dynamics tied to natural resource development.
Experiential Opportunities
Courses in this minor emphasize discussion, writing and analysis of real-world issues. You engage with case studies and research projects that explore current global challenges, helping you build confidence evaluating complex information and diverse viewpoints.
You may also participate in undergraduate research or interdisciplinary projects connected to global policy, society or resource issues. Student organizations and campus events focused on global engagement offer additional opportunities to apply what you learn and expand your perspective. These experiences strengthen communication skills and prepare you to work effectively in varied professional environments.