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2025-2026 Catalog
Data Science and Policy Analysis Minor
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The minor in Political Science - Data Science and Policy Analysis is designed for both Political Science and non-Political Science students who wish to learn more about the fundamentals of statistical inference, probability, research design, data collection and management, hypothesis testing, and computation in the context of hands-on learning applied to political and social problems. The minor will engage students in connecting policy matters – from the local political level to various international domains – to data engagement (and vice versa). Given the broad nature of complex social issues, be they related to climate change, conflict and migration, pandemic preparedness, to name just several, the minor will provide a general platform for approaching such issues that encourages interdisciplinary engagement.
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Minimum Requirements
Student must complete a total of five courses (20 units), including one lower division course (4 units) and four upper-division courses (16 units). All courses for the minor must be taken for a letter grade with a minimum passing grade of C-. Lower Division Minor Requirement [4 units]
Complete the following course: Upper Division Minor Requirements [16 units]
Minor Core Courses [12 Units]
Complete the following courses: Minor Elective Course [4 units]
Complete one of the following courses: Program Learning Outcomes
Students with a minor in Data Science and Policy Analysis will be able to: - Employ critical thinking and demonstrate social scientific literacy, including basic quantitative literacy and programming skills.
- Write effectively, particularly to convey complex concepts and information in a clear and concise manner.
- Apply abstract theory and research methods to understand contemporary political events and public policies.
- Demonstrate awareness of fundamental ethical issues associated with the generation, storage, use and other aspects of data for social scientific and policy focused purposes.
Guidelines Applying to all SSHA Minors
Students should consult an advisor in the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts to officially declare the minor and plan their courses. The following guidelines must be adhered to: - To complete any SSHA minor, students must complete a minimum of five courses, at least four of which must be upper division.
- All courses must be taken for a letter grade.
- All minor course requirements must be completed with a C- or better.
- A minimum overall grade point average of 2.0 (C) in upper division courses is required. The only exception is a Global Arts Studies Minor , for which the minimum GPA in upper division courses is 2.7 (B-).
- At least three of the five required courses must be taken at UC Merced.
- Only one course may be used simultaneously to satisfy requirements for two minors.
- Only one course may be used to satisfy both a minor and a major requirement.
- Students must consult the UC Merced General Catalog for prerequisites to required courses.
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