The Political Economy Minor

The minor in Political Economy provides an opportunity to study one of three problems in contemporary political economy: (1) Globalization; (2) Poverty, Inequality, and Policy; or (3) Science, Technology, and Economic Development. Students will also study the historical foundations of these issues.

Minor Requirements

Lower Division:
None

Foreign Language:
None

Upper Division:
5 courses

POLECON 100: Classical Theories of Political Economy
POLECON 101: Contemporary Theories of Political Economy

Three courses related to one of the three topics given below, with a statement explaining your course selection:

  • Globalization
  • Poverty, Inequality, and Policy
  • Science, Technology, and Economic Development

Click here for PE minor course list.

Completing the Political Economy Minor
    1. To apply for the minor, students must have completed at least one course for the minor at UCB with a grade of B or better, or have completed at least two courses for the minor (not necessarily at UCB) with a minimum GPA of 2.0, and not be in the final semester of undergraduate work. PE Minor applications are accepted throughout the year (fall, spring, and summer).
    2. No more than two courses may be taken from the same department.
    3. All courses counting for the minor must be at least three semester units, upper division, and taken for a letter grade.
    4. A minimum of three courses must be taken at UC Berkeley. All transfer courses must be approved by the PE minor advisor.
    5. POLECON 197, 198 and 199 cannot be used to fulfill minor requirements.
    6. A minimum GPA of 2.0 must be achieved in all course work used to satisfy the minor requirements.
    7. Only one course can count for both a major and a minor.
    8. Apply for the PE minor.
More Information

This description is for introductory purposes only. Students interested in completing a minor in PE should consult the Meet With a PE Advisor page.

Political Economy Major Map

Undergraduate Major Requirements & Policies

The Berkeley Economy & Society Initiative (BESI)

The Political Economy Student Association (PESA)

The Berkeley Political Economy Journal

Give to Political Economy