A river in Belfast with buildings on either side

Irish Studies Minor

Students pursuing a minor in Irish Studies will work across disciplines to develop a nuanced understanding of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland’s historic, political, economic, and literary traditions. Established in 1949, the Republic of Ireland is one of the youngest countries in the world. From its ancient Celtic roots to modern political developments, Irish culture has had a profound influence on Western literature, music, and the arts. Ireland’s diaspora also has had a global impact, including establishment of a sizable Irish-American community in Minnesota.

Why Irish Studies at St. Thomas?

When you complete the Irish Studies minor you will learn like a global citizen and complement your major field of study in a unique way. The University of St. Thomas also sponsors a number of study abroad programs that provide opportunities for students in many programs to experience Ireland.

Program Overview

  • Course Requirements
  • Four-Year Plan
  • Degrees Awarded
  • Course Requirements

    The Irish Studies minor consists of 16 credits. To earn the minor, students must take IRST 200: Introduction to Irish Studies and three additional four-credit courses from disciplines such as Economics, History, Political Science, and Music, Film & Creative Enterprise

    Four-Year Plan

    The minor consists of 16 credits and is earned by taking 4 courses of 4 credits apiece. At least 2 of these courses must be taken at the 200 level or higher. Courses chosen from the "Additional Credits" section must represent at least 2 different disciplines.

    4 Credits: Required Introductory Course

    • IRST 200: Introduction to Irish Studies

    12 Additional Credits

    Students choose 12 additional credits from the following list:

    • ECON 346/POLS 398: Economics, Politics, and Brexit in Northern Ireland (when offered as study abroad)
    • HIST 223: Survey of Irish History – Celtic Ireland to 1972
    • HIST 226: Modern Europe since 1914
    • HIST 322: Tudor and Stuart Britain
    • POLS 104: Government and Politics
    • POLS 350: Comparative Politics of the New Europe
    • POLS 328: International Security
    • MUSC 117: Historical Survey of Western Culture
    • MUSC 130: Introduction to World Music
    • MUSC 230: The Music of the U.S.

    Degrees Awarded

    Minor in Irish Studies

    Course Requirements

    Course Requirements

    The Irish Studies minor consists of 16 credits. To earn the minor, students must take IRST 200: Introduction to Irish Studies and three additional four-credit courses from disciplines such as Economics, History, Political Science, and Music, Film & Creative Enterprise

    Four-Year Plan

    Four-Year Plan

    The minor consists of 16 credits and is earned by taking 4 courses of 4 credits apiece. At least 2 of these courses must be taken at the 200 level or higher. Courses chosen from the "Additional Credits" section must represent at least 2 different disciplines.

    4 Credits: Required Introductory Course

    • IRST 200: Introduction to Irish Studies

    12 Additional Credits

    Students choose 12 additional credits from the following list:

    • ECON 346/POLS 398: Economics, Politics, and Brexit in Northern Ireland (when offered as study abroad)
    • HIST 223: Survey of Irish History – Celtic Ireland to 1972
    • HIST 226: Modern Europe since 1914
    • HIST 322: Tudor and Stuart Britain
    • POLS 104: Government and Politics
    • POLS 350: Comparative Politics of the New Europe
    • POLS 328: International Security
    • MUSC 117: Historical Survey of Western Culture
    • MUSC 130: Introduction to World Music
    • MUSC 230: The Music of the U.S.

    Degrees Awarded

    Degrees Awarded

    Minor in Irish Studies
    A view of the coast of Ireland with large green bluffs near the blue sea

    Career Paths

    Graduates of the Irish Studies program will be well-prepared for careers in a wide variety of settings, including:

    • Diplomatic Corps
    • International business
    • International journalism
    • Public relations
    • Education
    • Writing and publishing
    • Museums, archives and libraries
    • Documentary filmmaking or production
    • Graduate studies
    A collection of award winning Irish poetry on display at St. Thomas

    Center for Irish Studies

    The Center for Irish Studies / Lárionad an Léinn Éireannaigh at the University of St. Thomas advances teaching and scholarship in Irish Studies for students, faculty, and friends of the university through publications, instruction, and public programs. The center enriches the international dimension of education at St. Thomas and honors the many historic and contemporary bonds between the university, Ireland, and the Irish American community.
    Castle in County Limerick, surrounded by trees

    Study Abroad in Ireland

    The Center for Irish Studies, in conjunction with the Office of Study Abroad, offers an Introductory Irish Studies course during the January Term. Students will experience Dublin, Galway, and the Aran Islands, among other locations throughout the Republic and Northern Ireland.

    Take the Next Step

    best-value-logo-2022-transparent.pngThere is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.