
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
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
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

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


Study Abroad in Ireland
Faculty with Real Experience

Dr. Bernard Brady
Dr. Brady is a Professor of Theology. His work has focused on Moral theology with an emphasis on Catholic social teaching.

Dr. Renee Buhr
Dr. Buhr is a Professor of Political Science and International Studies. Her research interests include the study of nationalism and politics in Europe and the Former Soviet States and the effects of European integration.

Dr. Monica Hartmann
Dr. Hartmann is a Professor of Economics. She studies how business practices and government regulations affect market competition.
Program Leadership

Dr. David Gardiner
Take the Next Step
There 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.