Political Science

Associate in Arts
Transfer Degree
Cost
$10,644*

Study the complexity of politics

Understand political concepts and policy structures

Discuss and debate the theories and ideologies that have shaped the world in a classroom of your peers or 100% online. With an Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Political Science, you gain an understanding of domestic and international affairs.

More than skills, you get light-bulb moments that stoke your passion for politics. Reading a book, taking a class or having a conversation with someone can open your mind to new realities, such as:

  • Politics is about making decisions that affect people's lives. Consider the consequences. 
  • There is no one right way to think about politics. People have varying values and beliefs. 
  • Politics is a complex system. Understand the factors that influence political decisions. 
  • Everyone can make a difference in politics. Get involved and make your voice heard.

What can you do with an A.A. in Political Science?

The A.A. degree in Political Science prepares you to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree in legal, political or related fields, which prepares you for these careers.

Highlights

  • 100% Online

    Can be completed 100% online.

  • Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

    Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.

  • Transfer Degree

    Save on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Full-time students finish in 2 years.

Career Outlook

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  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more inclusive list of course options, see the college catalog.


Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CLC 120

    CLC 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    MTH 141

    MTH 141 Quantitative Literacy

    Class Description

    This course develops conceptual understanding in several areas, including: representing and analyzing data through such statistical measures as central tendency, dispersion, normal distribution, and correlation and regression; using logical statements and arguments in a real-world context; estimating, approximating and judging the reasonableness of answers; graphing and using polynomial functions and systems of equations in the interpretation and solution of problems; and selecting and using appropriate approaches and tools in formulating and solving real-world problems. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact EMPS division office for details. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Science or Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits.
         		3
    PSC 120

    PSC 120 Introduction to Political Science

    Class Description

    This course is a brief survey of the primary subfields of political science. It is designed to introduce students to the important ideas and values used in political discourse and to provide a better understanding of current political issues, events and behavior at the national and global level. The subfields examined include empirical political theory, normative political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and political economy. The focus within each subfield will be on the key terms, concepts and theories that define the subfield's scope of inquiry.
         		3
    PSY 121

    PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    Class Description

    This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
         		3
    • Course Code CLC 120
      Course Title

      CLC 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code MTH 141
      Course Title

      MTH 141 Quantitative Literacy

      Class Description

      This course develops conceptual understanding in several areas, including: representing and analyzing data through such statistical measures as central tendency, dispersion, normal distribution, and correlation and regression; using logical statements and arguments in a real-world context; estimating, approximating and judging the reasonableness of answers; graphing and using polynomial functions and systems of equations in the interpretation and solution of problems; and selecting and using appropriate approaches and tools in formulating and solving real-world problems. NOTE: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact EMPS division office for details. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Science or Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSC 120
      Course Title

      PSC 120 Introduction to Political Science

      Class Description

      This course is a brief survey of the primary subfields of political science. It is designed to introduce students to the important ideas and values used in political discourse and to provide a better understanding of current political issues, events and behavior at the national and global level. The subfields examined include empirical political theory, normative political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and political economy. The focus within each subfield will be on the key terms, concepts and theories that define the subfield's scope of inquiry.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title

      PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

      Class Description

      This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ENG 122

    ENG 122 English Composition II

    Class Description

    This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
         		3
    SOC 121

    SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

    Class Description

    This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
         		3
    ESC 224

    ESC 224 Environmental Geology

    Class Description

    For the non-science major or as a foundation course for those wishing to major in environmental sciences. A critical and objective approach is utilized to evaluate the human interrelationship with geological hazards and problems. Volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides and subsidence, surface and groundwater hydrology, waste disposal, mineral resources, and the energy situation are all included.
         		3
    ECO 221

    ECO 221 Principles of Macroeconomics

    Class Description

    This course analyzes the national economy by measuring and tracking the changes in key economic variables such as GDP and the economic growth rate, the unemployment rate, and the inflation rate. Principal macroeconomic issues will be explored and discussed from diverse economic models and will include a discussion on the use and effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policies as well as the causes and consequences of recessions and expansions on the national economy.
         		3
    PSC 121

    PSC 121 American National Politics

    Class Description

    This course is an introductory survey of American politics designed to help students better understand the U.S. political system. The focus of the course is on the system’s key political actors, behaviors, processes and institutions. Empirically based explanations are offered to help students understand why these political factors are important to the system’s operation, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
         		3
    • Course Code ENG 122
      Course Title

      ENG 122 English Composition II

      Class Description

      This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code SOC 121
      Course Title

      SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

      Class Description

      This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ESC 224
      Course Title

      ESC 224 Environmental Geology

      Class Description

      For the non-science major or as a foundation course for those wishing to major in environmental sciences. A critical and objective approach is utilized to evaluate the human interrelationship with geological hazards and problems. Volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides and subsidence, surface and groundwater hydrology, waste disposal, mineral resources, and the energy situation are all included.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ECO 221
      Course Title

      ECO 221 Principles of Macroeconomics

      Class Description

      This course analyzes the national economy by measuring and tracking the changes in key economic variables such as GDP and the economic growth rate, the unemployment rate, and the inflation rate. Principal macroeconomic issues will be explored and discussed from diverse economic models and will include a discussion on the use and effectiveness of fiscal and monetary policies as well as the causes and consequences of recessions and expansions on the national economy.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSC 121
      Course Title

      PSC 121 American National Politics

      Class Description

      This course is an introductory survey of American politics designed to help students better understand the U.S. political system. The focus of the course is on the system’s key political actors, behaviors, processes and institutions. Empirically based explanations are offered to help students understand why these political factors are important to the system’s operation, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    BIO 120

    BIO 120 Environmental Biology

    Class Description

    This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.
         		4
    PHI 121

    PHI 121 Introduction to Philosophy

    Class Description

    This course discusses the ideas of major philosophers concerning questions of human knowledge, moral values, political and social philosophy, and identity. Students are encouraged to think through their own theories about these important topics. Students explore philosophical issues focused on human identity, human nature, and the human condition at the intersections of contemporary social issues.
         		3
    PSC 122

    PSC 122 State and Local Politics

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to state and local politics in the United States. It is designed to help students better understand the political institutions and processes of subnational governments. The course adopts a comparative political systems approach that focuses on the variation found among state and local governments. The purpose of the course is to understand why these differences exist, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
         		3
    PSC 123

    PSC 123 Comparative Political Systems

    Class Description

    This course is a comparative study of national political systems found across the globe. Its primary focus is describing and explaining the conditions necessary and sufficient for a democracy. A three part classification scheme--Developed Democracies, Developing Democracies and Non-Democracies--is used to analyze the similarities and differences found both within and across the different political systems. A select group of countries from different regions in the world are studied to illustrate political, economic and social development as it relates to regime type.
         		3
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BIO 120
      Course Title

      BIO 120 Environmental Biology

      Class Description

      This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PHI 121
      Course Title

      PHI 121 Introduction to Philosophy

      Class Description

      This course discusses the ideas of major philosophers concerning questions of human knowledge, moral values, political and social philosophy, and identity. Students are encouraged to think through their own theories about these important topics. Students explore philosophical issues focused on human identity, human nature, and the human condition at the intersections of contemporary social issues.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSC 122
      Course Title

      PSC 122 State and Local Politics

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to state and local politics in the United States. It is designed to help students better understand the political institutions and processes of subnational governments. The course adopts a comparative political systems approach that focuses on the variation found among state and local governments. The purpose of the course is to understand why these differences exist, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSC 123
      Course Title

      PSC 123 Comparative Political Systems

      Class Description

      This course is a comparative study of national political systems found across the globe. Its primary focus is describing and explaining the conditions necessary and sufficient for a democracy. A three part classification scheme--Developed Democracies, Developing Democracies and Non-Democracies--is used to analyze the similarities and differences found both within and across the different political systems. A select group of countries from different regions in the world are studied to illustrate political, economic and social development as it relates to regime type.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    HST 121

    HST 121 History of Western Civilization to 1500

    Class Description

    This course is a historical survey of the West from the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece and Rome through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Emphasis is placed on the political, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual forces that shaped the development of Western Civilization.
         		3
    PSC 124

    PSC 124 International Relations

    Class Description

    This course is a survey of world politics designed to better understand current political issues and events at the international or global level. The course uses a multiple perspective analysis approach emphasizing the different levels of analysis and paradigms relevant to international politics. While introducing students to the traditional security concerns of states, it also seeks to emphasize the growing importance of nonstate actors and nonsecurity issues in global politics.
         		3
    PHI 128

    PHI 128 Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to social and political philosophies. Students will discuss and critically evaluate major social and political theories on justice, equality, liberty, law, order, rights, and duties. Contract theory, classic liberalism, Marxism, anarchism, cosmopolitanism, and virtue theory will also be covered. Students will learn to apply these theories practically to contemporary issues such as war and peace, human rights, racism, sexism, classism, gay rights, worker rights and global trade, immigration, education, free speech, prison, and political participation.
         		3
    HUM 141

    HUM 141 World Humanities of 20/21 Century

    Class Description

    This is an interdisciplinary and multicultural course which introduces students to the visual art, architecture, literature, philosophy/religion/myth, music, dance, and history of various non-Western cultures through selected works and a comparative examination of their values, motifs and aesthetics with those of Western cultural expression during the 20th and 21st centuries.
         		3
    CRJ 121

    CRJ 121 Introduction to Criminal Justice

    Class Description

    This course examines the legal process and the administration of justice in American society. Students will be exposed to the criminal process from the police function through adjudication, sentencing, and corrections, as well as the social, moral, and political issues involved in the administration of justice in a free society.
         		3
    • Course Code HST 121
      Course Title

      HST 121 History of Western Civilization to 1500

      Class Description

      This course is a historical survey of the West from the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece and Rome through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Emphasis is placed on the political, economic, social, cultural, and intellectual forces that shaped the development of Western Civilization.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PSC 124
      Course Title

      PSC 124 International Relations

      Class Description

      This course is a survey of world politics designed to better understand current political issues and events at the international or global level. The course uses a multiple perspective analysis approach emphasizing the different levels of analysis and paradigms relevant to international politics. While introducing students to the traditional security concerns of states, it also seeks to emphasize the growing importance of nonstate actors and nonsecurity issues in global politics.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code PHI 128
      Course Title

      PHI 128 Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to social and political philosophies. Students will discuss and critically evaluate major social and political theories on justice, equality, liberty, law, order, rights, and duties. Contract theory, classic liberalism, Marxism, anarchism, cosmopolitanism, and virtue theory will also be covered. Students will learn to apply these theories practically to contemporary issues such as war and peace, human rights, racism, sexism, classism, gay rights, worker rights and global trade, immigration, education, free speech, prison, and political participation.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code HUM 141
      Course Title

      HUM 141 World Humanities of 20/21 Century

      Class Description

      This is an interdisciplinary and multicultural course which introduces students to the visual art, architecture, literature, philosophy/religion/myth, music, dance, and history of various non-Western cultures through selected works and a comparative examination of their values, motifs and aesthetics with those of Western cultural expression during the 20th and 21st centuries.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CRJ 121
      Course Title

      CRJ 121 Introduction to Criminal Justice

      Class Description

      This course examines the legal process and the administration of justice in American society. Students will be exposed to the criminal process from the police function through adjudication, sentencing, and corrections, as well as the social, moral, and political issues involved in the administration of justice in a free society.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

Total Credit Hours

60


*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.


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Our Guaranteed Transfer Partnerships (GTAs) with a select number of schools guarantee admission to students who meet specific criteria.


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Political Science at CLC

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This transfer degree is just one possible way to study Political Science. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

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