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College Catalog 2024 - 2025
Political Science Concentration, A.A.
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The Political Science degree introduces students to the four main fields in the discipline in most undergraduate programs in the United States: American Politics, Political Theory, Comparative Politics, and International Relations. The curriculum prepares students for further study in the discipline at our main transfer institutions, including University of Massachusetts at Boston, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, University of Massachusetts at Lowell, Simmons University, and Salem State University.
* Milestone Courses should be taken in the order shown. This will help you stay on track and graduate on time.
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Total Credits: 15
Semester 1 Advising Note
- Students enrolling in this degree program can earn World Studies Emphasis certification simultaneously.
- New degree-seeking students enrolled in 9 credits or more must take a Learning Community Seminar or a Learning Community Cluster within their first year.
Total Credits: 16
Semester 2 Advising Note
- Begin exploring transfer options: attend a transfer workshop and the College transfer fair.
- Meet with an advisor to begin career planning activities.
- PSC-210 is recommended for students interested in public policy.
Total Credits: 16
Semester 3 Advising Note
- Electives should be based on the career goals and interests of the student, e.g. Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Pre Law.
- PSC-211 serves as the capstone course for the concentration for those students who do not choose HON-200 as an elective or complete internships through the Community Engagement office.
- Continue preparations for transfer: write essays for transfer institution, collect letters of recommendation, apply for transfer.
- Complete a pre-graduation check with an advisor in LifeMap
Total Credits: 15
Semester 4 Advising Note
- Electives should be based on the career goals and interests of the student, e.g. Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Pre Law.
- A third Humanities and Fine Arts elective will not be necessary if taken during first semester.
- See an advisor about World Studies emphasis certification
- Apply for graduation
Upon Completion of This Concentration Graduates Will Be Able To:
- Articulate the legal, ideological, and theoretical basis for different governing systems.
- Interpret what the US Constitution and other foundational documents mean in light of current social issues and debates.
- Exhibit a fundamental knowledge of the dynamics of governmental institutions and politics at the national and international levels.
- Engage in dialogue about contemporary policy issues such as finance, economic development,education, criminal justice, social justice, healthcare, and environmental policy.
- Research the development and implementation of public policy.
- Analyze the dynamics of participatory democracy by engaging the institutions of civil society.
- Explain how the various channels of citizen influence operate at each level of government.
- Generate scholarly arguments about enduring and contemporary political questions.
Career Outlook
Graduates of this concentration qualify for entry-level positions with an associate’s degree, and are encouraged to transfer to a four-year college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree for further career advancement. Degrees in political science prepare students for careers in fields including public policy, government, journalism, activism, polling and research, community advocacy, labor organizing, and international relations. Political science is often described as a”pre-law” major, an ideal foundation for students planning to go to law school.
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