Political Science
A.A. - Transfer Degree
Political science studies governments, politics, and social ideologies. This program not only is for students who wish to become political scientists, but also is an excellent preparation for pre-law.
Program Purpose
Graduates will demonstrate (1) basic knowledge in political science that will prepare them for transfer to the university and (2) critical thinking skills in AWC’s General Education focus areas.
Learning Outcomes
- Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to identify and explain key political concepts and theories.
- Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to discuss the significance of important political arguments and ideologies and evaluate them in an unbiased way.
- Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to identify and explain the causes and consequences of historical events of political importance.
- Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to engage in research on controversial topics and synthesize information from multiple sources with original arguments into a persuasive research paper.
Program Map
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program. For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes.
Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan, or schedule an appointment with the Advising Office or with a Faculty Advisor.
Program Requirements Based on Fall/Spring rotation (AGEC-A certificate also included)
First Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 or ENG 107 |
Freshman Composition I | 3 | GE-Composition |
| MAT 142 | College Mathematics or higher | 3 | GE-Mathematics |
| POS 100 | Introduction to Politics | 3 | Major Requirement |
| Physical & Biological | Choose one course from Physical & Biological Sciences | 4 | GE-Physical & Biological Sciences |
| ART or HUM | Choose one course from Arts or Humanities | 3 | GE-Arts or Humanities |
| 16 |
Milestones:
- Meet professors one-on-one
- Research University Degree Program options
- Plan with your advisor after midterm grades posted
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend AWC Majors Fair & Career Expos
- Register with Jobs 4 Matadors
- Consider applying for Honors Program
Second Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 102 or ENG 108 |
Freshman Composition II | 3 | GE-Composition |
| POS 110 | American Politics | 3 | Major Requirement |
| Physical & Biological | Choose one course from Physical & Biological Sciences | 4 | GE-Physical & Biological Sciences |
| ART or HUM | Choose one course from Arts or Humanities | 3 | GE-Arts or Humanities |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology (recommended) | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| 16 |
Milestones:
- Visit Political Sicence Faculty to complete Academic Plan
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Join a club
- Attend Transfer Services Events
- Apply for Scholarships
Third Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| POS Elective | Choose from World Politics, State and Local Politics, Introduction to Comparative Politics, or Social and Political Philosophy | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology (recommended) | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| PSY 230 | Statistics for Social Sciences (recommended) | 4 | Elective |
| Elective | Elective Course (consider taking courses in related fields) | 3 | Elective |
| Second Language | Choose a course from Second Languages/101 level (recommended) (or take a CLEP World Languages exam) |
4 | GE-Additional Course |
| 17 |
Milestones:
- If transferring, apply to universities
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Visit universities campus
- Apply for internship or volunteer opportunities
Fourth Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| POS Elective | Choose from World Politics, State and Local Politics, Introduction to Comparative Politics, or Social and Political Philosophy | 3 | Departmental Requirement |
| PSY 290 | Introduction to Research Methods (recommended) | 4 | Elective |
| Elective | Elective Course (consider taking courses in related fields) | 3 | Elective |
| Elective | Elective Course (consider taking courses in related fields) | 3 | Elective |
| Second Language | Choose a course from Second Languages/102 level (recommended) (or take a CLEP World Languages exam) |
4 | GE-Additional Course |
| 17 |
Milestones:
- Apply for Graduation
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Etiquette Lunch
- Meet with Career Services
- Apply for university scholarship opportunities
Transfer Information
| UNIVERSITY | DEGREE | MAJOR | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | BA, BS | Political Science | BA-4th Semester Proficiency BS-None |
| Northern Arizona University | BA, BS | Political Science | BA-4th Semester Proficiency BS-None |
| University of Arizona | BA | Political Science | 4th Semester Proficiency |
Transfer Tools
AZTransfer will provide you with more information and tools on how to transfer to ASU, NAU, and UofA.
Need help with transferring? The AWC Transfer Services office can provide you with individualized help to explore degree pathways and specific university requirements. Visit their website or schedule an appointment with a transfer specialist.