Political Science, AA
This program can be completed 100% online.
Program Description
The Associate of Arts, Political Science is designed for students interested in the study of governments and other political actors. The curriculum will provide students with a basic understanding of the central concepts, questions, and theoretical perspectives in political science. Among the concepts that students will study are power, authority, ethics, legitimacy, and representation; the concepts will be used to analyze the political impact of issues including war, peace, globalization, poverty, the environment, and equality. The course of study is designated as a university transfer program that meets the requirements for the first two years of study for the B.A. in political science at UNR. Since this emphasis is part of a 2+2 program, students receiving this degree will be eligible for transfer to upper division status in UNR’s College of Liberal Arts. Students wishing to transfer to any other baccalaureate program should consult advisors at TMCC and the institution of transfer to obtain the necessary courses.
Recommended Course Schedule
| 1st semester | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| English 4 | 3 | |
| Fine Arts 4 | 3 | |
| Foreign Language 6 | 4 | |
| Mathematics 4 | 3 | |
| PSC 101 | Introduction to American Politics | 3 |
| Semester Total | 16 | |
| 2nd semester | ||
| English 4 | 3 | |
| Foreign Language 6 | 4 | |
| Humanities 4 | 3 | |
| Science 4 | 3 | |
| PSC 231 | Introduction to International Relations | 3 |
| Semester Total | 16 | |
| 3rd semester | ||
| Elective 5 | 3 | |
| Emphasis 5 | 3 | |
| Foreign Language 6 | 3 | |
| Science 4 | 3 | |
| PSC 211 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 3 |
| Semester Total | 15 | |
| 4th semester | ||
| Elective 5 | 3-4 | |
| Foreign Language 6 | 3 | |
| Diversity 5 | 3 | |
| PSC 210 | American Public Policy | 3 |
| Semester Total | 13 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
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See program recommendations or requirements
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Program Requirements
AA/AS degrees are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university.
To earn an AA/AS degree, students must:
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (see requirements for graduation.)
- Complete a minimum of 15 units within the college.
- Satisfy General Education requirements for the AA/AS.
- Have no financial or library obligation to the college.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | ||
| English 1 | 3-6 | |
| Required: | ||
| Composition II | ||
or ENG 114 | Composition II For International and Multilingual Students | |
| Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Humanities | 3 | |
| Mathematics | 3 | |
Math 120 or Higher | ||
| Science | 6 | |
| Social Science | ||
| Required: | ||
| PSC 101 | Introduction to American Politics | 3 |
| Additional College Requirements | ||
| Diversity 2 | [3] | |
| Foreign Language 3 | 0-14 | |
| U.S. & NV Constitutions 2, 4 | [3] | |
| Degree Requirements | ||
| PSC 210 | American Public Policy | 3 |
| PSC 211 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 3 |
| PSC 231 | Introduction to International Relations | 3 |
| Emphasis Requirements | ||
| PSC 208 | Survey of State and Local Government | 3 |
| PSC 250 | The Politics of International Terrorism | 3 |
| PSC 295 | Special Topics in Political Science | 3 |
| Any PSC course or other transferable elective | 4-15 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
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If you place into ENG 102 or ENG 114, the additional 3 required units will become elective units.
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Course may also count toward degree requirements. Please consult with Academic Advisement.
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Please refer to the Foreign Language Requirements for options to complete
Program Outcomes
Students completing the degree will:
PSLO1: Critically analyze central questions in political science; these include but are not limited to the origins and purposes of government, the proper relationship between citizens and government, and how societies deal with change, allocate resources, and distribute power.
PSLO2: Write clearly about contemporary issues of politics at the local, state, and national and/or international level.
PSLO3: Know the duties of citizens and the importance of effective involvement in politics. Specifically, graduates will develop the knowledge to function effectively as responsible, ethical and contributing citizens of the community, state, and nation.
Transfer Agreements
AA/AS degrees are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university. General information about general transfer agreements can be found on the Academic Advisement website. Students who intend to transfer to another college or university should speak with a TMCC Academic Advisor and consult with that institution. The transfer institution determines how TMCC courses will transfer. TMCC has agreements with the following institutions towards a bachelor's degree in the same or similar discipline.
