Program Overview

Political science, the systematic and rigorous study of government, public policy and of the political behavior of individuals, groups, and institutions, is becoming increasingly crucial in a complex and controversial world. Most social, economic and moral issues have political implications; and governmental policy affects most aspects of daily life. The goal of the Associate of Arts Degree in Political Science is to provide students with an understanding of the American political system and other political systems within the context of global forces, international conflicts, ideological systems and diversity. Courses in this major are designed to introduce students to the field of political science and the primary subfields of political science and to equip students with specialized research and analytical skills necessary to examine political issues. This analytical framework will familiarize students with more generalized communication and problem solving skills sufficient to allow them to make valuable contributions to any vocation or enterprise they pursue. Students will be prepared for a baccalaureate degree in Political Science. The successful student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of important findings, theories, and changing issues relevant to political science; demonstrate critical thinking about political issues and evaluate theories’ and arguments’ major assertions, background assumptions, the evidence used to support assertions, and their explanatory value; utilize appropriate investigative methods and appropriate technologies to access relevant research; manage information and prepare and present their work effectively.

Program Level Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of important findings, theories, and changing issues relevant to political science.
• Demonstrate critical thinking about political issues by evaluating the major assertions, background assumptions and the evidence used to support assertions, as well as their explanatory value.
• Utilize appropriate investigative methods and appropriate technologies to access relevant research.
• Manage information and prepare and present their work effectively.