Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Political Science

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Field of Interest

The Associate in Arts (AA), Emphasis in Political Science degree provides the first two years of a four-year curriculum for students who wish to specialize in political science. With a bachelor`s degree, students may pursue a career as social science research assistants, city and regional planning aides, public relations specialists and managers, reporters, and social and community service managers. With a graduate degree, students may pursue employment opportunities in several careers, including political scientists, political science professors, and lawyers.

Details

Important information you’ll need when applying for admission:

Field of Interest: Behavioral Science and Human Services
Type: Associate in Arts (AA)
Academic Plan: Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Political Science (DEG)
Academic Plan Code: 8120
Total Credits Required: 60-64
Catalog Year: 2024-2025
Effective Term: Fall 2024
Notes: Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges to earn a degree with this emphasis.

What You’ll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

Develop and sustain a lifelong interest in local, national, and global civic engagement through active citizenship.
Define, cite examples of, differentiate between, and critique basic political concepts, systems, and theories.
Apply knowledge of politics by using the theoretical foundations and analytical tools of multiple sub-fields of political science.
Appraise a situation, formulate an argument; collect, evaluate, and utilize evidence about key issues of public policy and politics.
Demonstrate effective communication skills for a diverse, political world.
Collaborate effectively and ethically with diverse individuals and institutions to achieve common goals.
Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.

Career Opportunities

Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Fundraising Managers

$118,329 Show expanded career information for Fundraising Managers

Lawyers

$130,899 Show expanded career information for Lawyers

Political Scientists

$98,544 Show expanded career information for Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

Typical Education Level

a Doctoral degree or more

Hourly Median Wage

$47.37

Annual Median Wage

$98,544

Annual Job Openings

Number of People Employed

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 7.7 %

Postsecondary Political Science Teachers

$72,944 Show expanded career information for Postsecondary Political Science Teachers

Public Relations Managers

$104,694 Show expanded career information for Public Relations Managers

Public Relations Specialists

$64,304 Show expanded career information for Public Relations Specialists

Reporters and Journalists

$46,037 Show expanded career information for Reporters and Journalists

Social and Community Service Managers

$70,822 Show expanded career information for Social and Community Service Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

Typical Education Level

a Bachelor's degree

Hourly Median Wage

$34.04

Annual Median Wage

$70,822

Annual Job Openings

272

Number of People Employed

2,170

4-Year Employment Growth

Increase by 17.1 %

Social Science Research Assistants

$50,874 Show expanded career information for Social Science Research Assistants

Urban and Regional Planners

$85,097 Show expanded career information for Urban and Regional Planners

* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.

Pathway Map Options

There are multiple options available for this pathway map. These options vary depending on the available transfer institutions and what degrees you may be able to transfer into.

These pathway map options may share some common coursework. To explore what additional coursework may be required, select your desired option from the list below. Once selected, the list of courses and any associated details will be automatically updated in the course sequence below. The differences between individual pathway map options may only be a few courses.

Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Political Science
Arizona State University (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Bachelor of Science, Political Science and Arizona State University (College of Integrative Sciences and Arts), Bachelor of Science, Political Science
Arizona State University (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
Arizona State University (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
Arizona State University (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), Bachelor of Science, Political Science
Northern Arizona University, Bachelor of Science, Political Science
Northern Arizona University, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
University of Arizona, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science (any emphasis)
Grand Canyon University, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, State and Local Public Policy Emphasis
Grand Canyon University, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Legal Studies Emphasis

Full-time
Part-time

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas
In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below, students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise met by other program requirements: Cultural [C] and Global [G] or Historical [H] Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Note: Because you are viewing this pathway map on a mobile device, some columns below have been hidden. To view all columns, please rotate your device or view this page on a device with a larger screen.

Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
POS110	American National Government		Critical course Gateway course	SB	3
ENG101 or ENG107	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).	Critical course Gateway course Critical Course	FYC or FYC	3
MAT14+	College Mathematics			MA	3–6
Transfer Option	Transfer Option				0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level or Elective		See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
FYE101 or FYE103	Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success				1–3
POS285	Political Issues and Public Policy			SB	3
Political Science	Political Science Elective		Complete a course that transfer to ASU as a direct equivalency or departmental elective in the POS prefix. Recommended that students take POS120, POS130, or POS140 - select a course not completed for another requirement		3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level or Elective		Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
SOC241	Race and Ethnic Relations			C, SB	3
Related Area	Related Area Course		Complete zero to twelve (0-12) total credits of coursework that transfer to ASU as direct equivalencies or departmental electives in the following ASU course prefixes: AES, AFR, AIS, APA, ASB, ASM, COM, ECN, FAS, GCU, GPH, HST, JUS, MIS, PHI, PSY, REL, SGS, SOC, TCL, or WST. These courses may be used to fulfill any outstanding AGEC requirements simultaneously.		0–3
SOC241	Race and Ethnic Relations			C, SB	3
Political Science	Political Science Elective		Complete zero to fifteen (0-15) credits of coursework that transfers to NAU as a POS direct equivalent or a POS departmental elective.		0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level or Elective		Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Political Science	Political Science Elective		Complete zero to fifteen (0-15) credits of coursework that transfers to NAU as a POS direct equivalent or a POS departmental elective.		0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level or Elective		Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
POS130	State and Local Government			SB	3

Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
POS120 or POS140	International Relations or Comparative Government			G, SB or G, SB	3
ENG102 or ENG108	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107.		FYC or FYC	3
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design			HU	3
CRE101	College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(ENG101 or ENG107) and (RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG100LL or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113)] or a grade of B or better in ALT100 or an appropriate district placement or permission of Instructor.		L	0–3
Transfer Option	Transfer Option				0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective		See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
Elective	Elective				3
Related Course	Related Area Course		Complete zero to twelve (0-12) credits of coursework that transfer to ASU as direct equivalencies or departmental electives in the following ASU course prefixes: AES, AFR, AIS, APA, ASB, ASM, COM, ECN, FAS, GCU, GPH, HST, JUS, MIS, PHI, PSY, REL, SGS, SOC, TCL, or WST. These courses may be used to fulfill any outstanding AGEC requirements simultaneously.		0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective		Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
ASB211 or POS140 or SOC212 or SOC270	Women Across Cultures or Comparative Government or Gender and Society or The Sociology of Health and Illness			G, HU, SB or G, SB or C, SB or G, SB	3
Related Area	Related Area Course		Complete zero to twelve (0-12) total credits of coursework that transfer to ASU as direct equivalencies or departmental electives in the following ASU course prefixes: AES, AFR, AIS, APA, ASB, ASM, COM, ECN, FAS, GCU, GPH, HST, JUS, MIS, PHI, PSY, REL, SGS, SOC, TCL, or WST. These courses may be used to fulfill any outstanding AGEC requirements simultaneously.		0–3
ASB211 or POS140 or SOC212 or SOC270	Women Across Cultures or Comparative Government or Gender and Society or The Sociology of Health and Illness			G, HU, SB or G, SB or C, SB or G, SB	3
Political Science	Political Science Elective		Complete zero to fifteen (0-15) credits of coursework that transfers to NAU as a POS direct equivalent or a POS departmental elective.		0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective		Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Political Science	Political Science Elective		Complete zero to fifteen (0-15) credits of coursework that transfers to NAU as a POS direct equivalent or a POS departmental elective.		0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective		Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
POS285	Political Issues and Public Policy			SB	3

Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
POS210	Political Ideologies			SB	3
COM225	Public Speaking	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent.		L	3
SQ	Natural Sciences Quantitative			SQ	4
CS	Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application			CS	3
Transfer Option	Transfer Option				0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective		See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
Elective	Elective				3
Related Course	Related Area Course		Complete zero to twelve (0-12) credits of coursework that transfer to ASU as direct equivalencies or departmental electives in the following ASU course prefixes: AES, AFR, AIS, APA, ASB, ASM, COM, ECN, FAS, GCU, GPH, HST, JUS, MIS, PHI, PSY, REL, SGS, SOC, TCL, or WST. These courses may be used to fulfill any outstanding AGEC requirements simultaneously.		0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective		Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Related Area	Related Area Course		Complete zero to twelve (0-12) total credits of coursework that transfer to ASU as direct equivalencies or departmental electives in the following ASU course prefixes: AES, AFR, AIS, APA, ASB, ASM, COM, ECN, FAS, GCU, GPH, HST, JUS, MIS, PHI, PSY, REL, SGS, SOC, TCL, or WST. These courses may be used to fulfill any outstanding AGEC requirements simultaneously.		0–3
Political Science	Political Science Elective		Complete zero to fifteen (0-15) credits of coursework that transfers to NAU as a POS direct equivalent or a POS departmental elective.		0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective		Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Political Science	Political Science Elective		Complete zero to fifteen (0-15) credits of coursework that transfers to NAU as a POS direct equivalent or a POS departmental elective.		0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective		Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Elective	Elective				3

Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4
Course Number	Course Name	Notes	Area	Credits
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design		HU	3
SG or SQ	Natural Sciences General or Natural Sciences Quantitative		SG or SQ	4
Transfer Option	Transfer Option			0–3
Transfer Option	Transfer Option			0–3
Transfer Option	Transfer Option			0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective	See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
Elective	Elective			3
Elective	Elective			3
Political Science	Political Science Elective	Complete a course that transfer to ASU as a direct equivalency or departmental elective in the POS prefix. Recommended that students take POS120, POS130, or POS140 - select a course not completed for another requirement		3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective	Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Elective	Elective			3
Elective	Elective			3
Political Science	Political Science Elective	Complete a course that transfer to ASU as a direct equivalency or departmental elective in the POS prefix. Recommended that students take POS120, POS130, or POS140 - select a course not completed for another requirement		3
Political Science	Political Science Elective	Complete a course that transfer to ASU as a direct equivalency or departmental elective in the POS prefix. Recommended that students take POS120, POS130, or POS140 - select a course not completed for another requirement		3
Related Area	Related Area Course	Complete zero to twelve (0-12) total credits of coursework that transfer to ASU as direct equivalencies or departmental electives in the following ASU course prefixes: AES, AFR, AIS, APA, ASB, ASM, COM, ECN, FAS, GCU, GPH, HST, JUS, MIS, PHI, PSY, REL, SGS, SOC, TCL, or WST. These courses may be used to fulfill any outstanding AGEC requirements simultaneously.		0–3
Elective	Elective			3
Elective	Elective			3
Political Science	Political Science Elective	Complete zero to fifteen (0-15) credits of coursework that transfers to NAU as a POS direct equivalent or a POS departmental elective.		0–3
Political Science	Political Science Elective	Complete zero to fifteen (0-15) credits of coursework that transfers to NAU as a POS direct equivalent or a POS departmental elective.		0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective	Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Political Science	Political Science Elective	Complete zero to fifteen (0-15) credits of coursework that transfers to NAU as a POS direct equivalent or a POS departmental elective.		0–3
Political Science	Political Science Elective	Complete zero to fifteen (0-15) credits of coursework that transfers to NAU as a POS direct equivalent or a POS departmental elective.		0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective	Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Elective	Elective			3
Elective	Elective			3

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas
In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below, students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise met by other program requirements: Cultural [C] and Global [G] or Historical [H] Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
POS110	American National Government		Critical course Gateway course	SB	3
ENG101 or ENG107	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+). or Prerequisites: Writing test score or (C or better in ENG091 or ESL097or WAC101) or (B or better in ALT100) or (ALT100 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+) or (ESL202 & Corequisites: ENG101LL or ENG107LL or WAC101 or ENG100A+).	Critical course Gateway course Critical Course	FYC or FYC	3
FYE101 or FYE103	Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success				1–3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Area	Credits
ENG102 or ENG108	First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL	Prerequisites: Grade of C or better in ENG101. or Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG107.	FYC or FYC	3
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design		HU	3
CRE101	College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(ENG101 or ENG107) and (RDG095 or RDG100 or RDG100LL or RDG111 or RDG112 or RDG113)] or a grade of B or better in ALT100 or an appropriate district placement or permission of Instructor.	L	0–3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
POS120 or POS140	International Relations or Comparative Government			G, SB or G, SB	3
MAT14+	College Mathematics			MA	3–6

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number	Course Name	Requisites	Notes	Area	Credits
COM225	Public Speaking	Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in ENG101, or ENG107, or equivalent.		L	3
CS	Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application			CS	3

Term 5 Term 5 Term 5 Term 5 Term 5 Term 5 Term 5 Term 5 Term 5 Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5 Term 5 Term 5 Term 5 Term 5 Term 5 Term 5 Term 5 Term 5 Term 5
Course Number	Course Name	Notes	Area	Credits
POS210	Political Ideologies		SB	3
Transfer Option	Transfer Option			0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level or Elective	See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
POS285	Political Issues and Public Policy		SB	3
Political Science	Political Science Elective	Complete a course that transfer to ASU as a direct equivalency or departmental elective in the POS prefix. Recommended that students take POS120, POS130, or POS140 - select a course not completed for another requirement		3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level or Elective	Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
SOC241	Race and Ethnic Relations		C, SB	3
Political Science	Political Science Elective	Complete a course that transfer to ASU as a direct equivalency or departmental elective in the POS prefix. Recommended that students take POS120, POS130, or POS140 - select a course not completed for another requirement		3
SOC241	Race and Ethnic Relations		C, SB	3
Political Science	Political Science Elective	Complete zero to fifteen (0-15) credits of coursework that transfers to NAU as a POS direct equivalent or a POS departmental elective.		0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level or Elective	Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Political Science	Political Science Elective	Complete zero to fifteen (0-15) credits of coursework that transfers to NAU as a POS direct equivalent or a POS departmental elective.		0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 101 Level or Elective	Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
POS130	State and Local Government		SB	3

Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6
Course Number	Course Name	Notes	Area	Credits
SQ	Natural Sciences Quantitative		SQ	4
Transfer Option	Transfer Option			0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective	See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
Elective	Elective			3
Related Course	Related Area Course	Complete zero to twelve (0-12) credits of coursework that transfer to ASU as direct equivalencies or departmental electives in the following ASU course prefixes: AES, AFR, AIS, APA, ASB, ASM, COM, ECN, FAS, GCU, GPH, HST, JUS, MIS, PHI, PSY, REL, SGS, SOC, TCL, or WST. These courses may be used to fulfill any outstanding AGEC requirements simultaneously.		0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective	Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
ASB211 or POS140 or SOC212 or SOC270	Women Across Cultures or Comparative Government or Gender and Society or The Sociology of Health and Illness		G, HU, SB or G, SB or C, SB or G, SB	3
Political Science	Political Science Elective	Complete a course that transfer to ASU as a direct equivalency or departmental elective in the POS prefix. Recommended that students take POS120, POS130, or POS140 - select a course not completed for another requirement		3
ASB211 or POS140 or SOC212 or SOC270	Women Across Cultures or Comparative Government or Gender and Society or The Sociology of Health and Illness		G, HU, SB or G, SB or C, SB or G, SB	3
Political Science	Political Science Elective	Complete zero to fifteen (0-15) credits of coursework that transfers to NAU as a POS direct equivalent or a POS departmental elective.		0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective	Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Political Science	Political Science Elective	Complete zero to fifteen (0-15) credits of coursework that transfers to NAU as a POS direct equivalent or a POS departmental elective.		0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective	Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
POS285	Political Issues and Public Policy		SB	3

Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7
Course Number	Course Name	Notes	Area	Credits
SG or SQ	Natural Sciences General or Natural Sciences Quantitative		SG or SQ	4
Transfer Option	Transfer Option			0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective	See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
Elective	Elective			3
Related Course	Related Area Course	Complete zero to twelve (0-12) credits of coursework that transfer to ASU as direct equivalencies or departmental electives in the following ASU course prefixes: AES, AFR, AIS, APA, ASB, ASM, COM, ECN, FAS, GCU, GPH, HST, JUS, MIS, PHI, PSY, REL, SGS, SOC, TCL, or WST. These courses may be used to fulfill any outstanding AGEC requirements simultaneously.		0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective	Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Elective	Elective			3
Related Area	Related Area Course	Complete zero to twelve (0-12) total credits of coursework that transfer to ASU as direct equivalencies or departmental electives in the following ASU course prefixes: AES, AFR, AIS, APA, ASB, ASM, COM, ECN, FAS, GCU, GPH, HST, JUS, MIS, PHI, PSY, REL, SGS, SOC, TCL, or WST. These courses may be used to fulfill any outstanding AGEC requirements simultaneously.		0–3
Elective	Elective			3
Political Science	Political Science Elective	Complete zero to fifteen (0-15) credits of coursework that transfers to NAU as a POS direct equivalent or a POS departmental elective.		0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective	Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Political Science	Political Science Elective	Complete zero to fifteen (0-15) credits of coursework that transfers to NAU as a POS direct equivalent or a POS departmental elective.		0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective	Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Elective	Elective			3

Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8
Course Number	Course Name	Notes	Area	Credits
HU	Humanities, Fine Arts & Design		HU	3
Transfer Option	Transfer Option			0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective	See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency
Elective	Elective			3
Political Science	Political Science Elective	Complete a course that transfer to ASU as a direct equivalency or departmental elective in the POS prefix. Recommended that students take POS120, POS130, or POS140 - select a course not completed for another requirement		3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective	Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Elective	Elective			3
Related Area	Related Area Course	Complete zero to twelve (0-12) total credits of coursework that transfer to ASU as direct equivalencies or departmental electives in the following ASU course prefixes: AES, AFR, AIS, APA, ASB, ASM, COM, ECN, FAS, GCU, GPH, HST, JUS, MIS, PHI, PSY, REL, SGS, SOC, TCL, or WST. These courses may be used to fulfill any outstanding AGEC requirements simultaneously.		0–3
Elective	Elective			3
Political Science	Political Science Elective	Complete zero to fifteen (0-15) credits of coursework that transfers to NAU as a POS direct equivalent or a POS departmental elective.		0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective	Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Political Science	Political Science Elective	Complete zero to fifteen (0-15) credits of coursework that transfers to NAU as a POS direct equivalent or a POS departmental elective.		0–3
Second Language or Elective	Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective	Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program's maximum transferable credits (typically 64).		0–5
Elective	Elective			3

Term 9 Term 9 Term 9 Term 9 Term 9 Term 9

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 9 Term 9 Term 9 Term 9 Term 9 Term 9
Course Number	Course Name	Notes	Credits
Transfer Option	Transfer Option		0–3
Transfer Option	Transfer Option		0–3
Elective	Elective		3
Related Area	Related Area Course	Complete zero to twelve (0-12) total credits of coursework that transfer to ASU as direct equivalencies or departmental electives in the following ASU course prefixes: AES, AFR, AIS, APA, ASB, ASM, COM, ECN, FAS, GCU, GPH, HST, JUS, MIS, PHI, PSY, REL, SGS, SOC, TCL, or WST. These courses may be used to fulfill any outstanding AGEC requirements simultaneously.	0–3
Related Area	Related Area Course	Complete zero to twelve (0-12) total credits of coursework that transfer to ASU as direct equivalencies or departmental electives in the following ASU course prefixes: AES, AFR, AIS, APA, ASB, ASM, COM, ECN, FAS, GCU, GPH, HST, JUS, MIS, PHI, PSY, REL, SGS, SOC, TCL, or WST. These courses may be used to fulfill any outstanding AGEC requirements simultaneously.	0–3
Political Science	Political Science Elective	Complete zero to fifteen (0-15) credits of coursework that transfers to NAU as a POS direct equivalent or a POS departmental elective.	0–3
Political Science	Political Science Elective	Complete zero to fifteen (0-15) credits of coursework that transfers to NAU as a POS direct equivalent or a POS departmental elective.	0–3
Elective	Elective		3

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Program Information

Learn more about and find contact information for the Political Science program.

General Help

Ask general questions over the phone at 480-461-7400 or via online chat.

Course Area Key

Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

C = Cultural Diversity in the US
CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
FYC = First Year Composition
G = Global Awareness
H = Historical Awareness
HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design

L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
MA = Mathematics
SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
SG = Natural Sciences General
SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative

Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, meet with an academic advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm10?id=190027).

Previous Catalog Years

The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.

Previous catalog years for Associate in Arts (AA) in Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Political Science

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Field of Interest

Details

What You’ll Learn

Career Opportunities

Fundraising Managers

$118,329 Show expanded career information for Fundraising Managers

Lawyers

$130,899 Show expanded career information for Lawyers

Political Scientists

$98,544 Show expanded career information for Political Scientists

Postsecondary Political Science Teachers

$72,944 Show expanded career information for Postsecondary Political Science Teachers

Public Relations Managers

$104,694 Show expanded career information for Public Relations Managers

Public Relations Specialists

$64,304 Show expanded career information for Public Relations Specialists

Reporters and Journalists

$46,037 Show expanded career information for Reporters and Journalists

Social and Community Service Managers

$70,822 Show expanded career information for Social and Community Service Managers

Social Science Research Assistants

$50,874 Show expanded career information for Social Science Research Assistants

Urban and Regional Planners

$85,097 Show expanded career information for Urban and Regional Planners

Course Sequence by Term

Pathway Map Options

Full-time Sequence

Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1 Term 1

Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2 Term 2

Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3 Term 3

Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4 Term 4

Part-time Sequence

Term 1

Term 2

Term 3

Term 4

Term 5 Term 5 Term 5 Term 5 Term 5 Term 5 Term 5 Term 5 Term 5 Term 5

Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6 Term 6

Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7 Term 7

Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8 Term 8

Term 9 Term 9 Term 9 Term 9 Term 9 Term 9

Pathway Map Option Details

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Course Area Key

Disclaimer

Previous Catalog Years