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
This program map has been updated for new students starting in Fall 2025 (or after) to reflect the new Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) requirements. Students following previous catalogs can find corresponding program maps in Self-Service/Student Planning. For official requirements, refer to the AWC Catalog.
The recommended plan below meets all program requirements. If the classes listed as recommended don’t align with your schedule or interests, alternative options are available. Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan or schedule an appointment with your Faculty Advisor or the Advisement Services Office.
Program Requirements Based on Fall/Spring rotation (AGEC certificate also included)
First Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 or ENG 107 |
Freshman Composition I/GE | 3 | GE-Written Communication |
| MAT 142 | College Mathematics (or higher) | 3 | GE-Quantitative Reasoning |
| POS 100 | Introduction to Politics | 3 | Major Requirement |
| ART/HUM | Choose one course from Arts & Humanities | 3 | GE-Arts & Humanities |
| NAT SCI | Choose a course from Natural Sciences | 4 | GE-Natural Sciences |
| 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/GE | 3 | GE-Written Communication |
| POS 110 | American Politics | 3 | Major Requirement (also counts towards GE-Institutions in the Americas) |
| ART/HUM | Choose one course from Arts & Humanities | 3 | GE-Arts & Humanities |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology (recommended) | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| ELEC | Choose one course (100 level or higher) (consider taking courses in related fields) |
3 | General Elective |
| 15 |
Milestones:
- Visit Political Science 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 | General Elective |
| Second Language | Choose a course from Second Languages/101 level (recommended) (or take a CLEP World Languages exam) |
4 | GE-Oral Communication |
| 14 |
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 | General Elective |
| ELEC | Choose one course (100 level or higher) (consider taking courses in related fields) |
3 | General Elective |
| ELEC | Choose one course (100 level or higher) (consider taking courses in related fields) |
3 | General Elective |
| Second Language | Choose a course from Second Languages/102 level (recommended) (or take a CLEP World Languages exam) |
4 | General Elective |
| 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.