Political Science Associate of Arts

My Academic Plan

Courses are displayed to show the fastest path to your degree and should be completed in the order listed. If you are unable to complete all courses listed in a semester, complete as many courses in this sequence as your schedule allows. If you have questions or concerns about your MAP, please see your Pathways Advisor.

Program Description

This program is designed for students wanting to complete the first two years of a bachelor's degree at the community college and transfer to a university to complete a BA in Political Science. Students explore governmental structure and processes. Careers often require a BA degree or higher. Political Science is the study of the political process, and its students understand the difference between an opinion and an argument. Political science graduates have a passion for political life not only locally, but also globally. Students will discover the origin, development, and operation of political systems and public policy. This program introduces students to Political Science and it includes courses that are common to all four-year institutions in Colorado. Career paths for Political Science degree holders include much more than running for political office. They also include public service, law, international relations, business, political campaigns, and working for charitable organizations. The Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Political Science prepares students to complete the second half of a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science at a four-year university.

Learn more about this program.

First Semester

PSC 2020Intro to Political Science: GT-SS1

3

ENG 1021English Composition I: GT-CO1

3

ECO 2002Principles of Microeconomics: GT-SS1

3

GT- HI1HIS 1220/2145 or Any GT-HI1

3

GT- AHPHI 1011/1012 or Any GT-AH

3

Total Credit Hours:15
 

Second Semester

PSC 1011American Government: GT-SS1

3

ENG 1022English Composition II: GT-CO2

3

ECO 2001Principles of Macroeconomics: GT-SS1

3

GT- MA1MAT 1260/1340 or Any GT-MA1

3

ELECTIVE HIS 2015 or Any Approved Elective List Course

3

Total Credit Hours:15
 

Third Semester

PSC 2025Comparative Government: GT-SS1

3

GT- SC1ENV 1111, GEO 1011/1012, or Any GT-SC1

4

GT- AHLIT 1015 or Any GT-AH

3

ELECTIVE SOC 1001 or Any Approved Elective List Course

3

ELECTIVE PSY 1002 or Any Approved Elective List Course

3

Total Credit Hours:16
Semester Notes: PSC 2025 is offered at Larimer Campus in the Fall semester and Westminster Campus in the Spring semester. 

Fourth Semester

PSC 2005International Relations: GT-SS1

3

GT- SC1ENV 1111, GEO 1011/1012, or Any GT-SC1

4

ELECTVE COM 1150 or Any Approved Elective List Course

3

ELECTIVE GEO 1005/1006 or Any Approved Elective List Course

3

ELECTIVE PSY 2221 or Any Approved Elective List Course

1

Total Credit Hours:14

Semester Notes: PSC 2005 is offered at Larimer Campus in Spring semester and Westminster Campus in Fall semester.

Total Credit Hours: 60

Important Program Notes:

Per the Statewide Transfer Articulation Agreement (STAA), you may complete ENG 1021 (GT-CO1) and ENG 1022 (GT-CO2) OR ENG 1022 (GT-CO2) and gtPathways-approved CO3 course (GT-CO3).

Per the Statewide Transfer Articulation Agreement (STAA), ECO 2001 and ECO 2002 are required Social & Behavioral Sciences (GT-SS) courses.

Per the Statewide Transfer Articulation Agreement (STAA), if PSC 2020, PSC 1011, PSC 2025, and/or PSC 2025 are not required for the major at a receiving 4-year institution, they will be applied to the Bachelor's degree as elective credit toward graduation. Please check with the receiving institution to determine in which way these courses will be applied.

Per the Statewide Transfer Articulation Agreement (STAA), you must take two gtPathways Natural & Physical Sciences courses (GT-SC1).

Per the Statewide Transfer Articulation Agreement (STAA), additional Political Science (PSC) courses beyond the 4 courses (12 credit hours) identified above may not count toward the Political Science major at the receiving 4-year institution. See explanation in Statewide Transfer Articulation Agreement (STAA) under the Limitation section.

You may take PSC 2005 and PSC 2025 in either Semester 3 or Semester 4. You should take the course that is offered at your preferred campus or online depending on course availability. PSC 2025 is offered at Larimer Campus in the fall semester and Westminster Campus in spring semester. PSC 2005 is offered at Larimer Campus in spring semester and Westminster Campus in fall semester. Campus offerings vary by semester. You must take BOTH PSC 2005 and PSC 2025 to successfully complete the AA degree in Political Science.

If you take MAT 1240 and/or more credits in mathematics or science than are listed, it will reduce the 16 credits of electives needed.

You must complete a minimum of 60 credits to complete this degree. If receiving financial aid, you should only take courses and credits as required for this degree. Check with your advisor to monitor your completion progress.