Political Science, A.A.

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Political Science is a multi-faceted sub-discipline within the realm of the Social Sciences, drawing upon theoretical and practical lessons derived from the study of human societies. As an academic discipline, Political Science allows students to focus on and study a wide array of fascinating aspects of human behavior, including: the concept of power; the wielding of power in the context of authoritative decision-making; political leadership; types and forms of political and governmental institutions; the basis of laws for organizing and governing societies; forms of political participation in different societies; comparing and contrasting different political systems across the world; international relations and global politics; among others. A Political Science Associate of Arts degree opens doors for students into further, more advanced, areas of study, as well as professional application in a variety of career settings, including: education (at all levels); journalism; law; and public service (locally, nationally, and internationally). Students in the discipline are encouraged to develop important skills in critical thinking and inquiry, as well as regarding quality verbal and written communication. Ultimately, the study of Political Science provides students with valuable know-how for becoming more complete local, national and global citizens-regardless of particular occupations or professions.

Degree Requirements

Freshman Year - Fall Semester

HMDV 1005 - 1st Year Success Credits: 1
ENGL 1010 - English Composition I Credits: 3
MATH 1400 - College Algebra Credits: 3
Foreign Language Credits: 4
POLS 1000 - American & Wyoming Government Credits: 3
POLS 1200 - Non-Western Political Cultures Credits: 3

Subtotal: 16

Freshman Year - Fall Semester Notes:

In addition to ENGL 1010 , students may be required to also take ENGL 1011 (2 credits) due to placement, adding 2 additional credits to their graduation total.
Students transferring to University of Wyoming may take MATH 1000 ; students transferring out of state must take MATH 1400 or above unless they have verified transferability of MATH 1000 .
Any foreign language may fulfill this requirement, as long as the 1-year sequence is completed. American Sign Language and Native American Languages are not considered foreign languages.

Freshman Year - Spring Semester

ENGL 1020 - English Composition II Credits: 3
Approved Science Course Credits: 4
Foreign Language Credits: 4
Applied Arts Elective Credits: 3
Major Area Courses Credits: 3

Subtotal: 17

Freshman Year - Spring Semester Notes:

BIOL 1003 /04 is the preferred choice, yet BIOL 1010 /11, GEOL 1100 /01, CHEM 1000 /CHEM 1001 , PHYS 1050 /PHYS 1051 may fulfill this requirement.
Any foreign language may fulfill this requirement, as long as the 1-year sequence is completed. American Sign Language and Native American Languages are not considered foreign languages.
Applied Arts Electives to select from: ART 1150 , ART 1160 , COMM 2010 , COMM 2110 , THEA 1100 .
Major Area Courses to select from: POLS 2000 , POLS 2128 , POLS 2250 , POLS 2380 , POLS 2075, POLS 2410 , POLS 2470 .

Sophomore Year - Fall Semester

Social Science or Humanities Credits: 3
ANTH 1300 - Introduction to Archaeology Credits: 3
OR
ANTH 1100 - Biological Anthropology Credits: 4
STAT 2070 - Statistics for Social Science Credits: 4
POLS 2460 - Introduction to Political Philosophy Credits: 3
Major Area Courses Credits: 3

Subtotal: 16-17

Sophomore Year - Fall Semester Notes:

Social Science/Humanities may be selected from: HIST 1320 , HIST 1330 , HUMN 1010 , PHIL 1000 , PHIL 2300, PHIL 2315, PSYC 1000 , SOC 1000 , ANTH 1200 , SOC 1080 , SOC 1100 , SOC 1500 or a Technology/Business course as listed in Sophomore Year - Spring Semester footnote.
STAT 2010 or STAT 2050 may replace STAT 2070 .
Major Area Course may be selected from: POLS 2000 , POLS 2128 , POLS 2250 , POLS 2380 , POLS 2075, POLS 2410 , POLS 2470 .

Sophomore Year - Spring Semester

Approved Elective Credits: 3
Social Science Credits: 3
Hist Elective Credits: 3
POLS 2310 - Introduction to International Relations Credits: 3
Major Area Courses Credits: 3

Subtotal: 15

Sophomore Year - Springs Semester Notes:

Elective course must be 1000 level or higher.
Social Science Elective. Students may select from: ANTH 2000 , ANTH 2210 , CRMJ 1001 , HIST 2030, HIST 2059 , HIST 2060 , HIST 2080, HIST 2310, HIST 2455 , PSYC 2300 , PSYC 2380 , POLS 2128 , SOC 2200 , SOC 2325 , SOC 2350 .
History Elective. Students may select from: HIST 1211 , HIST 1221 , HIST 1251 , HIST 1290 .
Major Elective. Students may select from: POLS 2000 , POLS 2128 , POLS 2250 , POLS 2380 , POLS 2075, POLS 2410 , POLS 2470 .

Subtotal: 64-65