Explore and analyze politics as part of the Political Science department at Inver Hills Community College, a top value educator for students in the Twin Cities
Political Science

Politics is people exercising power to decide what will be done on public matters. As a political science student, you will examine differing viewpoints and interest groups that often conflict on the nature and outcomes of public issues. You can study politics on the local, state, national or international levels.

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Political Science

Contact Information

Dr. Zack Sullivan
Political Science Faculty

zzsullivan@inverhills.edu
651-450-3727
B228

Admissions Team

admissions@inverhills.edu
651-450-3000
College Center

If you are passionate about public affairs and the major debates of our time please consider the study of Political Science at Inver Hills Community College. Our students examine political problems from all angles and consider solutions. The IHCC Political Science Department is one uniquely focused on civic engagement and the politics of change.

Politics ultimately determines the state of our schools, healthcare, food supply, transportation, environment, natural resources, criminal justice system, and national security. Political Science students focus on understanding the processes of decision-making that influence all of our daily lives.

Curriculum

IHCC offers introductory coursework in comparative, American, and Minnesota politics as well as Constitutional Law. The curriculum considers political issues from local, national, and global perspectives. We are proud to offer a new A.A., Political Science Transfer Pathway degree for those interested in transferring to a Political Science (or related) four year program.

Get Involved!

IHCC Political Science offers students an opportunity to not only study politics but to take part in the action. Through fieldtrips to the Minnesota State Capitol, class visits by public officials, in-depth civic engagement projects, a partnership with the IHCC Student Senate, students learn how to apply the science of politics to the real world.

We also offer an opportunity to earn college credit while completing an internship. Internships may be within government agencies, political parties, political campaigns, interest groups, and other organizations closely related to the study of Political Science.

Faculty

Our faculty have extensive experience in a diversity of subfields that compose Political Science (e.g. Public Policy, International Relations, Theory). Our students often transfer to competitive baccalaureate programs, gain admission to law school and other graduate programs, and, ultimately, become accomplished educators, attorneys, government employees, lobbyists, community leaders, and elected office holders.

Political Science Information Sessions

Interested in learning more about the multitude of opportunities and pathways you have with our Political Science program? Sign up to attend this information session to hear more about how we can get you started toward your bachelor's degree or landing a job after finishing your associate's degree.

Degrees

A.A., Political Science Transfer Pathway – 60 credits

The Political Science Transfer Pathway A.A. offers students a powerful option: the opportunity to complete an Associate of Arts degree with course credits that directly transfer to designated Political Science bachelor’s degree programs at Minnesota State Universities. The curriculum has been specifically designed so that students completing the pathway degree and transferring to one of the seven Minnesota State Universities* enter the university with junior-year status. All courses in the Transfer Pathway associate degree will directly transfer and apply to the designated bachelor’s degree programs in a related field.

The Political Science Pathway consists of the Required Pathway Curriculum, the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), and the Health and Physical Fitness Requirement, to bring your credit total to 60 credits.

Universities within the Minnesota State system include Bemidji State University; Metropolitan State University; Minnesota State University, Mankato; Minnesota State University, Moorhead; Southwest Minnesota State University; St. Cloud State University; and Winona State University.

Coursework   Program Planning Guide

Required Political Science Pathway Curriculum - 9 credits

Political Science courses beyond the recommended courses are not guaranteed to transfer into a Political Science major at a Minnesota State university. The courses below must be completed successfully according to the university’s grade standards AND address the required outcomes in the transfer pathway for Political Science.

Course Number Title Credits
Introduction to United States Politics - 3 credits
POLS 1111 Intro to U.S. Politics (Goal 5, 9)
International Relations/Comparative Politics - 3 credits
POLS 1101 Intro to Political Science (Goal 5, 8)
Political Science Elective (choose one of the following courses) - 3 credits
POLS 1121 State and Local Government (Goal 5, 9)
POLS 1161 Intro to Constitutional Law (Goal 5, 9)
POLS 1190 Political Science Internship

General Electives - 18 credits

Any courses numbered 1000 level or higher from any discipline. This may include additional courses from the MnTC and/or Health & Physical Education.

Health/Physical Education - 2 credits

For a list of the requirements and courses, go to: inverhills.edu/MnTC.

Course Number Title Credits
Health   1 cr
Physical Education   1 cr

Additional General Education Requirements - 31 credits

The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) requires a minimum of 40 credits, some of which will be satisfied by the required pathway curriculum. You must complete the MnTC courses that are specifically designated below. You may choose the other courses from each goal area from the list located at: inverhills.edu/MnTC.

To streamline your degree, you are encouraged to choose MnTC Goal 1-6 courses that also meet MnTC Goal areas 7-10.

Goal Description Courses
Goal 1 Communication
  • ENGL 1108 Writing & Research Skills
  • ENG 1111, 1114 OR 1130
  • COMM 1100, 1110 OR 2230
 3 courses
Goal 2 Critical Thinking
  • Satisfied by First Year Experience course or MnTC completion
  
Goal 3 Natural Science (1 course must include lab)
  • Goal 3a (Life Science) course
  • Goal 3b (Physical Sciences) course
 2 courses
Goal 4 Mathematical/Logical Reasoning
  • Goal 4 course
 1 course
Goal 5 History/Social Sciences/Behavioral Sciences
  • Two courses, satisfied by Transfer Pathway
  • Any additional Goal 5, non-POLS course
 3 courses
Goal 6 Humanities/Fine Arts/Literature
  • Goal 6a (Fine Arts) course
  • Goal 6b (Humanities/Literature) course
  • Any additional Goal 6 course
 3 courses
Goal 7 Human Diversity
  • Goal 7 course
 1 course
Goal 8 Global Perspective
  • Satisfied by Transfer Pathway
  
Goal 9 Ethical and Civic Responsibility
  • Satisfied by Transfer Pathway
  
Goal 10 People and the Environment
  • Goal 10 course
 1 course
Total Credits: 31

Full-Time Recommended Course Of Study

Note: Not all courses will be available every semester. For a complete list of Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) Goal Area course choices, please visit: www.inverhills.edu/MnTC.

Semester 1 - 15-16 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
POLS 1111 Intro to U.S. Politics* (Goal 5, 9) 3 cr
ENG 1108 Writing & Research Skills (Goal 1a) 4 cr
COMM 1100, 1110 OR 2230 (Goal 1c) 3 cr
MnTC Goal 6a elective   3 cr
Health & PE   1 cr
First Year Experience Course (Goal 2) 1-2 cr
Total Credits: 15-16

Semester 2 - 15 credits

Course Number Title Credits
POLS 1101 Intro to Political Science* (Goal 5, 8) 3 cr
ENG 1111, 1114 OR ENG 1130 (Goal 1b) 2-3 cr
MnTC Goal 4 elective   3-4 cr
MnTC Goal 6b elective   3 cr
MnTC Goal 71 elective   3 cr
Total Credits: 15

Semester 3 - 15 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
POLS elective*   3 cr
MnTC Goal 3a elective   3 cr
General elective   3 cr
MnTC Goal 6a OR 6b elective   3 cr
MnTC Goal 101 elective   3 cr
Total Credits: 15

Semester 4 - 14-15 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
MnTC Goal 5 elective (non-POLS)   3 cr
MnTC Goal 3b elective   3-4 cr
General electives   6-7 cr
Health & PE   1 cr
Total Credits: 14-15

*Course required for major
1These credits may be taken as electives if Goal Areas 7 and 10 are completed as part of another course.

Part-Time Recommended Course Of Study

Note: Not all courses will be available every semester. For a complete list of Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) Goal Area course choices, please visit: www.inverhills.edu/MnTC.

Semester 1 - 9-10 credits

Course Number Title Credits
POLS 1111 Intro to U.S. Politics* (Goal 5, 9) 3 cr
ENG 1108 Writing & Research Skills (Goal 1a) 4 cr
Health and PE   1 cr
First Year Experience Course (Goal 2) 1-2 cr
Total Credits: 9-10

Semester 2 - 9 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
POLS 1101 Intro to Political Science* (Goal 5, 8) 3 cr
ENG 1111, 1114 OR 1130 (Goal 1b) 2-3 cr
MnTC Goal 3a elective   3-4 cr
Total Credits: 9

Semester 3 - 10 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
POLS elective*   3 cr
MnTC Goal 3b elective   4 cr
MnTC Goal 6a elective   3 cr
Total Credits: 10

Semester 4 - 9 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
MnTC Goal 71 elective   3 cr
MnTC Goal 6b elective   3 cr
COMM 1100, 1110 OR 2230 (Goal 1c) 3 cr
Total Credits: 9

Semester 5 - 9 Credits

Course Number Title Credits
MnTC Goal 4 elective   3 cr
MnTC Goal 6a OR 6b elective   3 cr
MnTC Goal 5 elective (non-POLS)   3 cr
Total Credits: 9

Semester 6 - 9 credits

Course Number Title Credits
MnTC Goal 101 elective   3 cr
General electives   6 cr
Total Credits: 9

Semester 7 - 4-5 credits

Course Number Title Credits
General elective   3-4 cr
Health & PE   1 cr
Total Credits: 4-5

*Course required for major
1These credits may be taken as electives if Goal Areas 7 and 10 are completed as part of another course.

Course Descriptions

POLS 1101  Introduction to Political Science   3.0 cr

Course Outline for POLS 1101

Introduces students to major topics, approaches, and methods in Political Science with an emphasis on comparative analysis. Topics will include: purpose and methods of comparison and classification, understanding political processes and public policy (what is politics; purpose of government; common policy challenges). Specifically, you will explore the following foundational concepts: sovereignty, authority, power, institutions, citizenship, society, the state, and political and economic change. In your comparative exploration of the Political Science discipline and contemporary issues, you will critically examine your own political values, experiences and behaviors.

POLS 1111  Introduction to U.S. Politics   3.0 cr

Course Outline for POLS 1111

Analyzes United States national government, political parties, campaigns and elections, public opinion, interest groups, media coverage and current political issues. The course will also examine principles of the Constitution, and the structure and behavior of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. In your exploration of contemporary U.S. domestic and foreign policy issues, you will critically examine your own political values, experiences and behaviors.

POLS 1121  State and Local Government   3.0 cr

Course Outline for POLS 1121

Examines state and local government political institutions, behavior, public policies, tax and spending issues. The course will also analyze structure and behavior of state legislatures, governors, courts, and political parties, including the nomination and election process of state and local officials. The course emphasis will be on the Minnesota political system. In your exploration of contemporary Minnesota policy issues, you will critically examine your own political values, experiences and behaviors.

POLS 1131  World Politics   3.0 cr

Course Outline for POLS 1131

Requires you to examine and compare the major issues, conflicts, and challenges facing today's global political environment. The course will focus on the following main topics: (1) causes and consequences of globalization, (2) the politics of intervention, (3) cooperation and conflict in global institutions, (4) development, foreign aid, and trade, (5) the politics of human rights and the environment, (6) the politics of arms races, and (7) contemporary case studies of international conflicts. You will learn about related institutions and processes, public policies, and social scientific theory while examining your own political values, experiences and behaviors.

POLS 1141  Introduction To Environmental Politics   3.0 cr

Course Outline for POLS 1141

Requires you to critically consider and address the history, organizations, interest groups, and processes that shape domestic and global environmental issues. The course will focus primarily on the following areas of study: (1) political and policy processes, (2) the public lands debate, (3) the politics of waste and toxins, (4) the politics of energy, (5) the politics of water, (6) the politics of air quality, (7) the politics of endangered species and biodiversity, (8) the politics of global environmental issues, (9) the politics of human population growth, and (10) the politics of environmental sustainability. Using cutting-edge social scientific theory and research, you will be asked to examine your own political values, experiences and behavior regarding contemporary environmental problems and potential solutions.

POLS 1161  Introduction to Constitutional Law   3.0 cr

Course Outline for POLS 1161

Provides students with an overview of the nature and scope of American Constitutional rights and liberties based upon the United States Constitution as interpreted by the United States Supreme Court. In your exploration of contemporary U.S. Constitutional issues, you will critically examine your own political values, experiences and behaviors.

POLS 1190  Political Science Internship   cr

Course Outline for POLS 1190

Combines internship at a public policy-related governmental or non-governmental organization with an examination of power, politics, and leadership. Students are responsible for securing their own internship opportunity with the support and guidance of Political Science faculty. Students spend approximately three hours per credit per week at internship location, meet with faculty coordinator at least three times during the semester, develop specific learning goals with both faculty coordinator and internship site supervisor, and submit writing assignments that integrate Political Science concepts with internship experience. Must obtain permission from coordinating faculty member prior to registering for this course.

POLS 2250  Special Topics   3.0 cr

Course Outline for POLS 2250

Teaches the individual and societal benefits of the continued study of political science. Students will learn about political institutions and processes, public policies, and social scientific theory while examining personal political values, experiences and behaviors. This course may be repeated under different topics.
Transfer Information

With this transfer pathway, you will be able to transfer to the following majors at:




Meet the Faculty

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Education Credentials

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Employment Information

Understanding the affairs of state

As a political science major, you will develop critical-thinking abilities, analytical skills, administrative know-how, mathematical competence and communication expertise essential to careers in numerous high-reward fields, including:

  • Federal government service
  • State government service
  • County government service
  • Local government service
  • Financial management
  • Fundraising
  • Law
  • Business
  • International relations
  • Public relations
  • Politics
  • Urban planning
  • Nonprofit, NGO and association work
  • Campaign management
  • Community service
  • Consulting
  • Polling
  • Journalism
  • Human resources
  • Electoral politics
  • Political research
  • University and college teaching

Political scientists develop exceptional knowledge in the following disciplines:

  • Economics
  • Law
  • Sociology
  • History
  • Anthropology
  • Public administration
  • Public policy
  • National politics
  • International relations
  • Comparative politics
  • Psychology
  • Political organization
  • Political theory

Potential job titles

  • Government affairs researcher
  • Policy officer
  • Political advisor
  • Political aide
  • Political analyst
  • Political consultant
  • Political research scientist
  • Political science professor
  • Federal-state relations director
  • Strategist

Below are just a few examples of possible career paths that can start with earning an A.A. with Emphasis in Political Science at Inver Hills.

Additional resources

Why Inver Hills?

Completing your A.A., Political Science Transfer Pathway program at Inver Hills is smart on several key levels:

  1. You will receive an excellent education with one-on-one interactions with political science faculty
  2. You will get firsthand experience working on real-world political science issues and projects
  3. You will save money and continue your academic and professional careers with less student debt *

* On a national scale, student loan debt has mushroomed to $1.2 trillion, which is greater than credit card debt and auto loan debt combined. In Minnesota, the average debt for four-year grads tops $30,000; 70 percent carry a student debt load.

Tuition and fees for one year at Inver Hills costs a little less than $5,300. Compare that to $15,000 to $20,000 at a for-profit college, or $40,000 to $50,000 at a private college or university. You can complete your first two years at Inver getting a topflight education firsthand from Ph.D. instructors and then transfer to a four-year as a junior all while saving thousands of dollars. It's a no-brainer.

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