Political Science

Political Science

Transfer Pathway A.A.

The 60-credit Political Science Transfer Pathway A.A. degree program offers you the powerful opportunity to complete an associate degree and transfer with junior-year status to a designated political science bachelor's degree program at one of seven Minnesota State universities.

As a student in this A.A. degree program, you will complete the Required Political Science Pathway Curriculum (9 credits), General Electives (18 credits), Health/Physical Education coursework (2 credits), and Additional General Education Requirements (31 credits) for a credit total of 60.

Minnesota State universities

Bemidji State University
Metropolitan State University
Minnesota State University Mankato
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Southwest Minnesota State University
St. Cloud State University
Winona State University

Full-time schedule recommendation

See how to schedule your classes each semester to complete your degree in two years.

 Full-Time Recommended Course of Study

Part-time schedule recommendation

Recommendations for a part-time schedule are included in the Political Science Program Planning Guide (see below).

2023-2024 Required Courses

Required Political Science Pathway Curriculum

Course # Course Name Credit(s)
  POLS 1111
Introduction to U.S. Politics
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 09
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.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024

  POLS 1101
Introduction to Political Science
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 08
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.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Spring 2024

  POLS 1121
  POLS 1161
  POLS 1190
State and Local Government    OR

Introduction to Constitutional Law    OR

Political Science Internship
3

State and Local Government
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 09
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.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

Introduction to Constitutional Law
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 05, 09
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.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Spring 2024

Political Science Internship
Course Outline
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.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Spring 2024

Total Credits in Required Political Science Pathway Curriculum 9

General Electives

Course # Course Name Credit(s)
General Education Credits (Any MnTC Goal Area)
Any courses numbered 1000 level or higher from any discipline. This may include additional courses from the MnTC and/or Health and Physical Education.
18



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

Total Credits in General Electives 18

Health/Physical Education

Course # Course Name Credit(s)
Health Elective(s)
1



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

Physical Education Elective(s)
1



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

Total Credits in Health/Physical Education 2

Additional General Education Requirements

Course # Course Name Credit(s)
  ENG 1108
Writing And Research Skills
4

Course Outline
Credits: 4
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Provides instruction and practice in reading, researching, and writing for college.

Prerequisites:


Corequisites:
  • ENG 0108 Workshop for Writing and Research Skills

Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024

  ENG 1111
  ENG 1114
  ENG 1130
Research Writing    OR

The Research Paper    OR

Writing and Research For the Professions
3

Research Writing
Course Outline
Credits: 2
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Students will analyze primary and secondary sources and develop formal research writing in students' academic and/or professional disciplines including EMS, Paralegal, and Criminal Justice. Prerequisites: ENG 1108 or equivalent, with grade of C or better.

Prerequisites:

  • ENG 0101 Composition I: Expository Writing
  • ENG 1108 Writing And Research Skills

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024

The Research Paper
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Emphasizes critical analysis of fiction or nonfiction texts, at least one book-length, resulting in a research paper that reflects analysis and synthesis of multiple sources. Prereq: Grade of C or higher in ENG 1108.

Prerequisites:

  • ENG 0101 Composition I: Expository Writing
  • ENG 1108 Writing And Research Skills

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024

Writing and Research For the Professions
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Emphasizes critical audience analysis of professional texts across the disciplines, at least one book length, resulting in a professional research proposal, feasibility study, or report that reflects analysis and synthesis of multiple sources, persuasion, and students' mastery of professional and audience analysis, business writing, researching, and evaluative skills. Prerequisites: ENG 1108 or equivalent, with grade of C or better.

Prerequisites:

  • ENG 1108 Writing And Research Skills

Corequisites: None
Future Offering:
  • Spring 2024

  COMM 1100
  COMM 1110
  COMM 2230
Interpersonal Communication    OR

Public Speaking    OR

Small Group Communication
3

Interpersonal Communication
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 07
Is a course that helps students recognize that we live and work in relationship with others and must communicate effectively with them to achieve our goals. This class helps students acquire the skills to effectively communicate with family members, intimate others, co-workers, friends, and acquaintances. After reviewing relevant interpersonal theory, students will examine and identify their own communication attitudes and behaviors. Students will also learn and apply techniques for improving communication in their relationships through active practice. Students will participate in multiple activities, both in and outside the classroom setting, to build their interpersonal communication skills. This course is open to all students and meets the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) 8710.2000, Subp. 7, Standard 6C, D, F, & G.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024

Public Speaking
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Is the introductory study of the theory and practice of public speaking. Public presentation skills are required for individuals to be successful in our workplaces, communities and many other contexts in today's society. Students will learn about the different types of public speeches commonly encountered and learn how to research, organize and write their ideas into clear and understandable forms of public communication. Students will also practice the delivery skills needed to present ideas effectively. Students will be required to speak and participate often and will also be required to present their speeches in a classroom setting with an audience of their peers and an instructor.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024

Small Group Communication
Course Outline
Credits: 3
MNTC Goal Areas: 01, 02
Introduces students to the practice and theory of communicating in small group settings. Working in groups is an integral part of living in today's society. Community and workplace situations require us to be able to lead, participate, and follow effectively. Participating in this course will assist students in developing the leadership, conflict management, problem solving and discussion skills necessary to function in group settings. Students will apply small group communication theory in small, task-oriented groups and develop presentation skills to showcase their understanding of what it means to be an effective group member. Evaluating the effectiveness of their own and others' group communication behaviors is also required.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Spring 2024

General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 3a)
3



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 3b)
3



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 4)
3



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 5)
non-POLS course
3



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 6a)
3



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 6b)
3



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 6)
3



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 7)
3



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

General Education Credits (MnTC Goal 10)
3



Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

Total Credits in Additional General Education Requirements 31
Total Credits: 60
‡ Select General Education electives from specified MnTC goal area or from any MnTC goals if none specified.