The study of political science teaches valuable analytical, communication, and research skills.
Are you interested in the important political issues of the world today? Do you want to better understand how governments operate? Are you curious about how and why people make political choices and the consequences of those choices?
At Minnesota State College Southeast in Winona, Red Wing, or online, you'll be able to explore these important issues while earning a 2-year degree designed for transfer to any Minnesota State university.
As a Political Science Transfer Pathway student, you will learn about:
- Systems of government and institutions
- Political behavior and culture
- Media, interest groups, non-governmental organizations
- Citizen rights and liberties
- Elections and political parties
- Political responses to modern problems
- Political values and ideals
After graduating with the Political Science Transfer Pathway Associate of Arts degree, you can transfer in as a junior and complete your bachelor's degree by earning 60 additional credits at one of the seven Minnesota State universities (admission requirements, including GPA, apply).
The Political Science Transfer Pathway AA degree is the foundation of a well-rounded education with a range of coursework in the liberal arts and sciences. It provides the basis for understanding and participating in political life as a citizen and employment or involvement with: government, education, politics, business, legal fields, interest groups, media, international and community organizations.
Apply now for admission to Minnesota State College Southeast
Download the Program Plan
Courses
Associate of Arts Degree General Requirements
for Political Science Transfer Pathway
- A minimum of 60 semester credits.
- A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.
- A minimum cumulative MnTC GPA of 2.0.
- A minimum of 20 semester credits applied toward the degree must be taken at Minnesota State College Southeast.
- Completion of the specific degree requirements below.
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) Requirements
A minimum of 40 credits to complete all 10 goal areas in the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC). A MnTC course may satisfy more than one goal area, however, the credits only count once.
Core Goal Areas
Goal 1 Communication (Three courses) - 9 credits
- ENGL1215 – College Writing 1 (3 credits)
- ENGL2525 – College Writing 2 (3 credits)
- COMM1218 College Speech OR COMM1228 Interpersonal Communications
Goal 2 Critical Thinking (met when 40 MnTC credits satisfying all 10 goal areas has been completed)
Goal 3 Natural Science (Two science courses from at least two different subject areas. One course must have a traditional lab and the other must have a traditional lab or lab-like experience.) - 6-8 credits
Goal 4 Mathematical/Logical Reasoning (One course) - 3 credits
- MATH1230 Introduction to Statistics
Goal 5 History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences (Three courses from at least two different subject areas) - 9 credits
- HIST 1108 OR 1110 U.S. History (3 credits)
- SOCS 110 Intro to Sociology (3 credits)
- HIST 2525 Minnesota History (3 credits)
Goal 6 The Humanities and Fine Arts (3 courses from at least two different subject areas) - 9 credits
- HUMA 1435 Multicultural America (3 credits)
- HUMA 1125 Moral Problems (3 credits)
- Goal 6 course (3 credits)
Theme Goal Areas
Goal 7 Human Diversity (One course) - 3 credits
- HUMA 1435 Multicultural America (3 credits)
Goal 8 Global Perspective (One course) - 3 credits
Goal 9 Ethical and Civic Responsibility (One course) - 3 credits
- HUMA 1125 Moral Problems (3 credits)
Goal 10 People and the Environment (One course) -3 credits
- HIST 2525 Minnesota History (3 credits)
Total minimum credits to complete the MnTC ten goal areas:40 credits
In addition to completing the MnTC, the remaining 20 credits will include:
- Health and Wellness Requirement, 2 credits
- Technology Requirement, 2 credits
Restricted Electives, 16 credits
Required Electives
- POLS 1101 Introduction to Political Science (3 credits)
- POLS 1120 American Government (3 credits)
- POLS 1130 World Politics (3 credits)
- POLS 1140 Environment and Society (3 credits)
- PSYC 2531 Social Psychology (3 credits)
- INSP 1525 Career & Ed Planning (1 credit)
Estimated Costs for this Major
| Approximate Tuition/Fees: | $12,414 |
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| Minimum Tool Cost: | N/A |
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| Books/Supplies: | $585 |
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| Estimated Total: | $12,999 |
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Career Opportunities
Students generally go on to earn complete a bachelor's degree or higher. A degree in political science can lead to employment in:
- Politics
- Government
- Education
- Law
- Media
- Interest groups and community organizations
Career Information
Use the MN DEED Career and Education Explorer Data Tool to learn about wages, job growth, And much more in this career field.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate familiarity with concepts fundamental to the study of political science
- Demonstrate understanding of basic political processes and institutions
- Develop critical thinking skills to analyze current political issues
- Reflect on their own and others' values in the context of politics.
Highlights
- Broad liberal arts foundation with focus in Political Science
- Guaranteed transfer to designated bachelor's programs
- Small class sizes
- Variety of course delivery methods: on campus in Red Wing and Winona, hybrid, 100% online
Instructors
-
Tamra Graham
-
J.D., William Mitchell College of Law
B.A., Music, University of Alaska-Anchorage
Tamra Graham was a President's Scholar at William Mitchell College of Law. She has worked in both the public and private legal sectors. Since 2005, she has taught political science, philosophy, and criminal justice courses MSC Southeast. She was raised in Alaska and enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, reading, and many outdoor activities, including geocaching.