Political Science

Political Science Major

The Associate of Arts/Science

Contact Information
Bill Fry
731-424-3520 ext. 216
bfry@jscc.edu

Program and Career Description

Political science careers typically require a bachelor's degree. A variety of career opportunities are available in international diplomacy, politics, city management, political research, or education. The Associate of Arts/Science Political Science is designed for students wanting to complete the first two years of the bachelor's degree in a community college setting. Students majoring in political science will learn about the U.S. Constitution, the branches of government, and political theory as well as modern political dynamics.

Career Beginning Salary Range Experienced Salary Range Projected % Job Growth Through 2012
U.S. Representative $145,100 $145,100 NA
Teacher (College) $25,440 to $37,105 $46,075 to $85,275 33%
Political Consultant $30,550 to $50,000 $50,000 to $125,000 15%

Transfer Options

At Jackson State, we work hard to make sure that you graduate with your associate' degree and arrive at a university prepared to start junior-level courses. That' why we have special articulation agreements with Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) schools that allow students completing the Associate of Arts/Science Political Science degree to transfer as juniors. TBR universities with political science degrees include:

Other schools in West Tennessee with political science degrees include the University of Tennessee at Martin and Lambuth University. Students may require additional courses at these universities prior to becoming a junior.

Accreditation Information

Jackson State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Program Requirements

(Students may require additional Basic and Developmental courses.)

Communication Requirement (All required)
ENGL 1010 English Composition I
ENGL 1020 English Composition II
SPE 211 Fundamentals of Speech

Choose THREE Humanities Courses (One must be a literature Course)
ART 1010 Art History I
ART 1020 Art History II
ART 1030 Art Appreciation
COM 1030 Intro to Film
ENGL 2111 American Lit: Pre-Colonial - 1865
ENGL 2121 American Lit: 1865 - Present
ENGL 2210 British Lit: Beginnings - 1785
ENGL 2220 British Lit: 1785 - Present
ENGL 2310 World Lit: Beginnings - 1650
ENGL 2320 World Lit: 1650 - Present
HUM 1010 Introduction to the Humanities I
HUM 1020 Introduction to the Humanities II
MUS 1030 Music Appreciation
PHIL 2110 Introduction to Ethics
THEA 1030 Introduction to Theatre

Choose TWO Social and Behavioral Science Courses
ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics
ECO 212 Principles of Microeconomics
GEO 201 Survey of World Regions
PSY 101 General Psychology I
PSY 102 General Psychology II
PHED 2050 Health and Wellness

Choose TWO History Courses (American History is required for TBR Schools.)
HIST 1110 Survey of World Civilizations I
HIST 1120 Survey of World Civilizations II
HIST 2010 Survey of American History I
HIST 2020 Survey of American History II

Choose TWO Natural Science Courses
BIOL 1110 General Biology I
BIOL 1120 General Biology II
BIOL 2010 Human Anatomy & Physiology I
BIOL 2020 Human Anatomy & Physiology II
CHEM 1110 General Chemistry I
CHEM 1120 General Chemistry II
PHYS 2010 Non-Calculus Based Physics I
PHYS 2020 Non-Calculus Based Physics II
PSCI 1010 Survey of Physical Science I
PSCI 1020 Survey of Physical Science II

Choose ONE Mathematics Course
MATH 1630 Finite Math
MATH 1710 Precalculus Algebra

Major Requirements
PHIL 1030 Introduction to Philosophy
POLS 1100 US Government & Politics I
POLS 1200 US Government & Politics II
POLS 1301 Governments of the World

Recommended Courses for Associate of Science
SOC 201 Introduction to Sociology
SOC 202 Social Problems
One (1) Credit General Elective

Courses for Associate of Arts
SPAN 1010 and 1020 Spanish I and II or
FREN 1010 and 1020 French I and II
One (1) Credit General Elective

The Associate of Arts/Science Political Science Major requires 60 college level credits. Some courses have prerequisites and co-requisites. See JSCC Academic Catalog and Student Handbook for further information.

Sample Schedule

1st Year, Fall Semester
Number Course Name Credits
ENGL 1010 English Composition I 3
HIST History Course 3
MATH Mathematics Course 3
POLS 1100 U.S. Gov't. & Politics I 3
Natural Science Course 4
Total Credits 16
1st Year, Spring Semester
Number Course Name Credits
ENGL 1020 English Composition II 3
HIST History Course 3
POLS 1200 U.S. Gov't. & Politics II 3
SPE 211 Fundamentals of Speech 3
Natural Science Course 4
Total Credits 16
2nd Year, Fall Semester
Number Course Name Credits
ENGL Literature Course 3
POLS 1301 Governments of the World 3
Social and Behavioral Science Course 3
Foreign Language (A.A.) or Elective (A.S.) 3
Humanities Course 3
Total Credits 15
2nd Year, Spring Semester
Second Year Spring Semester Credits
PHIL 1030 Introduction to Philosophy 3
Foreign Language (A.A.) or Elective (A.S.) 3
General Elective 1
Humanities Course 3
Social and Behavioral Science Course 3
Total Credits 13