Gulf Coast State College | Political Science Option, Liberal Arts A.A.

INTERested in how government systems work and interact with each other?

Is your social media full of posts about upcoming elections and the pros and cons of each candidate? Are you reading every point of view posted and relishing the difference of opinions you are finding? If you find yourself searching the Internet for the latest news on candidates and watching political debates and events, or even dream of one day being a participant or moderator, then Gulf Coast State College's Political Science Option, Liberal Arts A.A. transfer track is the perfect fit for you!

As a political science major, you will develop the writing, communications, analytical and computer skills that are critical to a liberal arts education. The courses offered in Gulf Coast State College's Political Science A.A. transfer track program will prepare you to think critically and independently, with tolerance for others and concern for current affairs. With cable television and the Internet fueling unprecedented levels of public debate and interest in the inner workings of governmental entities, political science has become a popular career choice for many young professionals.

Meet Ibrahim, GCSC Alumna / Political Science Major

I choose Gulf Coast State College because of its location, and because I would have access to top professionals in their field. I met professors with Ph.Ds, and they came from a similar background as mine. I thought, 'If they can do it, why can't I?'

– -Gulf Coast State College Alumna, Associate in Arts, 2017

Program Requirements

Communications Area		CH
•+*ENC1101, English I		3
+*ENC1102, English II		3
Humanities Area
Visual and Performing Arts	See General Education Requirement	3
Philosophy/Religion	See General Education Requirement	3
Literature	See General Education Requirement	3
Mathematics Area
See General Education Requirement		6
Natural Sciences Area
Physical Science	See General Education Requirement	3
Biological Science	See General Education Requirement	3
Social Sciences Area
Behavioral Sciences	See General Education Requirement	3
History	See General Education Requirement	3
Government	See General Education Requirement	3
Additional Common Prerequisites
CPO2002, Comparative Government or INR 2002, International Relations or POS2112, State and Local Government		6
Electives
Electives		18
TOTAL DEGREE HOURS		60

• General Education Core. Students must complete at least one identified core course in each area of study—Communications, Humanities, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences—as part of the general education course requirements.

+ Prerequisites and/or corequisites required. See course descriptions.

* Minimum grade of "C" required.

HOW MUCH can POLITICAL SCIENCE GRADUATES EARN?

According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), the national median pay for a political scientist was $114,290.00 (master's degree level) in May 2016. More than half worked for the federal government in the year before these statistics were compiled. Research conducted by Study.com indicates that in 2016, graduates with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in political science earned annual median salaries around $45,005 with less than one year of experience, increasing to $62,922 with five to nine years of experience; at 20 or more years on the job, these workers made over $100,692. The median earnings for those with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree were $42,928 with less than one year of experience, $63,312 with five to nine years, and more than $99,996 at 20+ years.

My academic plan (map)

Be in charge of your academic plan! Refer to My Academic Plan (MAP-AA/Liberal Arts (POLS-AA) for a recommended path and timetable, from start to graduation, for obtaining your degree or certification.

Check out the class registration dates and plan your schedule today.