Political science

Enter the political science field by earning a cost-effective degree that will help you successfully continue to a four-year institution – and beyond.

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Program at a glance

DEGREE TYPE

Associate of Arts

PROGRAM FORMAT

In person*

LENGTH (FULL TIME)

4 semesters

CAREER COMMUNITY

Human services, social services and public safety

*Please note: Many Stark State classes have online and in-person options.

Home / Academics / Human services, social services and public safety / Political science

Program overview

Take the first step to earning a four-year degree at Stark State College

Stark State’s associate degree in political science prepares you to transfer to a university bachelor’s degree program in political science, public administration or pre-law.

Along with transfer options, you could work in different areas of state or local government, including the board of elections, county and municipal courts, local health departments, county housing departments, auditors’ offices or zoning departments.

Program details

Through Stark State’s associate of arts degree with a political science concentration, you will:

  • Gain an understanding of government structure, the intricacies of politics, basic political theory and practical application in public administration.
  • Develop a working knowledge of the international political scene.
  • Get engaged in current issues.
  • Become equipped with academic and reasoning skills.
  • Choose elective courses – like an internship – that give you a hands-on knowledge of political systems.
Courses and course sequence
Program learning outcomes

Careers and outcomes

With an associate degree in political science, you can work in several areas including civil service, court systems, public services and social science research. Nationally, the median annual salary for state and local government employees with an associate degree is $54,000 (local) to $58,000 (state).*

You also can prepare to transfer and further your education for careers such as:

  • Politician
  • Lawyer
  • Political analyst
  • Issue advocate
  • Political researcher
  • Economist

*US BLS, 2020

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FAQs

The main purpose of this degree is to transfer to a 4-year institution. It serves as a steppingstone to a bachelor’s degree in political science or public administration.

You can look for employment in a local or state government office, work on an election campaign, or apply for a variety of other civil service jobs. However, the main purpose of this degree is to support your transfer to a four-year institution. A bachelor’s degree is required for many federal and state government jobs.

Many four-year institutions offer bachelor’s degrees in political science. Nearby options include:

  • Kent State University
  • The University of Akron
  • Walsh University
  • Malone University
  • The University of Mount Union
  • Ashland University

Your credits from Stark State should readily transfer to these universities. After earning their bachelor’s degrees, some of our graduates have continued to law school or graduate school.

It is possible to transfer certain classes that you’ve completed at other colleges or universities. Contact Admissions or the justice studies coordinator to ask about transferability.

You may be enrolled as a full-time or part-time student. Part-time enrollment will add to the time needed to complete the course requirements. In addition, your placement scores may indicate additional developmental course work needed. As a full-time student, you should be able to complete the degree in two years.

Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are both available. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid to discuss your options.

Looking for more career options? Check out these other programs.

Lowest tuition around

Put your money toward your goals – not debt.

Stark State’s tuition costs up to 83% less than other area colleges and universities. Along with financial aid and scholarship opportunities, you gain the most value for your education without sacrificing quality.

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Angela Smith Alder
Professor/Coordinator Justice Studies

phone

330-494-6170 ext. 5282

mail

asmithalder@starkstate.edu

Take the next step

Whether you’re just starting out, making your college comeback or looking for a change, you belong at Stark State.

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