Associate Degree in Liberal Studies – Focus in Political Science
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About This Program
When the presidential debates are on TV, you’re there, watching every expression, parsing each and every phrase. Your Twitter feed includes @nytimes, @NBCNews, @washingtonpost and more – you want to stay on top of every twist and turn in the splendid game of politics. But you also understand that “all politics is local,” and chances are you know who said that, too. If you don’t, you can learn it by getting an Associate in Arts degree in Liberal Studies with a focus in Political Science.
The program is designed to provide a foundation of study that prepares students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The curriculum is built on general education classes, supplemented with history and political science courses, other social sciences and introductory foreign language study.
Our program also offers internships with U.S. senators, U.S. House representatives, political parties and political nonprofits. This concentration is excellent preparation for a major in political science at the baccalaureate level, which could lead to a career in law, teaching, government, public relations, nonprofits and many other areas.
Please note: You are only eligible to receive one Associate in Arts in Liberal Studies degree. You may not receive a second or subsequent degree in Liberal Studies with a different focus.
Your Degree Courses
SMCC’s Associate in Arts degree in Liberal Studies with a focus in Political Science requires a mix of general education and interest-specific courses designed to prepare students to transfer to a four-year institution in the major of their choice. The following courses are only a sampling of what you might take as a Liberal Studies student and are subject to change.
Program Course Sampling
General Education Requirements
- English Composition
- Introduction to Literature
- Electives in the following areas:
- Diversity
- Economics/Political Science
- English Communications
- Ethical Reasoning
- Fine Arts
- History
- Humanities
- Mathematics
- Psychology/Sociology
- Science with Lab
Recommended Electives
Current Major-Specific Courses Available
Interested in seeing some of the current major-specific courses being offered as a part of this degree program?
Graduation Requirements
Prospective Students
If you are thinking about attending SMCC and are curious what the current program course requirements are to earn your degree, download the current SMCC Course Catalog.
Current Students
If you are a current student, your program requirements may be different than those listed for the current catalog year. To view your specific program requirements or to search and register for courses, log in to MySMCC and visit the MyDegree webpage.
Graduation Outcomes
- Demonstrate skills as critical thinkers, readers and writers.
- Describe the interaction of history, culture, literature, economics and science as studied within a broad liberal arts curriculum.
- Analyze and solve quantitative problems.
Estimated Degree Completion Time

Please note, these estimates are based on a student taking an average of 15 credits per semester and do not include college preparatory or developmental courses.
Program Costs
View an estimate of costs to complete this program:
SMCC Graduates

