Political Science

Earn a Political Science Associate Degree at Aims

Are you fascinated by systems of government, how they come to power and how they stay in power? The Aims associate degree in political science gives you a solid foundation for earning a four-year political science degree at a college or university.

Political science is the scientific study of the theory and practice of government and politics at the local, state, national and international levels. It is a social science focusing on government systems and power and their associated constitutions and laws. Political science analyzes political thought, behavior, and activities and the ways they shape society.

Earning a political science associate degree at Aims allows you to earn a bachelor’s degree while paying less in tuition. Thanks to a statewide agreement between community colleges and universities, upon completion of your associate degree at Aims you can transfer to any participating four-year public university in Colorado as a junior and earn your bachelor’s degree in political science. Taking your general education degree requirements at Aims instead of a four-year institution can save you considerable cost.

At Aims, your instructors, Pathway Advisors and coaches at the Aims Transitions Center will work together to guide you through the transfer process.

Are you excited to study the structures of power and governance and their effects on the world? Explore your options for earning an associate degree in political science at Aims.

See Political Science Degree Requirements

Gain Knowledge and Skills in Political Science

At Aims, you’ll study several areas of emphasis that will help you hone your career path, including political philosophy, American systems of government, public administration and comparative government. With small class sizes and instructors who want to see you succeed, you’ll learn about subjects including:

Political theory
How governments are structured and organized
Groups influence on political systems
War and conflict
Political economics, sanctions and policies

The political science program at Aims also puts a strong emphasis on strengthening critical thinking as well as written and oral communication skills, organization and time management. Students who complete this program have a distinct advantage toward becoming productive members of society who participate in meaningful ways.

General education and elective courses including English composition, public speaking, history, economics and philosophy will round out your degree requirements. Earning your general education credits at Aims not only helps you save on tuition but also lets you study in smaller classes with plenty of one-on-one support from instructors who are dedicated to teaching.

Careers in Political Science

Most students use a BA or BS in political science to go to grad school. For example, it’s the most common four-year degree to transfer into a pre-law program or an MPA program. However, some political science students go on to work for government agencies, local and state governments and political campaigns. Many students find work with lobbying groups and nonprofit organizations.

Students who earn a bachelor’s degree in political science can build careers within a wide range of fields including:

Policy development
Data archiving
Political campaigning
Lobbying
Public relations
Journalism
Law

Continue Your Political Science Studies at a Colorado Four-Year Public University

Thanks to a Statewide Transfer Articulation Agreement in Colorado, after graduating from Aims with an Associate of Arts degree in political science, you can go on to study at any participating public university statewide.

Below is a list of colleges and universities in Colorado that are a part of this statewide agreement and offer bachelor's degrees in political science.

Adams State University
[B.A. History, Anthropology & Political Science: Political Science]

Colorado Mesa University
[B.A. Political Science]

Colorado State University-Ft Collins
[B.A. Political Science]

Colorado State University-Pueblo
[B.A. Political Science; B.S. Political Science]

Fort Lewis College
[B.A. Political Science]

Metropolitan State University of Denver
[B.A. Political Science]

University of Colorado Boulder
[B.A. Political Science]

University of Colorado Colorado Springs
[B.A. Political Science]

University of Colorado Denver
[B.A. Political Science]

University of Northern Colorado
[B.A. Political Science]

Western Colorado University
[B.A. Politics & Government]

Here’s what your journey from Aims to a bachelor’s degree in political science will look like:

An Aims Enrollment Coach can answer your questions about this degree transfer program and help you get started on the path to earning your degree.
After becoming an Aims student, you’ll choose classes to earn your political science associate degree. Your Aims Pathway Advisor will help ensure you follow the pathway that best suits you and helps you reach your goals.
Throughout your time at Aims, you'll also work with an Aims Transfer Coach to get help choosing the school you’d like to transfer to and researching what scholarships are available.
You can also reach out to a transfer advisor at your chosen four-year school to make sure you're choosing classes that will support you when you go on to complete your bachelor's degree.
Before graduating from Aims, your Transfer Coach will help you prepare for the transition to your new school as a junior.

Aims2UNC students at College Center event

The Aims2UNC Transition Program

Aims2UNC is a joint initiative streamlining the path for students to seamlessly transition between the two colleges. You’ll get support from dedicated Aims2UNC advisors who will guide you as you earn your associate and bachelor's degrees in political science.

Learn more

Leverage Your Associate Degree in Political Science to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Related Subjects

While many Aims political science students go on to earn a bachelor’s or higher degree in this subject, some choose a major in other disciplines, including:

Business
Computer Science
History
Communication
Philosophy

You can also choose one of the majors above and declare a minor in political science. Work with your Pathway Advisor to choose the courses that you’ll need to fulfill requirements and understand that you may need to make up some credits if you choose a new major.