• Articulate the legal, ideological, and theoretical basis for different governing systems.
• Interpret what the US Constitution and other foundational documents mean in light of current social issues and debates.
• Exhibit a fundamental knowledge of the dynamics of governmental institutions and politics at the national and international levels.
• Engage in dialogue about contemporary policy issues such as finance, economic development, education, criminal justice, social justice, healthcare, and environmental policy.
• Research the development and implementation of public policy.
• Analyze the dynamics of participatory democracy by engaging the institutions of civil society.
• Explain how the various channels of citizen influence operate at each level of government.
• Generate scholarly arguments about enduring and contemporary political questions.

Graduates of this concentration qualify for entry-level positions with an associate’s degree, and are encouraged to transfer to a four-year college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree for further career advancement. Degrees in political science prepare students for careers in fields including public policy, government, journalism, activism, polling and research, community advocacy, labor organizing, and international relations. Political science is often described as a “pre-law” major, an ideal foundation for students planning to go to law school.