Turn Your Passion for Politics into Action — Start Your Journey at Ãå±±½ûµØ!
Earning a University Parallel Associate Degree in Political Science from Ãå±±½ûµØ is a strong first step toward a career in government, law, or public service. Designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year university, this degree lays the academic foundation needed to pursue a bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, pre-law, international relations, or related fields.
Located near Nashville — the heart of Tennessee's state government — Ãå±±½ûµØ students benefit from unique local opportunities. While completing your associate degree, you can gain real-world experience through internships and entry-level positions with state agencies, legislative offices, or political organizations. Roles such as legislative aides, policy interns, and agency assistants offer valuable exposure to the political process and can lead to full-time careers after further education.
Courses of Study
Coursework includes a robust general education core that is augmented with full range of political science courses, such as introduction to political science, American government, international relations, and state and local government in the United States.
The Associate of Arts (A.A.) pathway requires a one-year sequence (6 credits) in a single foreign language. The Associate of Science (A.S.) pathway allows for more classes in the area of emphasis in place of foreign language credits.
Transfer Options
are advising tools designed to help community college students plan for transferring to a Tennessee public university or select regionally accredited, non-profit Tennessee private colleges and universities to complete their baccalaureate degree. The TTPs also constitute an agreement between community colleges and four-year colleges/universities confirming that community college courses meet major preparation requirements. For transfer to four-year institutions, contact an advisor at the senior institution.
Note: Due to the transferability to a four-year institution, there are to be no course substitutions where a specific course is required in the TTP curriculum guide.
Future Opportunities
Graduates often continue their studies at universities like Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University, or the University of Tennessee, and eventually pursue careers in:
- State and local government
- Legal services and law school
- Nonprofit advocacy and public policy
- Campaigns and political consulting
- International affairs and diplomacy
- Teaching and academic research
Whether you're aiming for law school, a government career, or advocacy work, this degree provides the practical knowledge and connections to start building your future — right here in Middle Tennessee.
Entry-Level Jobs in Political Science
- Legislative Assistant (state or municipal government)
- Government Administrative Assistant (city/county office)
- Nonprofit Program Coordinator / Outreach Associate
- Campaign Staffer or Field Organizer
- Public Affairs / Communications Specialist
