Shape Policies and Lead Change
Are you passionate about law, government, or public policy? The Political Science Transfer Major at Iowa Lakes Community College gives you a strong, hands-on foundation in political theory, government, statistics, and communication. You’ll learn how societies work, how leaders make decisions, and how you can shape policies and lead positive change.
Through this 64-credit Associate in Arts (AA) degree, you can prepare to transfer smoothly to Iowa’s Regent Universities—like the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, or the University of Northern Iowa—or other four-year schools. Whether you plan to attend law school, pursue a political science degree, or start a career in public service, this program sets you on the right path.
In this major, you will:
- Study Government & Politics – First, examine how American and global political systems function.
- Use Statistics – Then, learn to analyze data and make informed policy decisions.
- Strengthen Communication Skills – Finally, practice public speaking, writing, and debate to confidently share your ideas and lead discussions.
Overall, with real-world applications and engaging coursework, the Political Science Transfer Major empowers you to take action, drive change, and make a lasting impact in your community and beyond.
Launch a Career in Law or Public Service
Political science careers span law, policy analysis, and public administration, check out U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook – Political Science Careers for more information about possible career paths. Ready to lead? Connect with an enrollment coach to get started today!
Find Your It!
Launch Your Career in Law, Policy, or Government
Shape Policies and Lead Change
Explore your interest in law, government, and public policy with the Political Science Transfer Major at Iowa Lakes Community College. Build a strong foundation in political theory, government systems, statistics, and communication to prepare for leadership and civic engagement.
Learn how societies function, how leaders make decisions, and how you can play a role in creating positive change. Gain the skills to think critically, communicate effectively, and understand the impact of laws and policies on communities.
Program Details
Length
4 terms
Degree
Associate in Arts (64 credits)
Campus
All Campuses & Online
Your Career Pathway: Additional Degree & Certificate Options
Additional Information
Term 1
ENG 105 – Composition I
Emphasis on expository and argumentative writings including a review of usage and mechanics.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the ACT, Accuplacer, ASSET, COMPASS as determined by Iowa Lakes policy
POL 125 – Comparative Politics & Government
Survey of the methods, ideologies and main ideas in the field of comparative politics. Introduction to comparative research. Study and comparison of governments and institutions across nation-states.
SDV 103 – Successful Learning
Students master the academic and personal skills needed to succeed in higher education and in life. Content will cover academic, communication and life management skills. Goal setting, time management, note taking, test taking and how to be a lifelong learner will also be covered.
SCIENCE: 4 CREDITS
ELECTIVES: 6 CREDITS
Term 2
ENG 106 – Composition II
Continuation of ENG 105 with emphasis on research and documentation as well as literary analysis.
Prerequisites: ENG 105 – Composition I
POL 111 – American National Government†
Review of basic fundamentals of government including federalism, the political process, the presidency, the congress and the judicial system.
SPC 101 – Fundamentals of Oral Communication†
The fundamentals course develops the basic skills involved in a variety of communication situations, including oral presentations and interpersonal speaking. Emphasis is placed on organization, audience analysis, vocal and physical delivery, listening, nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and methods of dealing with communication apprehension through class discussion and activities.
SPC 112 – Public Speaking
This course examines both the theoretical and practical basis of speech communication, particularly public speaking. Emphasis is placed on speech preparation, organization, support, delivery, and audience analysis.
Choose SPC 101 or SPC 112
SOCIAL SCIENCE: 3 CREDITS
ELECTIVES: 4 CREDITS
Term 3
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
POL 121 – International Relations
This course is an introduction to the study of foreign policies, diplomacy, economics, security, and organizations. Current problems in international relations will be addressed.
HUMANITIES: 3 CREDITS
SCIENCE: 4 CREDITS
ELECTIVES: 3 CREDITS
Term 4
MAT 156 – Statistics
This course provides a foundation of statistical concepts and procedures that can aid the student as both a consumer and producer of statistical information. The course emphasizes descriptive and inferential statistical methods, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing and linear regression. Students are introduced to technology as it applies to introductory statistical methods.
Prerequisites: appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120, MAT 121, MAT 127 or MAT 210
MAT 157 – Statistics
This course provides a foundation of statistical concepts and procedures that can aid the student as both a consumer and producer of statistical information. The course emphasizes descriptive and inferential statistical methods, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing and linear regression. Students are also introduced to software as it applies to introductory statistical methods.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120, MAT 121, MAT 127 or MAT 210
Choose MAT 156 or MAT 157
HUMANITIES: 6 CREDITS
SOCIAL SCIENCE: 3 CREDITS
ELECTIVES: 3 CREDITS
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
By obtaining an Associate in Arts (AA) degree from Iowa Lakes, you will learn the following:1
Communications:
- Students are able to communicate clearly, both written and oral using the correct medium.
- Students are able to support ideas with appropriate and adequate information.
Sciences:
- Demonstrate safe laboratory practices.
- Apply scientific inquiry/scientific method to answer questions about the natural world.
Mathematics:
- Apply mathematical methods to solve real world problems.
- Evaluate the validity of mathematical solutions.
Social Sciences:
- Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills in written and oral communication.
- Students will critique the diversity of human experience, individually and collectively.
Humanities:
- Respond critically using established aesthetic principles or criteria, or an ethical judgement of specific examples as it relates to the discipline.
- Express the principles of the discipline within the global community by using the language, syntax, and cultural context of the discipline appropriately.
Computers:
- Integrate the technology necessary in the workplace environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge in utilizing software application tools.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining an Associate in Arts degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Transfer data to Iowa Regent Universities
First Year University GPA
Note: This is the average of transfer with associates and transfer, no associates
2.94
Average Retention One Year After Transferring to a Regent University
86%
Average University Graduation Rates Three Years After Entry to a Regent University
58%
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
 |
Trevor Friesner Academic Advisor 712-362-7984 | tfriesner@iowalakes.edu |