Programs of Study

First Semester - 15 SCH

ENGL 1301 - Composition I
HIST 1301 - United States History I
MATH 1342 - Elementary Statistical Methods
GOVT 2305 - Federal Government
EDUC/PSYC 1300 - Learning Framework

Second Semester - 15 SCH

ENGL 1302 - Composition II
HIST 1302 - United States History II
PHYS 1303 - Stars and Galaxies
GOVT 2306 - Texas Government
SOCI 1301 - Introduction to Sociology

Third Semester - 15 SCH

HIST 2321 - World Civilizations I
SPCH 1321 - Business & Professional Communication
ENGL 2331 - World Literature
SPAN 2311 - Intermediate Spanish I
BIOL 1322 - Nutrition & Diet Therapy

Fourth Semester - 15 SCH

ECON 2301 - Principles of Macroeconomics
SPAN 2312 - Intermediate Spanish II
ARTS 1301 - Art Appreciation
BUSI 2301 - Business Law
HIST 2322 - World Civilizations II

Marketable Skills

• Law and Government - Knowledge of laws, court procedures, government regulations, executive orders, and the political process.
• Leadership - The ability to maximize collective potential and guide others toward achieving shared goals.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to community problems.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Communication - Confident expression of ideas through oral and written communication with respect for clarity of meaning, grammar, composition, and spelling.
• Interpersonal Skills - Ability to interact with others adeptly and appropriately.

Program Outcomes

Students will:

• Explain constitutional principles and historical experiences that have shaped government institutions in the U.S. and Texas.
• Evaluate public opinion, civic engagement, and participatory practices from the perspective of a responsible citizen.
• Analyze challenges facing local, state, and national policymakers.

Expected Salary

Texas wage data: workers on average earn $92,720; 10% of workers earn $55,730 or less; 10% of workers earn $120,340 or more. US wage data: workers on average earn $125,350; 10% of workers earn $62,840 or less; 10% of workers earn $170,800 or more.

Career Opportunities

AA Minimum: Elected Official; Issue Advocate; Civil Servant; Law Enforcement or Correctional Officer; Community Organizer; Teaching Assistant; Research Assistant. BA Minimum: Teacher;  Social Worker; Social Media Manager; Public Relations Specialist; Lobbyist; Journalist; Political Consultant. MA Minimum: Political Scientist; College Professor; Lawyer; Judge; Campaign Manager; Foreign Service Official; Non-Governmental Organization and Non-Profit Manager; Policy Analyst; Market Researcher; Political Party Strategist.

High School Endorsements

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Transfer Path / Requirements

For Texas A&M Commerce

• A student completing the PJC curriculum is considered Core complete at TAMU-C.
• No more than 60-66 sch from PJC will be applied to a bachelor degree at TAMU-C.  Another 60 or more must be completed at TAMU-C.
• For the Political Science major, ten advanced courses are required by TAMU-C: PSCI 330 (Intro to Political Science), PSCI 335 (Political Economy), PSCI 488 (Contemporary Ideas), and one or more courses in each of these areas:  Political Theory & Philosophy, Public Policy, American Political Processes, American Political Institutions, Comparative Politics, International Relations.
• Students should take both GOVT 2305 and 2306 at PJC before transferring to another institution.
• Students who are considering teaching in high schools or middle schools must follow guidelines set for teacher certification.                                                              
• Students should refer to the catalog of the institution to which he/she plans to transfer for degree requirements.