Glendale Community College's campus in Glendale, California hosts a political science department where political science coursework is offered. In the Portland, Oregon area, political science courses are available at the Portland Community College campus. Students in Mesa, Arizona can enroll in political science classes at Mesa Community College through their social science department. Students that cannot attend classes on a campus have several options as far as online institutions that offer political science coursework. Colorado Community College Online is one institution that offers online political science coursework.
Many community colleges, like Mesa Community College and Portland Community College offer political science classes but no degrees in political science. Others do offer degree programs such as Glendale Community College, where students can pursue an Associate of Arts degree in Social Science that emphasizes political science. Associate degree programs at community colleges are typically two-year training programs. Certificate programs in political science tend to be very focused but require much less time to complete than associate degree programs. Certificate programs are designed to offer specialized training in a specific area of political science.
All students in entry-level community college political science classes are for the most part exposed to the same general subject matter. Classes on state and local government are designed to introduce the student to the principles of state and local government in America. Potential and present issues affecting international power are discussed in Introduction to World Politics classes. Community college students enrolled in political science programs may have to complete coursework that covers subjects like global politics, political ideology, American political ideals, the United Nations and contemporary world problems.
Political science courses and degree programs are designed to prepare students for careers or further education in the field of political science. Certificate programs are ideal for professionals interested in gaining the additional expertise necessary for a certain promotion or to support a career change. Political science training better prepares the student for employment in fields like public service. Community colleges offer the type of educational programs in political science that better prepare students for additional higher education. Political science coursework credits completed at community colleges are easily transferable to most four-year institutions.