In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we know many students are facing tough challenges. Georgia Military College is here for you, and we are doing everything we can to ensure no one is left behind. We have plans to provide extensions and support for those affected with the goal of completing the term. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we’ll be flexible and supportive as we move forward. As Quarter 1 ends, we remain committed to your success, so please check here regularly for updates as we monitor recovery efforts. The staff and faculty are assembling at both GMC Valdosta and Augusta on Friday, October 4 with hopes of resuming class on Monday, October 7 for those who are able to make it to campus. For those who cannot make it to campus, GMC will make every effort to work with you individually. Learn More

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Associate Degree

Political Science

An affordable path to prepare for a career in the fields of political science, international relations, and public administration. This associate’s program transfers to a bachelor’s degree.

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2024 Schedule

The Political Science associate degree is designed to introduce students to the fields of political science, international relations, and public administration. Students will learn the basic theories of political science as well as develop research, analytical, communication, and group skills. This degree will prepare students for further work toward a bachelor’s degree at follow-on institutions. Students will be prepared to pursue an academic career in the discipline in order to gain employment in the public, private, or educational sectors. Career paths typically associated with this degree include careers in the federal government, state/local government, nonprofits, law, business, international careers, journalism, precollegiate or collegiate education, and public service.

Our mission is to prepare students for the field of political science, public administration, or international relations by developing the necessary content knowledge, analytical skills, and research skills to be successful in the discipline.

Click Here for the Course Catalog information

Urban and Regional Planners
Urban and regional planners develop land use plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities.
Market Research Analysts
Market research analysts study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service.
Economists
Economists collect and analyze data, research trends, and evaluate economic issues for resources, goods, and services.

What You Will Learn

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Students will develop and demonstrate research skills by conducting research.

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Students will demonstrate understanding of and evaluate the fundamental theories and principles of political science.

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Students will analyze and evaluate different sources of information to draw inferences about political behavior.

In-Class or Online

Whether you want to attend classes online, or at our historic Milledgeville campus, or at any of our eleven satellite locations, we have a convenient option just for you.

Leadership. Character. Civility.

Attending GMC is about more than just earning a degree. We prepare our graduates to stand out in the world by teaching leadership skills, character education, and ethics. GMC grads have the grit and determination to be successful in an ever-changing job market.

Why pay more for the same degree?

Thanks to our Transfer Agreements, GMC students can take their college credits with them to dozens of other colleges and universities. Why pay more for core curriculum when you take the same accredited courses at GMC for less, and then transfer to the four-year college of your choice? Here’s a cost comparison:

“I will finally be graduating with my Bachelors of Supervision and Management this month. I would not have been able to achieve this milestone without the guidance of those at GMC. I will forever be grateful for all the things I have learned during my time here.”

— Rebecca Dempsey, Graduate

Recent Grads

“I knew that this was the school that I needed to take my academic journey to the next level! Throughout my time here at Georgia Military College, I had by far some of the best experiences! GMC opened so many doors for me during my time here and molded me into a person of more defined character”

– Shemar Bryant

“I am a mom of 3 kids all under the age of 10. So on top of being a mom and wife, I also work at a children’s hospital in the PICU. I am a wife to an army veteran , who also serves in the National guard, so a lot of the time I am doing the mom thing alone . I went to Georgia Military college to get my pre reqs for nursing school done. It hasn’t been easy, and the teachers have always had my best interest and wanted me to succeed. There hasn’t been one time where I had a teacher who didn’t care. I am currently applying for nursing schools in my area to get my RN BSN. If I had to do it all over again, I would still choose Georgia Military College.”

– Courtney Morton

“I enrolled with Georgia Military College in the winter 2021 term after graduating from high school in the fall of 2020. GMC has really furthered my education especially in Kinesiology and Physical Therapy. Without the help of GMC officials and staff, I do not think I would be able to graduate as early as I am today. After graduating from GMC on May 28th, I plan to enroll in the Physical Therapy Assistant Program (PTA) at Albany State University (ASU) to earn my PTA license. In conclusion, Georgia Military College has really excelled me to greater heights educationally and socially.”

– Kemuel Terry

Concentration Courses

PLS 200 Introduction to International Politics and PLS 201 Introduction to Political Science 10qh

This course is an introduction to the contemporary international system. State and non-state actors and instruments used to achieve their objectives. Approaches to peace including arms control, international organizations and international law will be examined.

PLS 200 Introduction to International Politics 5qh

This course is an introduction to the contemporary international system. State and non-state actors and instruments used to achieve their objectives. Approaches to peace including arms control, international organizations and international law will be examined.

PLS 201 Introduction to Political Science 5qh

This course is an introduction to the field of political science. This course examines the sub-fields of political science and introduces to students to a variety of political concepts. This course includes a survey of political theory, comparative politics and foreign policy. Topics covered include political change, the State, political ideologies, institutions, and political interactions.

Prerequisite: PLS 101 American Government.

Hiring Partners

GMC is fortunate to have partnerships with a wide range of businesses who hire our graduates. Here are a few of our partners:

Start when you're ready
Choose an upcoming start date:

Oct 16, 2024

Jan 08, 2025

Mar 17, 2025

Jun 02, 2025

Oct 16, 2024

Jan 08, 2025

Mar 17, 2025

Jun 02, 2025

Register by: Oct 15, 2024
Register by: Jan 07, 2025
Register by: Mar 14, 2025
Register by: May 30, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

About This Program


The Political Science associate degree is designed to introduce students to the fields of political science, international relations, and public administration. Students will learn the basic theories of political science as well as develop research, analytical, communication, and group skills. This degree will prepare students for further work toward a bachelor’s degree at follow-on institutions. Students will be prepared to pursue an academic career in the discipline in order to gain employment in the public, private, or educational sectors. Career paths typically associated with this degree include careers in the federal government, state/local government, nonprofits, law, business, international careers, journalism, precollegiate or collegiate education, and public service.

Degree Program Coordinator


Ben Cairns, bscairns@gmc.edu

Program Benefits


Political science offers students an array of career opportunities and skills. Students interested in law, journalism, politics, government, or organizations will enjoy this academic career path. Students will also develop strong research, critical thinking, and analytical skills. This is also the common pre-law degree program for students interested in law school. Students will need to pursue a bachelor degree for most of the fields open to political scientists. However, students will need to pursue a minimum of a master’s degree for most careers in academia and government. A graduate with a degree in political science can prepare for careers in the federal government, state/local government, non-profits, law, business, journalism, elections, and academia.

Cost for the Degree


Average Cost for this Degree:
$8,280

Why choose GMC?

Explore GMC’s flexible course formats to craft the college experience that works best for you.

2017

Best Community Colleges in Georgia - Universities.com
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9th

Best Community College - CNN Money
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7th

Fastest Growing Community College - Community College Week
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Top 25

Best Community Colleges - CollegeAtlas.Org
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Academic Excellence.
Since 1879.

We’ve been educating bright minds for well over a century. That’s why a degree from GMC means more than just a great education. It means success.