5 answers
Tasneem
Student
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
7
Questions
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Which AP courses are useful for political science in high school?
So far, I'm planning on studying AP Comparative Government and AP World History. Also, I'm planning on studying Statistics in Grade 12 because that will be important for recording data, which is important for Political Science. Any other recommendations? #political-science #ap
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5 answers
Simeon Snow
Risk Assurance
1790
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
Those AP courses sound like some great choices so far. Make sure that you research the colleges you're interested in to see which AP classes they accept as credit. You don't want to take any they won't accept as credit. Look for entry level classes you can take that you can replace with AP coursework. If you replace enough classes, you might even be able to graduate early, which means you would save money and be able to get into your career even sooner.
Thank you, Simeon!
Tasneem
Senya M
Marketing
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Senya’s Answer
Hi Tasneem - How exciting that you are already planning your AP classes to prepare for poli sci.
In general, political science is a mixture of economics, histories, and policy/theories. Also, political science varies by country and can range quite a bit depending on what you are most curious about. For example, international relations is very similar to political science but focuses more on nation states and how countries interact with one another. This is different from domestic political science which leans into micro-economics and policies that shape a citizen's life. Political science can also focus on different schools of thoughts - e.g. look up game theory and prisoner dilemma!
I'm unsure which of these classes are AP classes, but here are some common classes that are requirements for poli-sci majors. If an AP does not exist on this topic but there's a class, I'd suggest taking any of the classes if you can to see whether there are certain parts of poli-sci that appeals to you more than others. Also, if these classes don't exist, remember many college curriculums are designed so students can take their first two years figuring out what they want to study and you can always take these classes in college!
- Economics - Micro-economics; Macro-economics; International economics
- Statistics, Calculus (this is usually a pre-req for Econ/Poli-Sci/International Relations)
- History classes - e.g. US History, World History, European History (this can help you determine which topics interest you more. Political science and International Relations are very similar but the focus differs as IR is more macro while poli-sci focuses on more micro politics)
- A language coarse - e.g. Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, etc. (language is often a pre-req for Poli-sci. For international relations, language courses are even more important)
Note: Many political science majors oftentimes take psychology or philosophy as extra-curricular topics. The reason being that these topics talk to the psyche of a human being which is at the heart of the age-old question "what causes someone to act the way they do?" and "how can i influence an individual to do something i need them to do"
In general, political science is a mixture of economics, histories, and policy/theories. Also, political science varies by country and can range quite a bit depending on what you are most curious about. For example, international relations is very similar to political science but focuses more on nation states and how countries interact with one another. This is different from domestic political science which leans into micro-economics and policies that shape a citizen's life. Political science can also focus on different schools of thoughts - e.g. look up game theory and prisoner dilemma!
I'm unsure which of these classes are AP classes, but here are some common classes that are requirements for poli-sci majors. If an AP does not exist on this topic but there's a class, I'd suggest taking any of the classes if you can to see whether there are certain parts of poli-sci that appeals to you more than others. Also, if these classes don't exist, remember many college curriculums are designed so students can take their first two years figuring out what they want to study and you can always take these classes in college!
- Economics - Micro-economics; Macro-economics; International economics
- Statistics, Calculus (this is usually a pre-req for Econ/Poli-Sci/International Relations)
- History classes - e.g. US History, World History, European History (this can help you determine which topics interest you more. Political science and International Relations are very similar but the focus differs as IR is more macro while poli-sci focuses on more micro politics)
- A language coarse - e.g. Spanish, French, Italian, Chinese, etc. (language is often a pre-req for Poli-sci. For international relations, language courses are even more important)
Note: Many political science majors oftentimes take psychology or philosophy as extra-curricular topics. The reason being that these topics talk to the psyche of a human being which is at the heart of the age-old question "what causes someone to act the way they do?" and "how can i influence an individual to do something i need them to do"
Thanks a lot Senya! Those courses are what I have planned for future years! I appreciate your helpful response!
Tasneem
Erica Reeves
Educational Advisor
8
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Erica’s Answer
Hi Tasneem,
You have some really great feedback here! I’d just like to chime in, as I do transfer advising at a community college in the US. Keep in mind my experience and answer are based on US institutions (I’ve done a few European ones as well, but they usually have American programs).
It’s super important to know what institutions you’re interested in attending and knowing what AP credit they accept! Professors within the college make the judgment calls about how your credits will transfer in. They decide what courses are equivalent to their curriculum as well as the minimum scoring. There can be some variance between institutions. Rather than making a guess, I would highly encourage you to consult with the source(s) to see what they’re looking for so you can narrow down exactly what you need.
Good luck!
Choose your institutions (I suggest no more than 4).
Look at the curriculum or major outline. You can find this in their course catalog under the major. Make sure you’re in the correct year (2020-2021 or 2021-2022, if released).
Look at their transfer or assessment services page to see their AP scoring
Find the commonalities between the programs to pick out the best AP credit
You have some really great feedback here! I’d just like to chime in, as I do transfer advising at a community college in the US. Keep in mind my experience and answer are based on US institutions (I’ve done a few European ones as well, but they usually have American programs).
It’s super important to know what institutions you’re interested in attending and knowing what AP credit they accept! Professors within the college make the judgment calls about how your credits will transfer in. They decide what courses are equivalent to their curriculum as well as the minimum scoring. There can be some variance between institutions. Rather than making a guess, I would highly encourage you to consult with the source(s) to see what they’re looking for so you can narrow down exactly what you need.
Good luck!
Erica recommends the following next steps:
Thanks a lot, Erica! I really appreciate your helpful response!
Tasneem
No problem Tasneem! I hope you’re able to make the choices best for you. If you have a guidance counselor or someone at your school to help with college readiness, they should be able to assist you with this too. You can also call the schools directly and ask about their PoliSci programs and AP credits, they can help too!
Erica Reeves
Louise Cooper
Copywriter
21
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Louise’s Answer
Hi Tasneem,
In addition to all the excellent suggestions above, I'd add:
AP US Government
AP Geography
AP English Language and Composition - It's important to be able to write well in the political science field.
In addition to all the excellent suggestions above, I'd add:
AP US Government
AP Geography
AP English Language and Composition - It's important to be able to write well in the political science field.
Thanks a lot, Louise!
Tasneem
Smriti Shah
Occupational Safety
1
Answer
Mission Viejo, California
Updated
Smriti’s Answer
Political Science is a great major depending on what you want to do after graduating. Are you interested in history or policy making or maybe going to law school?
AP Courses that would support a Political Science major in college would include AP Government or AP History. If economics or statistics classes available, would be helpful as well.
AP Courses that would support a Political Science major in college would include AP Government or AP History. If economics or statistics classes available, would be helpful as well.
Thanks Smriti!
Tasneem