Political Science AA-T Degree

Political Science is the scientific study of politics, structure of governments at the national, state and local levels, policy making and policy makers. As such, it encompasses a wide range of interdisciplinary subjects, including economics, history, law, and philosophy. One major concern of political science is educating each generation of how democracy works, what are its benefits relative to other governmental systems. Lacking such knowledge can threaten our very existence since democracy is dependent upon a well-informed and civic-minded citizenry. This degree is an excellent general preparation for careers in conflict resolution, criminal justice, diplomacy, civil service, education, elections, journalism, the practice of law, public administration and public policy, public service, and research.The Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer, also called the Political Science AA-T Degree, prepares students to transfer to CSU campuses that offer bachelor’s degrees in Political Science.  Students earning the Political Science AA-T Degree will be granted priority for admission as a Political Science major to a CSU, but not to a particular campus. This degree requires students to complete 60 CSU transferable units including completion of CSU GE or IGETC and 18-19 units in the major with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. Title 5 requires that students earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.  There are no additional graduation requirements. Students should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

Course Code Title Units
Required Core Courses: (6 - 7 units)Units
PS 001Introduction to Government3
SOC 003Fundamentals of Statistics3
or MATH 014 Statistical Methods
List A
Select 2 courses from the following (6 units):
PS 002Introduction to Comparative Governments3
PS 003Introduction to Political Theory3
or PHIL 003 Introduction to Political Theory
PS 004Introduction to International Relations3
List B (6 units)
Select 2 courses from the following:6
Cultural Anthropology
Principles of Macroeconomics
US History through Reconstruction
The American Presidency
Required Subtotal18-19
CSU General Education Pattern 137-39
IGETC Pattern
Transferable Electives (as needed to reach 60 transferable units) 2
DEGREE TOTAL60
1

Units for the major may be double counted for CSU GE or IGETC, confer with Counselor.

2

Elective units to reach 60 unit total must be CSU transferable, confer with Counselor.

Please refer to Associate Degree for Transfer (SB 1440).