Political Science Associate in Arts Transfer Degree, AA-T

Program Description

Political Science is the academic discipline that investigates the institutions and processes by which human societies are ruled. Political scientists use the techniques of empirical research and historical analysis, along with normative consideration of the ends of political action, to explore the outcomes of various governmental arrangements and alternatives. The study of political science will prepare students for careers in law, politics, governmental service, social science teaching, and journalism, as well as for active participation in the political system of the United States.

The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) degree is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor's degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing the AA-T are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major.

To earn this Political Science AA-T degree, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Completion of the following major requirements with a minimum grade of "C" (or "P").
  • Certified completion of the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), which requires a minimum of 34 units; and
  • Completion of a minimum 60 Cal-GETC transferrable semester units with a minimum “C”  grade required in each course. A “C” is defined as a minimum of 2.0 grade points on a 4.0 scale.

Students planning on transferring to a four-year institution and major in Political Science should consult with a counselor regarding the transfer process and lower division requirements.

The pathway below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program.  Individual circumstances might require some changes to this pathway.  It is always recommended that you meet with an academic counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.

Division

Social Sciences and Human Development

Department

Political Science

Career and Academic Pathway (CAP)

Public Service, Culture, Society

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the domestic governmental institutions and political practices of the United States – at the national, state, and local levels – including their Constitutional bases; the special functions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches and their associated bureaucratic and regulatory agencies; and the activities of leading participants in the political process including organized special interest groups, political parties, and grass-roots activists.

  2. Demonstrate a keen awareness of the world beyond our national borders and know the principal players in world politics--state actors (countries) and non-state actors such as international governmental organizations (IGOs) and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), and their respective role in creating world order; employ the principle of levels of analysis to explain a major development in world politics such as the outbreak of war or a complex foreign policy decision; understand the principal parameters around which to compare different political systems; have an understanding of how different historical and cultural forces end up creating different regimes--authoritarian regimes or democratic regimes; and have a general knowledge of the fundamental components of political economy—public goods, taxation, regulations, trade policies, employment, and money supply.

  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the practical skills needed for employment, or other participation, in governmental and political contexts.

Program Map

GE General Education
O Available Online
Program Requirement
P Program Prerequisites

Term 1

14 units
Complete one course in each of the following areas:

Term 2

15-19 units
Complete one course in each of the following areas:

Term 3

12-14 units
Complete one course in each of the following areas:

Term 4

6-9 units
Complete one course in each of the following areas: