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

To earn a 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”);
  • completion of a minimum of 60 CSU transferable semester units with a grade point average of at least 2.0; and
  • certified completion of the CSU General Education-Breadth (CSUGE) or Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) for CSU, which requires a minimum of 37-39 units.

It is highly recommended that students complete courses that satisfy the U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals requirement as part of CSUGE or IGETC before transferring to a CSU.

Students planning to transfer 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, Human Development, Kinesiology & Health

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

1st Semester

14 units

2nd Semester

15-19 units

3rd Semester

15 units

4th Semester

6-11 units