Political Science: AA-T Degree
The Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer is designed to provide a clear pathway to a CSU institution for students who plan to transfer and complete a CSU major or baccalaureate degree in Political Science/Government. California Community College students who are awarded an Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer are guaranteed admission with junior standing somewhere in the CSU system and given priority admission consideration to their local CSU institution or to a program that is deemed similar to their community college major. This priority does not guarantee admission to specific majors or institutions.
To fulfill the requirements for this degree, students will complete the required and elective courses in the area of emphasis and Cal-GETC pattern requirements totaling no more than 60 semester CSU-transferable units.
Additional NVC graduation requirements do not apply to this degree. Students must successfully pass all courses in the area of emphasis with a minimum of “C” (or “P”) and maintain an overall minimum 2.0 GPA. Additionally, students pursuing this degree option must work with a counselor and faculty advisor to ensure appropriate elective course selections for their intended area of emphasis for the baccalaureate degree.
Career Opportunities
A degree in political science can lead to careers in federal, state and local governments; law; business; international organizations; nonprofit associations and organizations; campaign management and polling; journalism; precollegiate education; electoral politics; research and university and college teaching.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Describe the fundamentals of specific political systems.
- Understand and explain the foundations of specific government structures: the organization, powers, procedures and patterns.
- Evaluate and assess the ideas, interests, and institutions of specific political systems.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core Courses (9 units) | ||
| Complete 3 courses from the following: | 9 | |
| American Government and Politics | ||
| Introduction to Modern Political Ideology | ||
| Comparative Government | ||
| International Relations | ||
| Required Electives: List A (6 units) | ||
| Complete 2 courses from the following: | 6 | |
| International Political Economy | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
| Required Electives: List B (3 units) | ||
| Complete 1 course from the following: | 3 | |
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| United States History to 1877 | ||
| United States History 2 | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Total Units | 18 | |
To receive an Associate Degree for Transfer, students must complete 60 CSU transferable semester units with a grade point average of at least 2.0, and the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) beginning fall 2025. Consultation with a Counselor is highly encouraged to ensure all requirements are met.