Political Science Associate in Arts
Political Science is perhaps the oldest organized academic discipline in western civilization, and a major in this field prepares students for a variety of challenges. A major in political science can lead to a transfer to a university where one can continue work leading to a baccalaureate degree in political science, public administration or public policy. In addition, there are selected entry level positions in business and government open to the graduate with an Associate in Arts degree in Political Science. Some individuals follow the steps necessary to go beyond an undergraduate degree and enter graduate schools leading to careers in law, government service, or industry.
Outlined below is the program that fulfills the lower division requirements for most majors in political science in universities. For special requirements, the student should consult the baccalaureate granting institution he/she is considering for matriculation.
Career Opportunities
https://www.grossmont.edu/student-support/career-center/resources.php
Book Critic
City Manager1
Congressional District Aide
Consular Officer1
Diplomatic Officer1
Election Supervisor
Fund Raising Director1
Intelligence Specialist1
Labor Relations Specialist1
Lawyer1
Paralegal Assistant
Research Assistant
Urban Planner1
- 1
Bachelor’s Degree or higher required.
The Program-level Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) below are outcomes that students will achieve after completing specific degree / certificate requirements in this program. Students will:
- Think critically and effectively express their views in written and verbal communication.
- Demonstrate the skills for contemporary world citizenship.
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of US and world politics as well as the broad discipline of political science.
- Pursue advanced study in political science and relevant career-oriented programs.
- Critically analyze the nature of power in political systems including the roles played by institutional and non-institutional actors.
Associate Degree Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| POSC-120 | Introduction to Politics and Political Analysis | 3 |
| POSC-121 | Introduction to U.S. Government and Politics | 3 |
| Select three of the following: 1 | 9 | |
| Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics | ||
| Introduction to International Relations | ||
| Introduction to California Governments and Politics | ||
| Introduction to Latin American Government and Politics | ||
| Introduction to Middle East Government and Politics | ||
| American Foreign Policy | ||
| Introduction to Political Theory | ||
| State and Society in the Asia Pacific | ||
| ECON-120 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| or GEOG-130 | Human Geography: The Cultural Landscape | |
| Total Units | 18 | |
Plus General Education and Elective Requirements
- 1
After consultation with a member of the political science faculty and a counselor because of differences in transfer requirements at various four year institutions.
Recommended Electives
Students planning to complete a baccalaureate degree in political science are strongly advised to consult with a faculty advisor in political science at Grossmont College and take the following courses:
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH-120 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ECON-215 | Statistics for Business and Economics | 4 |
| or MATH-160 | Elementary Statistics | |
| HIST-108 | Early American History | 3 |
| HIST-109 | Modern American History | 3 |
| POSC-135 | Model United Nations | 1 |
| SOC-120 | Introductory Sociology | 3 |