Political Science for Transfer (AA-T)
The Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer (AA-T) degree is designed to facilitate transfer to a California State University in keeping with SB 1440. This degree reflects the Transfer Model Curriculum (TMC) supported by the Statewide Academic Senate. A total of 19 units are required to fulfill the major portion of this degree. Students must also complete the California State University (CSU) General Education Breadth requirements or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) (see the “General Education Requirements and Transfer Information” section of the catalog). Students planning to transfer to SDSU should consult with a counselor.
The following requirements must be met to be awarded an Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer (AA-T) degree:
- Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
- The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirement.
- A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
- Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0. Students are also required to earn a “C” grade or higher or “Pass” in all courses required for the major.
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. This transfer degree 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 career 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.
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 citizen.
- 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
Note: All courses must be completed with a letter grade of “C” or higher or “Pass.”
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core | ||
| Select three of the following: | ||
| POSC-121 | Introduction to U.S. Government and Politics | 3 |
| POSC-124 | Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics | 3 |
| POSC-130 | Introduction to International Relations | 3 |
| POSC-150 | Introduction to Political Theory | 3 |
| List A | ||
| Select two of the following: | 7 | |
| Introduction to Politics and Political Analysis | ||
| Elementary Statistics | ||
or ANTH-215 | Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences | |
or PSY-215 | Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences | |
or SOC-215 | Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences | |
or ECON-215 | Statistics for Business and Economics | |
| List B | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
Any List A course not used above or | ||
| Economic Issues and Policies | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Introduction to California Governments and Politics | ||
| Introduction to Latin American Government and Politics | ||
| Introduction to Middle East Government and Politics | ||
| American Foreign Policy | ||
| State and Society in the Asia Pacific | ||
| Units in the major | 19 | |
| Plus General Education Requirements (CSU GE or IGETC) | 37-39 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
Complete transferable units as needed to reach 60.
Students completing IGETC may be awarded the degree, but they must complete a course from Area 1C: Oral Communication to meet CSU admission requirements.
Addendum Comment:
Revised program, change to include adding "Select three of the following:" under Required Core.
Effective: Fall 2023 as of 7/25/2024.