Students completing the program will be able to... • Recognize political values embedded in systems of political thought. • Describe the basic structures and procedures of American government. • Describe the relative impact of federal, state and local governments on the inhabitants of California. • Describe the content and origins of several world philosophies. • Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental political concepts. • Recognize and discuss various elements of power in political activity.

Political science courses offer insight into events at the local, state, national and international level. Students develop critical thinking and other useful skills for a broad range of careers including education, public service and law. Most career options require more than two years of college study.

The associate in arts in political science for transfer is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major.

In order to earn the degree, students must: • Complete 60 CSU-transferable units. • Complete the California State University-General Education pattern (CSU GE); or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern, including the Area 1C requirement for Oral Communication. • Complete a minimum of 18 units in the major. • Attain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. • Earn a grade of “C“ or higher in all courses required for the major.

Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the degree will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system, or those students who do not intend to transfer. Some courses in the major satisfy both major and CSU GE/IGETC general education requirements; however, the units are only counted once toward the 60 unit requirement for an associate degree. Some variations in requirements may exist at certain four-year institutions; therefore, students who intend to transfer are advised to refer to the catalog of the prospective transfer institution and consult a counselor.