Political Science, A.A-T

An Associate in Arts degree in Political Science for Transfer will fulfill the requirements for students to transfer to a four-year college or university as a Political Science major.

AAT.PS.CG

Design Your Future!

Begin by exploring MSJC program maps to find career or transfer opportunities.  Program maps show the recommended course sequence that leads to graduation or transfer. The maps were developed by program experts to give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.

Transfer degrees require a minimum of 60 semester CSU or UC transferable units with a minimum 2.0 overall GPA. Additionally, transfer degrees also require the completion of Cal-GETC general education. Please note that some courses are only transferable to a CSU, and this is noted in the program map. To transfer to a UC, students must complete at least 60 UC transferable units.

  • Starting in Spring? Choose Fall Semester 1 courses.   
  • Are you a part-time student?  Start Fall Semester 1 courses and follow the course sequence.

Cal-GETC

Plan of Study Grid
Fall Semester 1Units
ENGL-C1000 Academic Reading and Writing 3
STAT-C1000 Introduction to Statistics 3
CSCR-100 College Success and Career Readiness 3
POLS-C1000 American Government and Politics 3
COMM-C1000 Introduction to Public Speaking 3
 Units15
Spring Semester 1
ENGL-C1001 Critical Thinking and Writing 3
ETHS/PS-103 Ethnic Politics in America 3
HIST-111
U.S. History to 1877
or U.S. History Since 1865
3
SPAN-101
Elementary Spanish I
or Elementary French I
or American Sign Language I
4
PHIL-101 Introduction to Philosophy I 3
 Units16
Fall Semester 2
ECON-202 Principles of Microeconomics 3
PS-102 Comparative Politics and Government 3
HIST-101 Western Civilization to 1650 (formerly Western Civilization I: to 1500) 3
ENVS-101 Environmental Science 3
PS-105 Introduction to Political Theory 3
 Units15
Spring Semester 2
PS-120 California Government 3
PS-106 Introduction to International Relations 3
ANTH-111 Biological Anthropology Lab 1
ANTH-101 Biological Anthropology 3
ART-100 Art Appreciation 3
COMM-104 Argumentation and Debate (formerly Advocacy and Argument) 3
 Units16
 Total Units62

Language Other Than English (LOTE):
This is a graduation requirement for UC campuses but not for admission. You can fulfill LOTE by completing two years of the same foreign language in high school with a grade of C or better in the final semester; by completing one semester of a foreign language at a college, or by demonstrating proficiency with a grade of C or better in ASL-100, FREN-101, or SPAN-101. Languages other than English for Native Speakers are also acceptable for this requirement. Review individual campus information and requirements here: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/uc-graduation-requirements/ 
Some CSU campuses may also require language proficiency for graduation, and more than one semester may be necessary. 
At MSJC, LOTE courses count as electives. For personalized guidance, please consult your MSJC Counselor.

CSU - U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals:
This is a graduation requirement for CSU campuses but not for admission. Although not a Cal-GETC requirement, MSJC may certify completion of the CSU graduation requirement in U.S. History, Constitution and American Ideals with POLS-1000/1000H and HIST-111/111H or HIST-112/112H. Courses used to meet this requirement may also be used to satisfy Cal-GETC Subject Area 4 requirements.

High School Students:
Students are encouraged to take courses during the summer before the Fall semester begins, specifically for students majoring in STEM. 

Work Based Learning:
Sign up for a special project or internship opportunity to gain valuable work experience and earn credits. For more information, email AWBL@msjc.edu or call 951-639-5352.

Course Title Credits
Required Core Courses
POLS-C1000American Government and Politics3
or POLS-C1000H American Government and Politics - Honors
List A: Select three
Select three of the following:9
Introduction to Statistics
Statistics for Behavioral Sciences
Comparative Politics and Government
Introduction to Political Theory
Honors Introduction to Political Theory
Introduction to International Relations
Honors Introduction to International Relations
List B: Select two
Select any course from List A not used above or any of the following courses:6
Ethnic Politics in America
Honors Ethnic Politics in America
California Government
Honors California Government
Total Units18
Course Title Credits
Units for Major18
Cal-GETC Pattern34
Possible double counting: 6 units
Transferable Electives (as needed to reach 60 transferable units)

Total Units for A.A.-T Degree: 60 units

The overall requirements for this Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) can be met by:

  • Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer.
  • Completion of Cal-GETC requirements.
  • Completion of a minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
  • Completion of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

ADTs also require that students earn a C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A “P” (Pass) grade is acceptable if pass is defined as a grade of C or better. ADTs are intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. A student completing an ADT is guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not a particular campus or major. Students should meet with a Counselor to develop a comprehensive educational plan to further understand university and transfer requirements.

Discover information about careers that interest you!

  1. Take a Career Quiz to learn about yourself and receive career suggestions based on your interests. 
  2. Search available in-demand jobs in your career areas of interest and find up-to-date salaries and education requirements. 
  3. Find the MSJC Program that connects your interests to a career.

Note: There are no guaranteed positions for students completing these programs. Education and work experience required will vary by employer. The salary and benefits for specific occupations will be dependent on work experience, education, background, and employer.