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
| Fall Semester 1 | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Units | 15 | |
| Spring Semester 1 | ||
| ENGL-C1001 | Critical Thinking and Writing | 3 |
| ETHS/PS-103 | Ethnic Politics in America | 3 |
| HIST-111 or HIST-112 | 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 |
| Units | 16 | |
| 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 |
| Units | 15 | |
| 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 |
| Units | 16 | |
| Total Units | 62 | |
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-C1000 | American Government and Politics | 3 |
| 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 | ||
or PS-105H | Honors Introduction to Political Theory | |
| Introduction to International Relations | ||
or PS-106H | 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 | ||
or PS-103H | Honors Ethnic Politics in America | |
| California Government | ||
or PS-120H | Honors California Government | |
| Total Units | 18 | |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Units for Major | 18 | |
| Cal-GETC Pattern | 34 | |
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!
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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.