# Political Science (A.A.-T Degree)

Bakersfield College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Social & Behavioral Sciences

Source: https://bakersfield.elumenapp.com/catalog/2026-2027-Catalog/program/political-science-associate-in-arts-for-transfer-fall-2026

#### Political Science Associate in Arts for Transfer

The Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer degree is designed for students interested in gaining an understanding of the structure and functions in governments. This degree provides a foundation for further study for students planning to transfer into a baccalaureate program in political science. Successful completion of the Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer degree guarantees the student acceptance to a California State University (but not to a particular campus) to pursue a baccalaureate degree in Political Science. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular California State University (CSU) campus or a university or college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the degree for more information on university and transfer requirements. This degree eliminates the additional Bakersfield College graduation requirements. Upon completion of the following requirements, the student will be eligible for an Associate Degree for Transfer: Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following: a. California General Education Transfer Curriculum (CalGETC). b. A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district. (2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0. (3) The completion of all courses required for the major with a “C” or better. A “P” (Pass) grade is acceptable for courses in the major.

### Program Learning Outcomes

-   1\. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the relevance of state and local politics, determining and developing an objective appraisal of major trends in social, economic, and political life. Assessment:Examinations, quizzes, term papers, and presentations are used as a means of general assessment.

-   1\. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to demonstrate their understanding of the relevance of state and local politics, determining and developing an objective appraisal of major trends in social, economic, and political life.

-   2\. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to evaluate the power relationships between legislative, executive and judicial branches of government.

-   2\. Students will evaluate the power relationships between legislative, executive and judicial branches of government. Assessment:Examinations, quizzes, term papers, and presentations are used as a means of general assessment.

-   3\. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to compare and contrast the factors that determine the emergence of republican or authoritarian systems of governance.

-   3\. Students will compare and contrast the factors that determine the emergence of republican or authoritarian systems of governance. Assessment:Examinations, quizzes, term papers, and presentations are used as a means of general assessment.

-   4\. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be able to evaluate the influence of conflict and cooperation in the international bargaining process.

-   4\. Students will evaluate the influence of conflict and cooperation in the international bargaining process. Assessment:The general assessment plan is to use course examinations, written assignments, problem solving assignments, class discussions/presentations, research papers. Our starting assessment is to see the average success rate for each student. Assessment:Examinations, quizzes, term papers, and presentations are used as a means of general assessment.

### Program Requirements

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Political Science Associate in Arts for Transfer: Complete all of the following** | | 18 |
| **Core Course: Select 3 courses** | | 9 |
| POLS C1000 | American Government and Politics | 3 |
| POLS B2 | Comparative Government | 3 |
| POLS B3 | International Politics | 3 |
| POLS B4 | Introduction to Political Theory | 3 |
| **List A** | | 6 |
| **Any course not selected from Core** | | 3 |
| **Statistics** | | 4 |
| PSYC B5 | Elementary Statistics for the Behavioral and Social Sciences | 4 |
| STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 |
| STAT C1000E | Introduction to Statistics | 4.5 |
| **List B- Select one course** | | 3 |
| POLS B12 | Contemporary Issues in California State and Local Government | 3 |
| POLS B16 | Vital Political Problems | 3 |
| HIST B4A | European Civilization -pre 1650 | 3 |
| HIST B4B | European Civilization- Post 1600 | 3 |
| HIST B18 | History of California | 3 |
| HIST C1001 | United States History to 1877 | 3 |
| HIST C1002 | United States History since 1865 | 3 |
| ECON C2002 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |