# POLITICAL SCIENCE (Associate in Arts for Transfer)

Cuesta College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Political Science

Source: https://cuesta.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/30065/30066/30067/30068/30235

Political Science is an academic and research discipline that deals with the theory and practice of politics, and the description and analysis of political systems/processes, political behavior and political actors. The Political Science program provides students with a core curriculum that will prepare them with the knowledge and skills required to succeed in the study of political science. Students will develop skills for critical/analytical thinking, perceptive reading/observation and interpretation, and statistics analysis. A political science background is useful for those interested in working in areas like government/civil service, foreign service, law, journalism, communications, human resources, public relations, non-profits, and business.

Two Political Science program tracks prepare students to transfer into the CSU system as well as other four-year institutions. Two tracks are offered: Associate in Arts in Political Science (AA in Political Science) and Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer (AA-T in Political Science).

The Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) is a special degree offered at California Community Colleges. Students who earn an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to a campus within the California State University (CSU) system, although not necessarily to a specific campus or major. Students who complete an AA-T or AS-T are given priority consideration when applying to a particular program that is similar to the student’s community college major and will be given a special GPA advantage when applying to CSU impacted campuses or majors. Students who are planning to pursue an AA-T or AS-T are strongly advised to meet with a counselor for additional information about this transfer program.

The Cuesta College AA-T/AS-T degree requires:

(1) Completion of 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
   (A) California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).

   (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) Earning a “C” or better grade in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A"P" (Pass) grade is an acceptable grade for courses in the major.

**Learning Outcome(s):**

1.  Define core terminology integral to the study of politics.
2.  Analyze the roles of individuals, groups and institutions in political processes.
3.  Explain the interrelationships among political processes.
4.  Interpret empirical data and quantitative claims.
5.  Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of descriptive and normative theories about politics.
6.  Formulate practical responses to political issues/problems.
7.  Recognize the wide array of political experiences and perspectives.
8.  Value the importance of increased knowledge of the political world.

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Required Core: 1 course (3 credits)** | | 3 |
| POLS C1000 | AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS | 3 |
| **List A : Complete three courses (9-10 credits) chosen from** | | 9-10 |
| POLS 201 | INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE | 3 |
| POLS 204 | WORLD POLITICS | 3 |
| POLS 206 | COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT | 3 |
| POLS 209 | INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY | 3 |
| STAT C1000 | INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS | 4 |
| **List B: Complete two courses (6-7 credits) from** | | 6 |
| **Any course(s) not selected from List A** | | 3-4 |
| or POLS 205 | LAW AND POLITICS | 3 |
| **Total** | | **18-19** |