Political Science
Associate of Arts-Transfer Political Science · El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Behavioral and Social Sciences Division www.elcamino.edu/academics/behavioralsocial
This degree provides students with an introduction to political science. Students will acquire knowledge of fundamental political theory, intergovernmental relations, international law, and the principal functions of the government of the United States as well as differing political systems. Upon successful program completion, students will be able to identify, explain and critically analyze different theories and political themes underlying contemporary issues and policymaking. The degree prepares students for transfer to a CSU and a political science major. Students will continue studies in government, politics and law. Competencies will be assessed regularly through examinations, essays, projects, and reports.
The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor's degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing the AA-T are given priority consideration for admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. In order to earn an AA-T degree, students must complete:
- Completion of 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University.
- The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirements.
- A minimum of 18 semester units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
- Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
- A grade of "C" or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.
Students who have completed the AA-T will have a strong academic foundation in the field and will be prepared for upper division baccalaureate study at the university.
The coursework will satisfy most of the lower-division requirements at many institutions within the California State University system. Students transferring to a UC, private, or out-of-state university should consult with an El Camino College counselor when planning to complete the degree since transfer requirements may be slightly different than those required for the AA-T.
Required Core: 3 units
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| POLS C1000 | American Government and Politics | 3 |
| orPOLS C1000H | American Government and Politics - Honors | 3 |
List A: 9-10 units
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| POLI 2 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 3 |
| POLI 3 | Introduction to Principles and Methods of Political Science | 3 |
| POLI 7 | Political Philosophy | 3 |
| POLI 10 | Introduction to International Relations | 3 |
| orPOLI 10H | Honors Introduction to International Relations | 3 |
| PSYC 109A | Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences | 4 |
| orSOCI 109A | Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences | 4 |
| orSTAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 |
| orSTAT C1000H | Introduction to Statistics - Honors | 4 |
List B: 6 units
Any course from List A not already completed
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ANTH 2 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| orANTH 2H | Honors Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ECON C2001 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| ECON C2002 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 |
| orECON C2002H | Principles of Macroeconomics - Honors | 3 |
| ESTU 1 | Introduction to Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| orESTU 1H | Honors Introduction to Ethnic Studies | 3 |
| HIST C1001 | United States History to 1877 | 3 |
| orHIST C1001H | United States History to 1877 - Honors | 3 |
| HIST C1002 | United States History since 1865 | 3 |
| orHIST C1002H | United States History since 1865 - Honors | 3 |
| POLI 2 | Introduction to Comparative Politics | 3 |
| POLI 3 | Introduction to Principles and Methods of Political Science | 3 |
| POLI 5 | Ethnicity in the American Political Process | 3 |
| POLI 6 | Civil Rights and Liberties in the United States | 3 |
| POLI 7 | Political Philosophy | 3 |
| POLI 10 | Introduction to International Relations | 3 |
| orPOLI 10H | Honors Introduction to International Relations | 3 |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| orPSYC C1000H | Introduction to Psychology - Honors | 3 |
| SOCI 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| orSOCI 101H | Honors Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| WSTU 1 | Introduction of Women's Studies | 3 |
Total Major Units: 18-19
Note: POLI 7 is the same course as PHIL 117. Course credit is limited to POLI 7 or PHIL 117.
GE Pattern
Complete the following:
Cal-GETC: 34 units
Required for transfer degrees (AA-T and AS-T).
Electives
As needed to reach a minimum of 60 degree-applicable units.
Minimum Degree Total: 60 units