Political Science
Associate in Arts for Transfer Political Science · Evergreen Valley College · 2025-2026 Catalog
Overview
The Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer (AA-T) degree meets the lower division course requirements necessary for the California State University (CSU) system. The world of contemporary politics demands much of both its participants and its critics. The study of political science gives the student an understanding of the workings of American and international politics. In pursuing the Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer degree, students acquire research, information gathering, and analytic thinking skills. A bachelor or professional degree in political science is a strong foundation for careers in local, state, or national government, transnational governmental or non-governmental organizations, law, and business. Graduates also undertake graduate studies in fields such as law, politics, labor and industrial relations, city management and urban planning, journalism, interest groups or social movement lobbying, and communication.
To be awarded the Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer degree, students must:
(1) Complete 60 semester units or 90 quarter units which are eligible for transfer to the California State University (CSU) system, including both of the following:
(A) The 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) Obtain a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
While a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some majors may require a higher GPA. Please consult with a counselor for more information.
Associate Degrees for Transfer (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 also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
- Assess the basic structure of the American political system from its origin to today and how its institutions, procedures, and actors function.
- Critically analyze political theories and ideologies.
- Analyze the political systems of other countries and regions and delineate comparisons across respective political cultures.
- Effectively communicate the impact of state and non-state actors on the development and implementation of policy.
Required Courses
Major Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core | 9 | |
| POLS C1000 | American Government and Politics In America | |
| POLSC 002 | Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics | |
| POLSC 003 | Introduction to Political Thought and Theory | |
| POLSC 004 | Introduction to International Relations | |
| List A: Select two courses (6 units) | 6 | |
| Any course not selected from Core | ||
| STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | |
| orBUS 060 | Fundamentals of Business Statistics | |
| List B: Select one course (3 units) | 3 | |
| Any List A course not already used | ||
| AJ 010 | Introduction to Administration Of Justice | |
| ANTH 063 | Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology | |
| COMS 035 | Intercultural Communication | |
| ECON 010A | Principles of Macroeconomic Theory | |
| ECON 010B | Introduction to Microeconomic Theory | |
| GEOG 010 | Introduction to Physical Geography | |
| HIST 001 | Survey of American History | |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology | |
| SOC 010 | Introduction to Sociology | |
Total Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | 18 | |
| General Education Requirements (Cal-GETC) | 34 | |
| Transferable Electives (as needed to complete 60 units) | ||
| Total Units | 60 | |
- Some GE courses may be double-counted within the major and will reduce the number of units. General electives may be needed to reach 60 units. Please consult with a counselor to determine which courses are applicable.