# Liberal Arts and Sciences: Social and Behavioral Sciences-Political Science (Associate of Arts Degree)

San Diego Mesa College · 2026-2027 Catalog · Department: Political Science

Source: https://sdccd.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/17540/18643/18644/17541/17667

### Summary

The Social and Behavioral Sciences–Political Science is intended to help students prepare for possible majors within a political science-related major. Common university majors in this field include: Political Science and Social Science. This degree is designed to accommodate the differing requirements of a wide variety of transfer institutions and major options. Because admission and major preparation requirements vary at each transfer institution, courses used to complete this major must be selected with the assistance of a San Diego Mesa College counselor.

Liberal Arts and Sciences associate degrees require a minimum of 60 transferable units to a California State University, University of California, or a private/independent college or university.

**Award Note:**
The Associate Degree requires a minimum of 60 degree applicable semester units.

**Learning Outcome(s): Students who complete the Liberal Arts and Sciences: Social and Behavioral Sciences-Political Science Program will be able to:**

1.  Develop critical thinking skills in writing including the ability to frame questions, collect and weigh evidence, develop hypotheses, and derive conclusions.
2.  Develop critical thinking skills in other modes of communication (spoken and unspoken) including the ability to frame questions, collect and weigh evidence, develop hypotheses and derive conclusions.
3.  Compare and contrast the different research methods and/or critical assessments methods within the Social and Behavioral Sciences.
4.  Develop an awareness of civic responsibilities and knowledge of global issues.

### Requirements

| Course | Title | Units |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **COURSES REQUIRED FOR THE MAJOR:** | | 6 |
| POLS C1000 | American Government and Politics | 3 |
| POLI 103 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
| **Select a minimum of 12 units:** | | 12 |
| POLI 101 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 |
| POLI 140 | Contemporary International Politics | 3 |
| STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| or PSYC 258 | Behavioral Science Statistics | 3 |