Political Science
Associate in Arts for Transfer Political Science · San Jose City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Description
The Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer (AA-T) degree meets the lower division course requirements necesssary 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 skills in research, information gathering, and analytic thinking. 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 study 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) Requirements.
(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 must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a “pass/no pass” basis.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Evaluate approaches to the study of the relations between countries and appraise the basic dynamics and development of the international system.
- Analyze the political systems of other countries and regions, and be able to delineate comparisons across respective political cultures.
- Assess the basic structure of the American political system from its origin to today and how its institutions, procedures, and actors function.
Requirements
Major Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core: | 9 | |
| POLS C1000 | American Government and Politics | 3 |
| orPOLS C1000H | American Government and Politics - Honors | |
| POLSC 002 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
| POLSC 004 | International Relations | 3 |
| List A: Complete Two Courses | 6 | |
| STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| orBUS 060 | Fundamentals of Business Statistics | |
| POLSC 005 | International Law and Human Rights | 3 |
| List B: Complete One Course | 3 | |
| AJ 010 | Introduction to Administration of Justice | 3 |
| AJ 016 | Street Law | 3 |
| ANTH 063 | Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| COMS 018 | Introduction to Communication Studies | 3 |
| ECON 010A | 3 | |
| ECON 010B | 3 | |
| ETH 027 | Introduction to Race & Ethnicity in American History | 3 |
| ETH 027H | Honors Introduction to Race & Ethnicity In American History | 3 |
| GEOG 011 | Introduction to Cultural Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 012 | World Regions in Global Context | 3 |
| GLOBL 012 | World Regions in Global Context | 3 |
| HIST 010A | Development of Western Culture | 3 |
| HIST 010B | Development of Western Culture | 3 |
| HUMNT 003 | Introduction to Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | 3 |
| PHIL 065 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 |
| PSYC C1000 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| orPSYC C1000H | Introduction to Psychology - Honors | |
| SOC 010 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| orSOC 010H | Honors Introduction to Sociology | |
| SOC 011 | Social Problems | 3 |
| Total Units | 18 | |
AA-T Degree Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | 18 | |
| Cal-GETC Requirements | 34 | |
| Transferable Electives (as needed to reach 60) | 17 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |