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Political Science AA-T Degree

This AS-T Program provides a clearly articulated curricular track for students who wish to transfer to a UC or CSU campus while also serving the diverse needs of students interested in the breadth and depth of Political Science and International Relations. Additionally, this degree exposes students to the core principles and practices of both fields to build a foundation for their future personal, academic, or vocational paths. NOTE: It is highly recommended that students consider an internship offered by a participating agency or department. The program faculty requires you connect with them instead of following this program map.

Total Units:

60-61

First Year

Semester 1

15 Units

Course	Units	Pre-Reqs^	Semesters Offered*	GE Area
POLS C1000 Introduction to Government: United States or	3		F, S, Su	Cal-GETC Area 4
POLS C1000H ¹ Introduction to Government: United States - Honors	3	Enrollment limited to Honors Program students	S	Cal-GETC Area 4
POLS 382 Statistics for Social Science	3	Intermediate Algebra or the equivalent	S	Cal-GETC Area 2
CalGETC Area 1A-English Composition	3	Recommend meeting with a counselor	F, S, Su	Cal-GETC Area 1A
CalGETC Area 2-Math & Quantitative Reasoning	3	Recommend meeting with a counselor	F, S, Su	Cal-GETC Area 2
CalGETC Area 4-Social & Behavioral Sciences ²	3		F, S, Su	Cal-GETC Area 4

¹Also listed as HONOR 367.

² Select a non-POLS Area 4 course for Area 4.

Semester 2

16 Units

Course	Units	Pre-Reqs^	Semesters Offered*	GE Area
POLS 302 Comparative Politics	3	Advisory: ENGL C1000	S
CalGETC Area 3A-Arts	3		F, S, Su	Cal-GETC Area 3A
CalGETC Area 3B-Humanities	3		F, S, Su	Cal-GETC Area 3B
CalGETC Area 5B-Biological Science	3		F, S, Su	Cal-GETC Area 5B
CalGETC Area 5C-Biol/Phys Science Lab	1		F, S, Su	Cal-GETC Area 5C
Any transferable elective ¹	3

¹Suggested elective. Suggested course from List A. Units needed to total 60 units for graduation. Refer to Course Number for the appropriate course level necessary for the degree.

Year 2

Semester 3

15 Units

Course	Units	Pre-Reqs^	Semesters Offered*	GE Area
POLS 310 Introduction to International Relations	3	Advisory: ENGL C1000	F	Cal-GETC Area 4
POLS 320 Introduction to Political Theory	3		F	Cal-GETC Area 4
3 units from List A	3	See List A	See List A
CalGETC Area 1B-Critical Thinking	3		F, S, Su	Cal-GETC Area 1B
CalGETC Area 1C-Oral Communication	3		F, S, Su	Cal-GETC Area 1C

Semester 4

14-15 Units

Course	Units	Semesters Offered*	GE Area
CalGETC Area 5A-Physical Science	3	F, S, Su	Cal-GETC Area 5A
CalGETC Area 6-Ethnic Studies	3	F, S, Su	Cal-GETC Area 6
Any Transferable Elective ¹	2-3	F, S, Su
Any transferable elective ¹	3	F, S, Su
Any Transferable Elective ¹	3	F, S, Su

^You must have passed the prerequisite course(s) with a “C” or better; Corequisite must be taken during the same semester; Advisory means it is recommended but not required to enroll in the course.

*(O) = online available (P) = partially online

¹ Units required are determined by the number of units needed to total 60 units for graduation. Refer to Course Number for the appropriate courses for the degree. Suggestion-a course from List A.

List A-a minimum of 3 units from the following:

Course	Units	Pre-Reqs^	Semesters Offered*
POLS 312 Politics of the Middle East	3	Advisory: ENGL C1000	Every 3 yr starting F20
POLS 313 Latin America	3	Advisory: ENGL C1000	Check Class Schedule for offering
POLS 314 Modern Europe and the Unification Process	3	Advisory: ENGL C1000	Every 3 yr starting S21
POLS 315 Pacific Rim	3	Advisory: ENGL C1000	Every 3 yr starting F21
POLS 317 Global Studies: Africa	3	Advisory: ENGL C1000	Every 3 yr starting S22
POLS 318 Global Studies: Central Asia	3	Advisory: ENGL C1000	Every 3 yr starting F22
POLS 319 Global Studies: Southeast Asia	3	Advisory: ENGL C1000	Every 3 yr starting S23
POLS 324 Revolutions & Ideologies	3	Advisory: ENGL C1000	Check Class Schedule for offering

Career Options/Outlook:

Political Science majors study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics such as public opinion, political decision-making, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments and various political entities. May conduct opinion surveys, analyze election results or analyze public documents. Career opportunities require more than two years of college study.

International Relations majors study world politics. Students analyze behaviors and interactions between countries and international organizations, considering national and global contexts and perspectives. Undergraduate international relations coursework includes political science, globalization, world history, economics, social research methods, and topics like capitalism and democracy. International Relations considers the social and cultural aspects of nations when examining global issues. Career opportunities require more than two years of college study.

A sample of reported job titles:

International studies majors may be suited for work with nongovernmental organizations such as Doctors Without Borders; service or nonprofit

organizations; or government organizations such as the Peace Corps. Those interested in foreign relations positions, like political affairs officer, can work with government agencies on matters of intelligence, diplomacy, policy and law.

Political Science majors may be suited for work as local/state/federal government analyst, legislative aide, project managers, program coordinators, paralegals.

Projected job openings in U.S. (2021-2031):

600

Projected growth in U.S. (2021-2031):

7% growth

Median Salary in California with advanced degree (2021):

$126,140/yr

Source:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Transfer notes:

Please meet with a counselor for specific transfer course evaluation or transferring to a specific 4-year institution.

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO meet with PROGRAM FACULTY for specific transfer course evaluation or transferring to a specific 4-year institution.

General Education (GE):

Non-specified GE courses identified by CRC or Cal-GETC Area without pre- or co-requisites can be taken at any semester.

Honors option:

The CRC Honors Program is designed specifically for academically accomplished students and for students with the potential for high achievement. Students who complete 15 units or more in honors-designated courses will earn special recognition as an Honors Scholar, a distinction that may entitle the student to guaranteed transfer and scholarship opportunities at select transfer colleges and universities.

About this program map:

This program map represents one possible pathway to complete the program. Please see a counselor to create an education plan customized to meet your needs. This map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.

Zero Textbook Costs (ZTC):

The Zero Textbook Costs designation and logo are added to any course that provides free access to all required instructional materials. These are typically shared with students through Canvas. Courses that are designated as ZTC may still require students to purchase supplemental materials such as lab coats, a calculator, art supplies, etc. See full definitions and searching tips on the Zero Textbook Costs page of the college website.

Catalog Year: 2025-2026

Published April 08, 2025

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