Political Science as a social science is mainly concerned with the systematic analysis of governmental institutions and processes, and the development of power. It fully analyzes the political behavior of human beings. Specific areas of specialization within the major include the international arena, public administration, political parties and elections, constitutional law, and regional political studies, depending upon one's career objectives.
The value of a political science degree is recognized by business and government agencies as it involves insights and a variety of skills demanded by employment needs.

A major in political science is excellent preparation for students who plan to enter the legal profession, business, politics, government service, or teaching in elementary and secondary schools. Graduate degrees are necessary for college teaching positions and helpful for selection to foreign service as a career diplomat. Courses in business principles, geography, computer science and statistics should be taken as electives to increase marketability of the graduate to potential employers.

• English proficiency: ENGL 1A, ESL 26 or equivalent.
• Mathematics proficiency: MATH 105 or equivalent.
A minimum of 90 units required to include:
• All General Education requirements
• Core courses (18 Units)
• Support courses (9 Units)
• Electives (8 Units)
• Other graduation requirements as appropriate.

NOTE: All courses pertaining to the major must be taken for a letter grade. In addition, a GPA of 2.0 or higher is required in all Core and Support courses for the Degree.

AA = Associate in Arts Degree.

NOTE: Students having difficulty attaining an Associate in Arts Degree because of timing or availability of classes should consult with a counselor to submit a petition for course substitution.

POLI 1 Political Science: Introduction to American Government & Politics (5 units)
POLI 2 Comparative Government & Politics (4 units)
or POLI 2H Honors Comparative Government & Politics (4 units)
POLI 3 Introduction to Political Philosophy/Political Theory (5 units)
or POLI 3H Honors Introduction to Political Philosophy/Political Theory (5 units)
POLI 15 International Relations/World Politics (4 units)
or POLI 15H Honors International Relations/World Politics (4 units)

ECON 1A Principles of Macroeconomics (5 Units)
HIST 9 History of Contemporary Europe (4 Units)
or HIST 9H Honors History of Contemporary Europe (4 Units)
HIST 17A History of the United States to 1816 (4 units)
or HIST 17B History of the United States from 1812-1914 (4 units)
or HIST 17C History of the United States 1900-Present (4 units)
POLI 5 Russian & East European Politics (4 units)
POLI 8 Post World War II Germany (4 units)
POLI 9 Political Economy (4 units)
or POLI 9H Honors Political Economy (4 units)

NOTE: Students may also use courses listed under "Support Courses" for electives.

ECON 25 Introduction to the Global Economy (4 units)
HIST 8 History of Latin America (4 units)
HIST 18 Introduction to Middle Eastern Civilization (4 units)
HIST 19 History of Asia: China/Japan (4 units)
HIST 20 History of Russia & The Soviet Union (4 units)
PHIL 2 Introduction to Social & Political Philosophy (4 units)
SOC 15 Law & Society (4 units)