What can I do with this?
We are now offering associate degrees for transfer to the CSU. This provides a clear
pathway to a CSU major and baccalaureate degree. This AA-T degree guarantees admission
with junior standing somewhere in the CSU system and gives priority admission consideration
to your local CSU campus or to a program that is deemed similar to your community
college major. This priority does not guarantee admission to specific majors or campuses.
More information on the Degree with a Guarantee Program.
The Political Science Degree for Transfer
- Guarantees acceptance to the CSU system
- Prepares students for transfer at the junior level to California State University
programs and colleges offering bachelor's degrees in Political Science and careers
in
- Government
- International Affairs
- NGOs
- Nonprofit Associations and Organizations
- Legal Organizations
- Campaign and Electoral work
- Education
- Journalism
Political Science teaches students to think critically about voting and elections, political parties, campaign financing, interest groups, media, law and courts, civil rights and liberties, political theory and ideology, and international relations.
Current and prospective community college students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to review their options for transfer and to develop an educational plan that best meets their goals and needs.
What will I learn?
- To identify the structure and operation of the U.S. and other political systems.
- To distinguish among the diverse and competing ideas and theories that inform politics in the U.S. and other political systems.
- To analyze the theoretical and practical benefits and responsibilities of citizenship in nation-states and democracies, and the U.S. specifically.
- To apply the major analytic and theoretical frameworks in the different fields of political science and be able to formulate questions and evaluate argument and hypotheses based on these frameworks.
- To analyze the social institutions and social and cultural norms in the U.S. and other political systems in terms of how they influence, and are influenced by, political and government institutions and processes.
What courses do I take?
Note: Some courses within the major may have a required prerequisite. If you feel you have equivalent knowledge and skills to those included in the prerequisite course through professional experience, licensure, or certification, you have the opportunity to submit a Prerequisite Challenge to be reviewed by the faculty chair. For the Prerequisite Challenge to be considered, you must submit documentation/verification to substantiate the basis for the challenge. Please consult a counselor for more information regarding Prerequisite Challenge.
Required Core: 3 units minimum
C-ID: POLS 110 Introduction to American Government and Politics
Advisory: ENGL C070
54 hours lecture. The course includes the study of American government with an emphasis on national, state, and local government. In addition, students undertake a comprehensive analysis of government structure, functions, principles, and problems. Approved for IGETC Area 4 & CONSTITUTION AND GOVERNMENT, CSU GE Area D & CONSTITUTION AND GOVERNMENT, Local GE Area 2.
C-ID: POLS 110 Introduction to American Government and Politics
Prerequisite: ENGL C070 Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance for the Honors Program or eligibility for this honors course as determined in consultation with the instructor.
72 hours lecture. This course covers the study of American government with an emphasis on national, state, and local government. In addition, students undertake a comprehensive analysis of government structure, functions, principles, and problems. The honors course provides more content and requires greater intensity and depth of study than the non-honors class. Approved for IGETC Area 4 & CONSTITUTION AND GOVERNMENT, CSU GE Area D & CONSTITUTION AND GOVERNMENT, Local GE Area 2.
List A: 9 units minimum
C-ID: POLS 130 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics
Advisory: ENGL C070
54 hours lecture. This course introduces students to the comparative analysis of government and politics. A number of key political concepts are discussed, which include statehood, democracy and democratization, governmental institutions and political systems, and the development of parties and interest groups. Course concepts are applied to a variety of modern nations to illustrate different political systems. Approved for IGETC Area 4, CSU GE Area D, Local GE Area 2 & 6.
C-ID: POLS 120 Introduction to Political Theory and Thought
Advisory: ENGL C070
54 hours lecture. This course is an examination of various theoretical approaches to politics, as well as basic political problems and their proposed solutions. The course also covers analysis of selected political theories and the relevance of theory to contemporary problems. Students are introduced to long standing debates over the nature of justice, the proper use of power, and the meanings of equality and freedom and their implications for the contemporary state and state policies. Approved for IGETC Area 4, CSU GE Area D, Local GE Area 2.
C-ID: PSY 200 Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology
Prerequisite: MATH C121 or MATH C121H, PSYC C101 or PSYC C101H
54 hours lecture. This course covers research methods in the social and behavioral sciences, as well as proper reporting of results in American Psychological Association (APA) style. These methods include research design (experimental, non-experimental, and quasi-experimental), the interpretation of behavioral data using descriptive and inferential statistics, and research ethics. This course is identical to SOSC C271. Students who have already taken SOSC C271 may not enroll in this class. Approved for IGETC Area 4, CSU GE Area D, Local GE Area 2.
C-ID: SOCI 120 Introduction to Research Methods and POLS 160Introduction to Political Science Research Methods
Pre-requisite: ANTH C121 or ANTH C121H OR POLS C101 or POLS C101H OR SOCI C101.
Advisory: MATH C121 or MATH C121H
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
54 hours lecture. This course covers research methods in the social and behavioral sciences, as well as proper reporting of results in American Psychological Association (APA) style. These methods include research design (experimental, non-experimental, and quasi-experimental), the interpretation of behavioral data using descriptive and inferential statistics, and research ethics. This course is identical to PSYC C271. Students who have already taken PSYC C271 may not enroll in this class. Approved for IGETC Area 4, CSU GE Area D, Local GE Area 2.
C-ID: MATH 110 Introduction to Statistics
Prerequisite: MATH C053 or MATH C055
54 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course covers data analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics. Graphs and computations include measures of central tendency and dispersion, correlation and regression, and presentation of data on a histogram, scatter plot, box plot, and the normal curve. Probability concepts include those for discrete and continuous random variables. Sampling and hypothesis testing are covered for means and variances. Topics from algebra are combined with applications in statistics in the lab portion of the class. This course applies to the degree requirements for students not majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields. Approved for IGETC Area 2, CSU GE Area B4, Local GE Area 4.
C-ID: MATH 110 Introduction to Statistics
Prerequisite: MATH C053 or MATH C055. Advisory: ENGL C101 Limitation on Enrollment: Acceptance to the Honors Program or eligibility for this honors course as determined by the instructor.
72 hours lecture/54 hours laboratory. This course covers elements of descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency, dispersion and presentation of data. Included are concepts of probability, random variables and normally distributed random variables. Sampling error, sampling processes and the distribution of sample means are applied to real life examples. Students will conduct hypothesis testing of means and proportions for one and two populations and linear regression testing using the least squares criterion. Students use descriptive and inferential methods employing linear regression and study one and two way analysis of variance. The honors section provides more content and requires greater intensity and depth of study than the non-honors class; the honors course also requires at least one extra research assignment. Approved for IGETC Area 2, CSU GE Area B4, Local GE Area 4.
List B: 6 units minimum
C-ID: ANTH 120 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100.
54 hours lecture. This course analyzes social and cultural factors of human behavior in the recent past and present. Students compare and contrast cultural traditions, practices and beliefs, discussing the associated environmental and social factors that shape human cultures. Approved for IGETC Area 4, CSU GE Area D, Local GE Area 2 & 6.
Advisory: ENGL C070
54 hours lecture. This course covers macro and micro economic concepts as they apply to current economic problems for the non-economics and non-business major. Students analyze the market forces of supply and demand, evaluate economic issues, and examine the efficiency of resource allocation. Economics C101 is a survey of economics for non-economics majors. Approved for IGETC Area 4, CSU GE Area D, Local GE Area 2.
C-ID: ECON 202 Principles of Macroeconomics
Prerequisite: MATH C050. Advisory: ENGL C070, MATH C055
54 hours lecture. This is an introductory course focusing on aggregate economic analysis. Topics include: market systems, aggregate measures of economic activity, macroeconomic equilibrium, money and financial institutions, monetary and fiscal policy, international economics, and economic growth. Approved for IGETC Area 4, CSU GE Area D, Local GE Area 2.
Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
54 hours lecture. In this course, students apply critical reasoning skills to the analysis of race, ethnicity, and racism. The course covers the cultural, political, and economic practices and institutions that support or challenge racism, racial and ethnic inequalities, and the patterns of interaction among various racial and ethnic groups. Through multiple and varied readings and classroom discussion, students discover the interrelatedness of concepts such as race, class, and gender, and the roots and future of our “melting pot” society. This course is cross listed with SOCI C151. Approved for IGETC Area 4, CSU GE Area D, Local GE Area 2 or 3, & 6
C-ID: HIST 130 United States History to 1877
Advisory: ENGL C101
54 hours lecture. This course examines the social, political, economic, and cultural history of the United States from the establishment of European colonies in the New World through Reconstruction. Special attention is given to the study of select topics, such as the development of American ideologies, institutions, and legal structures. Approved for IGETC Area 3B or 4 & US History, CSU GE Area C2 or D & US History, Local GE Area 2 or 3.
C-ID: HIST 130 United States History to 1877
Prerequisite or Co-requisite: ENGL C101. Limitation on Enrollment: Enrollment in this honors course is limited to students enrolled in the associated course. Students will be required to read and comprehend challenging materials and analyze in depth a chosen topic appropriate for intensified study and be able to maintain a minimum standard of coursework at the honors level.
72 hours lecture. This course examines the social, political, economic, and cultural history of the United States from the establishment of European colonies in the New World through Reconstruction. Special attention is given to the study of select topics, such as the development of American ideologies, institutions, and legal structures. The honors course provides more content and requires greater intensity and depth of study than the non-honors course. Approved for IGETC Area 3B or 4 & US History, CSU GE Area C2 or D & US History, Local GE Area 2 or 3.
C-ID: HIST 140 United States History from 1865
Advisory: ENGL C101
54 hours lecture. The course examines the social, political, economic, and cultural history of the United States from Reconstruction to the present. Special attention will be paid to the study of selected topics, such as American institutions, ideologies, and constitutional development. Approved for IGETC Area 3B or 4 & US History, CSU GE Area C2 or D & US History, Local GE Area 2 or 3.
C-ID: HIST 140 United States History from 1865
Prerequisite or Co-requisite: ENGL C101. Limitation on Enrollment: Enrollment in this honors course is limited to students enrolled in the associated course. Students will be required to read and comprehend challenging materials and analyze in depth a chosen topic appropriate for intensified study and be able to maintain a minimum standard of coursework at the honors level.
Repeat Status: Not repeatable
72 hours lecture. The course examines the social, political, economic, and cultural history of the United States from Reconstruction to the present. Special attention will be paid to the study of selected topics, such as American institutions, ideologies, and Constitutional development. The honors course provides more content and requires greater intensity and depth of study than the non-honors course. Approved for IGETC Area 3B or 4 & US History, CSU GE Area C2 or D & US History, Local GE Area 2 or 3.
C-ID: SOCI 110 Introduction to Sociology
Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
54 hours lecture. This course introduces concepts and research findings of contemporary sociology; this includes analyzing human groups such as the family, the peer group, the work group, social class, institutions, mass behavior, and culture. Discussion is centered on the effects of social change in an industrial society. Approved for IGETC Area 4, CSU GE Area D, Local GE Area 2 & 6.
C-ID: SOCI 140 Introduction to Gender
Advisory: ENGL C070
54 hours lecture. This course is an examination of sex, gender, and sexuality in the modern world, particularly in the United States, and includes historical, cross-cultural, psychological, sociological, and political aspects. The focus of this course is analysis and discussion of sex and gender relations in the home, family, and the work place, politics, law, the mass media, and health care systems. Approved for IGETC Area 4, CSU GE Area D, Local GE Area 2 & 6.
C-ID: SOCI 150 Introduction to Race and Ethnicity
Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
54 hours lecture. In this course, students apply critical reasoning skills to the analysis of race, ethnicity, and racism. The course covers the cultural, political, and economic practices and institutions that support or challenge racism, racial and ethnic inequalities, and the patterns of interaction among various racial and ethnic groups. Through multiple and varied readings and classroom discussion, students discover the interrelatedness of concepts such as race, class, and gender, and the roots and future of our “melting pot” society. This course is cross-listed with ETHN C151. Approved for IGETC Area 4, CSU GE Area D, Local GE Area 2 or 3, & 6.
Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
54 hours lecture. In this course, students apply critical reasoning skills to the analysis of race, ethnicity, and racism. The course covers the cultural, political, and economic practices and institutions that support or challenge racism, racial and ethnic inequalities, and the patterns of interaction among various racial and ethnic groups. Through multiple and varied readings and classroom discussion, students discover the interrelatedness of concepts such as race, class, and gender, and the roots and future of our “melting pot” society. This course is cross listed with SOCI C151. Approved for IGETC Area 4, CSU GE Area D, Local GE Area 2 or 3, & 6
C-ID: SOCI 160 Introduction to Crime
Advisory: ENGL C101, LIBR C100
54 hours lecture. This course provides a sociological analysis of crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. It explores the history and social construction of crime and criminality and examines the definition of crime and its violations as well as the laws and methods used to control criminal behavior. Students discuss social research of crime and basic theoretical explanations of criminal behavior. Approved for IGETC Area 4, CSU GE Area D, Local GE Area 2 & 6.
General Ed Requirements
Complete one of the following general education patterns:
Program Pathways
All classes needed for this degree are available at the following campuses: Ridgecrest / IWV CC Online
Additionally, some of the general education courses needed to complete this major are available at all our locations.
See Counseling for specific help with enrolling and completing this major.
How can I afford it?
This degree requires 60.0 units and will likely take 4 semesters.
Approximate Total Costs
CA Residents
60.0 units
at $46 per unit
Equals $2,760 in tuition and fees
Plus approximately $3,600* for books and supplies
Total cost $6,360 for 4 semesters
Non-residents
60.0 units
at $388 per unit
Equals $23,280 in tuition and fees
Plus approximately $3,600* for books and supplies
Total cost $26,880 for 4 semesters
*This is an estimate. Actual costs will vary.
Need help? Financial Aid can help with fee waivers and scholarships and other aid. Make sure to fill out your FAFSA every January.
