Political Science
Political Science
Political science is the scientific study of how competing conceptions of the good life are conceptualized in theory and realized in cultures, institutions, processes, and practices. You will learn about the different areas of political science which includes American politics, comparative politics, world politics (international relations) and political theory. Completion of the Associate Degree in Political Science for Transfer (ADT) will prepare you to meet minimum lower division admission requirements (60 transferable units) for transfer to a California State University (CSU) and the University of California (UC). Some UC's require additional coursework, please meet with a counselor for additional information. The Political Science program map below includes all of your major coursework and recommended general education courses by term that is needed to fulfill your degree and transfer requirements. Please consult the political science educational advisor and a member of the faculty for specialized attention to your needs.
Political Science - ADT (CSU and UC)
| Fall/Spring | Units |
|---|---|
| English 1A/1AH | 4 |
| Political Science 1/1H | 4 |
| Communication Studies 1 | 3 |
| Art 6, Music 19 or Theater 3 | 3 |
| Intersession (Winter/Summer) | Units |
|---|---|
| Geography 1/1H | 3 |
| Fall/spring | Units |
|---|---|
| Communication Studies 3 or Philosophy 11 | 3 |
| Math 11 or 12/12H | 4 |
| Political Science 2 or Political Science 4 | 3 |
| Interdisciplinary Studies 5 - Service Learning (Only for Pathway to Law option) | 3 |
| Intersession (Winter/Summer) | Units |
|---|---|
| Sociology 1/1H or Anthropology 1/1H | 3 |
| Fall/spring | Units |
|---|---|
| Economics 7/7H | 3 |
| Biology 1 | 4 |
| Political Science 2 or Political Science 4 | 3 |
| Political Science 5, 7ABCD or 13 | 3 |
| Intersession (Winter/Summer) | Units |
|---|---|
| Kinesiology 35, Reading 3 or Sociology 12 | 3 |
| Fall/spring | Units |
|---|---|
| Foreign Language or Foreign Language Culture Class | 3-5 |
| Anthropology 2/ 2H or Psychology 1/ 1H or Sociology 20 | 3 |
| Political Science 11 | 3 |
| Geography 2 or Business 15 - Street Law (Only for Pathway to Law option) | 3 |
| History 6/6H or 7/7H | 3 |
For alternative CSU/UC General Education options refer to the RCC Catalog, under Requirements for College Transfer.
Milestones
- Complete English 1A (transfer-level English)
- Complete transfer-level math (Math 12)
- Consider a concentration (ie. law, international relations)
- Complete "core four" political science courses (POL 1, 2, 4 and 11)
- Apply to Universities (CSU/UC application period Oct 1-Nov 30)
- Apply for ADT degree by beginning of spring term before transfer
- Complete RCC Graduation application (during your last term)
- Meet with your Counselor to Complete your Comprehensive Student Education Plan (SEP)
- Complete FAFSA (Oct 1st - Mar 2nd for priority)
- Meet with Faculty Advisor for career/research opportunities
- Meet with your Counselor to update SEP (every semester)
- Meet with your Counselor for pre-graduation check
- Research Potential Clubs on Campus, particularly the Political Science Student Association ("PSSA")
- Consider joining Model United Nations
- Participate in tutoring, student success workshops or supplemental instruction
- Visit the Career Center for Internship opportunities
- Research transfer institutions
- Attend Transfer workshops and Transfer Fair
- Participate in an internship/ job shadowing
Careers for Political Science Majors
Salaries Range : $54,542 - $119,250
- Lawyer
- Political scientist
- Policy analyst
- Campaign manager
- Legislative assistant
- Market research analyst
- Public relations specialist
- History/government teacher