Online Degrees & Certificates

AA in Political Science

Political Science as a social science discipline is the systematic analysis of political power. Informed by theory and the scientific method, political scientists examine a variety of social and political phenomena including but not limited to social and political behavior, public policy, and institutions. Major areas of specialization in the discipline include American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public policy and political economy.

The value of a political science degree is recognized in both the public and private sectors as it demonstrates development of critical, analytical and research skills demanded by higher education institutions and the labor market.

Learn more about the program on the Political Science website.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to demonstrate critical, analytical, research and writing skills in political science and its sub-fields using basic scientific tools underlying modern social science.
• Students will be able to analyze the major theoretical formulations and concepts of political science and its sub-fields and the philosophical basis of those formulations.

Career Opportunities

A major in political science is excellent preparation for students who plan to enter the legal profession, government service, public office, business, the armed forces and/or teaching. Graduate degrees are necessary for teaching at the college or university level and can prepare students for a variety of career options including but not limited to the foreign service.

Associate Degree Requirements

Units required for Major: 35

A minimum of 90 units is required to include:

• Completion of one of the following general eduation patterns:
  • Foothill General Education
  • CSU General Education Breadth Requirements or
  • the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)
• Core courses (18 units)
• Support courses (17 units)
• Additional elective course work may be necessary to meet the 90-unit minimum requirement for the associate degree.

NOTE: All courses pertaining to the major must be taken for a letter grade. In addition, a grade of "C" or better is required for all core and support courses used for the degree.

Online Courses for Political Science

The courses listed BELOW are offered as online courses at least once every two years. Please see online Schedule of Classes for verification.

• For a complete listing of online courses offered during the current quarter, visit Online Course Information.
• If you need any additional degree information or confirmation, please contact the Counseling Division.

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

Associate Degree Requirements

Core Courses (18 units)

Support Courses (17 units)

 * Students may also use courses listed in the first section of support courses to fulfill the requirement for the second section of support courses.

For a list of on-campus courses that satisfy degree requirements, please visit  Political Science 2022-2023 Degree & Certificates.

Based on the 2022 - 2023 degree program.