The discipline of Political Science is the study of how people are governed and how they govern themselves. It examines the process by which scarce resources are allocated to an expanding population with ever-increasing demands. The discipline looks at American politics as an experience in “self-government” and highlights how our system is different from the political systems developed by other countries. The study of Political Science also includes the examination of how diversity impacts American government. The discipline also seeks to understand how nations deal with each other, what kinds of issues are likely to separate them and how they resolve international conflict. Political Science courses help prepare students for a variety of careers, such as pre-law and various careers in government and non-government settings at the federal, state or local levels.

The Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer (AA-T) is intended for students who plan to transfer and complete a bachelor's degree in Political Science, or a "similar" major at a CSU campus. Students completing this AA-T degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not necessarily to a particular CSU campus or major of their choice. For a current list of what majors (and what options or areas of emphasis within that major) have been designed as “similar” to this degree at each CSU campus, please refer to adegreewithaguarantee.com and seek guidance from a Moorpark College counselor.

To earn an AA-T in Political Science, students must:

1. Complete of 60 semester or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
   1. The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) requirements    
   2. A minimum of 18-19 semester units in Political Science major as listed in the Moorpark College catalog.
2. Obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework. While a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some transfer institutions and majors may require a higher GPA. Please consult with a counselor for more information. 
3. Obtain a grade of “C” or better or “P” in all courses required in the major. Even though a “pass-no-pass” is allowed (Title 5 §55063), it is highly recommended that students complete their major courses with a letter grade (A, B, or C).
4. Complete requirements in residency. For students in the Ventura County Community College District, a minimum of 12 units must be completed in residency at the college granting the degree.

Students transferring to a CSU campus that does accept the AA-T in Political Science will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree (unless the  major is a designated “high-unit” major at a particular campus). This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system.  Students should consult with a counselor to obtain more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

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Select a maximum of one course in Option 2.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• demonstrate an understanding of the perspectives, theories, methods and core concepts of political science as a social science.
• analyze the structures, institutions, and processes of government.
• apply primary theories to analyze politics and governance at home and abroad.
• identify and analyze issues that governments face in developing domestic, foreign, and economic policies in relationship to current domestic and global issues.