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. Each CSU campus determines which of the degrees it offers are “similar” and can be completed with the preparation included in the AA-T in Political Science within 60 units once a student transfers, so which majors are “similar” varies from CSU to CSU. For a current list of what majors (and what options or areas of emphasis within that major) have been designated as “similar” to this degree at each CSU campus, please refer to the CSU’s Associate Degree for Transfer Major and Campus Search website and seek guidance from a Moorpark College counselor. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major.

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

1. Complete 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. The coursework required for the 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 residence at the college granting the degree.

Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the AA-T in Political Science (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.

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.