The Associate in Arts degree in Political Science introduces students to political theory, the American political system and government structure including the process of local, state, and federal governments and its relationship to the international/global system. Students learn the skills of logical reasoning, critical analysis, fact gathering and developing effective arguments. In addition, students in the program gain an understanding for, and appreciation of, the American political system.

The Associate in Arts degree in Political Science requires a 15 unit core of the most common courses found in Political Science majors at both the UC and CSU. Requiring only 6 units of restricted electives, it is structured in a way that allows students to customize their major based on their intended transfer destination or their academic interests. Students may choose the general education pattern most appropriate for their educational goal including the Oxnard College General Education pattern, CSU GE-Breadth, or IGETC. 

To complete the Associate Degree, students must meet requirements in the major, general education, competency, units, scholarship, and residency. Refer to Education Pathways - Earn an Associate Degree and the A.A. or A.S. Degree in Specific Majors sections of this catalog.

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

• Demonstrate a knowledge and awareness of contemporary issues, political institutions, and problems in the community and their historical contexts. Students should demonstrate an understanding of the importance of community involvement and leadership.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of research in political science and identify research questions, hypotheses and analyze, critique and integrate source materials.
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the political institutions through which public policies are formulated, modified, and implemented.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the mechanics of writing in Political Science and demonstrate proficiency in spelling, grammar and sentence structure. This includes stylistic considerations such as formatting and source documentation. Students should also demonstrate the ability to communicate ideas (oral) effectively.
• Demonstrate increasingly sophisticated skills in reading sources critically. Students should be able to research, evaluate and analyze the field of Political science and relate ideas to other fields as well.
• Demonstrate knowledge and theories relevant to global politics and policies. This includes knowledge of Western and non-Western political systems, processes, values and models of politics and patterns of interaction among them. Students should demonstrate an understanding and respect for economic, socio-cultural, political and environmental interaction of global life.