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Political Science

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Political Science

This program is designed to provide a clearly articulated curricular track for Sacramento City College students preparing for seamless transfer in Political Science at the California State University while also serving the diverse needs of students interested in the breadth and depth of the field. This program will expose students to some of the principles and techniques of political science and help students build a foundation for their personal, academic, or professional interests.

Sacramento City College offers a unique political science experience that combines both the science and art of politics that can only be appreciated in the heart of California's capital. Faculty provide a strong orientation to the world of politics by blending theory and real-world activities, which students will value throughout their academic and professional careers.

The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) student completion requirements (as stated in SB1440 law):

(1) Completion of a minimum of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
(A) The Intersegmental GE Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University GE-Breadth Requirements (CSU GE-Breadth).
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
POLS 301 Introduction to Government: United States (3) 3
or POLS 481 Introduction to Government: United States - Honors (3)
POLS 302 Comparative Politics 3
POLS 310 Introduction to International Relations (3) 3
or POLS 480 Introduction to International Relations - Honors (3)
POLS 320 Introduction to Political Theory 3
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
COMM 335 Conflict Management (3)
ECON 302 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
HIST 311 History of the United States (1865 - Present) (3)
   or HIST 321 History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3)
   or HIST 484 History of the United States - Honors (3)
PHIL 368 Law, Justice, and Punishment (3)
POLS 304 Introduction to Government: California (3)
POLS 322 Political Ideologies (3)
POLS 340 Women in Politics (3)
PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
   or STAT 300 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4)
   or STAT 480 Introduction to Probability and Statistics - Honors (4)
SOC 345 Global Women's Issues (3)
   or WGS 302 Global Women's Issues (3)
Total Units: 18

The Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0, including (a) a minimum grade of "C" (or "P") for each course in the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) either the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of political science and governance.
  • examine and apply theories, concepts, and practices in political theory.
  • demonstrate a knowledge of contemporary systems and governments.
  • analyze world politics and diplomacy in the international system.
  • analyze, investigate, and compare ideological approaches to governmental systems.
  • demonstrate knowledge of practical applications and evaluations of policy outcomes in a civic culture.
  • analyze political theory and concepts using critical thinking skills.
  • research specific topics of discussion in local, state, national, and international politics.
  • demonstrate knowledge of basic research methods and applications.
  • apply appropriate technology in the field of political science.
  • demonstrate knowledge and competence in writing, analysis, and preparation of media release.

Career Information

Completion of the degree can lead to professions in the public or private sector in the areas of law, government, public relations, business, advocacy, lobbying, international relations, diplomacy, and academia.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Political Science

Sacramento City College offers a unique political science experience that combines both the science and arts of politics that can only be fully appreciated in the heart of California's capital. Faculty provide a strong orientation to the world of politics by blending theory and real-world activities, which students will value throughout their academic and professional careers.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 9 units from the following: 9
POLS 301 Introduction to Government: United States (3)
POLS 302 Comparative Politics (3)
POLS 310 Introduction to International Relations (3)
POLS 480 Introduction to International Relations - Honors (3)
POLS 481 Introduction to Government: United States - Honors (3)
A minimum of 6 units from the following: 6
POLS 304 Introduction to Government: California (3)
POLS 320 Introduction to Political Theory (3)
POLS 322 Political Ideologies (3)
POLS 340 Women in Politics (3)
POLS 497 Internship in Political Science (1 - 4)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
HIST 310 History of the United States (To 1877) (3)
   or HIST 320 History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3)
   or HIST 483 History of the United States - Honors (3)
HIST 311 History of the United States (1865 - Present) (3)
   or HIST 321 History of the United States: African-American Emphasis (3)
   or HIST 484 History of the United States - Honors (3)
Total Units: 18

The Political Science Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus the local SCC General Education Requirement, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of political science and governance.
  • examine and apply theories, concepts, and practices in political theory.
  • demonstrate a knowledge of contemporary comparative systems and governments.
  • analyze world politics and diplomacy in the international system.
  • analyze, investigate, and compare ideological approaches to governmental systems.
  • demonstrate knowledge of practical applications and evaluations of policy outcomes in civic culture.
  • analyze political theory and concepts using critical thinking skills.
  • research specific topics of discussion in local, state, national, and international politics.
  • demonstrate knowledge of basic research methods and applications.
  • apply appropriate technology in the field of political science.
  • demonstrate knowledge and competence in writing, analysis, and preparation of media release.

Career Information

Completion of the degree can lead to professions in the public or private sector in the areas of law, government, public relations, business, advocacy, lobbying, international relations, diplomacy, and academia.