Program Overview

The Associate in Art for Transfer degree (AA-T) in Political Science is fully transferable to the CSU with no more than 60-semester units. In this program, students develop knowledge, analytical skills, and critical insights in politics. Further, students gain expertise in political issues that have absorbed thinkers throughout the ages, studying the causes and consequences of political developments ranging from local elections to armed uprisings.

Students completing an AA-T degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the AA-T will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor's degree. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or university or a college that is not part of the CSU system. Students should consult with a Skyline College counselor for further information on university admissions and transfer requirements. A grade of "C" or better, or "Pass" if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, is required for each course applied to the major. Major course requirements may also be applied to meet general education requirements.

To earn an AA-T degree, students must meet the following requirements:

  1. Complete a minimum of 60 CSU transferable units;
  2. Earn a minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least a 2.0 in all CSU transferable coursework;
  3. All courses in the major must be completed with a grade of "C" or better. 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. Students should consult with their counselor before enrolling in a major course on a Pass/No Pass basis, as some CSUs may have limitations on which major courses can be taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
  4. Certified completion of the California State University General Education-Breadth (CSU GE Breadth) or the Intersegmental General Education Curriculum (IGETC) pattern.
  5. A minimum of 12 units must be completed in residence at Skyline College.

Advising Note: Students planning to transfer to a CSU (California State University) campus MUST complete an Oral Communication (COMM) course (CSU Minimum Admissions Requirement). Oral Communication courses are noted in the following GE areas: CSU GE (Area A1) or IGETC (Area 1C).

Note: Students do not need to complete the Skyline College Associate Degree requirements. For further information, please consult a Skyline College counselor.

Students should consult with a Skyline College counselor for further information on this degree as well as on university admissions and transfer requirements.

Program Requirements

Required Core: (3 units) Units
PLSC 200 National, State and Local Government 3 units
List A: Select 3 courses from the following: (9-10 units) Units
PLSC 115 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics 3 units
PLSC 130 Introduction to International Relations 3 units
PLSC 280 Introduction to Political Philosophy 3 units
MATH 200 Elementary Probability & Statistics 4 units
OR
PSYC 171 Quantitative Reasoning in Psychology 3 units
List B: Select 2 courses or any List A course not already used: (6 units) Units
PLSC 210 American Politics 3 units
PLSC 310 California State and Local Government 3 units
LEGL 275 Constitutional Law and Supreme Court Jurisprudence 3 units
ETHN 108 Race, Gender, and Power in America 3 units
PHIL 240 Introduction to Ethics 3 units
Total Required Major Units: 18 - 19

General Education - certified completion of one of the following:

  • California State University General Education-Breadth pattern (CSU GE Breadth),

OR

  • Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern.

Advising Note: Students planning to transfer to a CSU (California State University) campus MUST complete an Oral Communication (COMM) course (CSU Minimum Admissions Requirement). Oral communication courses are noted in the following GE areas: CSU GE (Area A1) or IGETC (Area 1C).

Up to (9-18) major course units may be double-counted to apply to meet general education requirements. This degree does not require the Skyline College Associate Degree requirements.

Elective courses: If applicable, additional courses to meet the minimum 60 CSU transferable units requirement.

Please refer to Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) Requirements for more information.