Political Science Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer (AA-T)

PROGRAM CODE: 1A32251
Financial Aid Eligible

The Political Science Associate in Arts Degree for Transfer is designed to provide an opportunity for the Political Science major to achieve an Associate in Arts Degree in Political Science for Transfer (AA-T in Political Science) which completes the first and second year requirements for transfer to a four-year public California institution. While at least a baccalaureate degree is recommended preparation for those considering professional careers, completion of this curriculum will demonstrate commitment to the field and provide comprehensive preparation for further academic study through upper-division course work. This curriculum specifically prepares the prospective transfer student for upper division coursework in Political Science or a similar major at a California State University (CSU) campus. Students should consult a counselor, the Transfer Center and the catalog of the transfer college or university to plan a specific program of study to meet the college or university’s requirements. Note: Courses that fulfill major requirements for an Associate Degree for Transfer at Cypress College might not be the same as those required for completing the major at all transfer institutions offering a Baccalaureate Degree. The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (Senate Bill 1440, now codified in California Education Code sections 66746-66749) guarantees admission to a California State University (CSU) campus for any community college student who completes an "associate degree for transfer", a newly established variation of the associate degrees traditionally offered at a California community college. The AA-T is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor's degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing these degrees (AA-T) are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Students transferring to a CSU campus that does accept the AA-T will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor's degree (unless the major is designated "high-unit" major). 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 when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. Students successfully completing the AA-T in Political Science will acquire a fundamental knowledge base of Political Science, introducing students to concepts, methods, and knowledge that help them understand and judge politics within and among nations, and possess a basic understanding of areas that have an interdisciplinary association to Political Science. This degree will provide students with an introduction to the field including its applied areas. The intent is to prepare students for further academic study in the field. It will also demonstrate commitment to the field and provide comprehensive preparation for upper division work at the university level. At the baccalaureate level students can continue an education in various areas of Political Science including the following four subfields: Political Theory, American Politics, Comparative Politics, or International Relations. Graduate study is important in Political Science. Those holding a Master’s or Doctoral degree may find employment in teaching, business, government, journalism, education, or nonprofit organizations; or it can lead to a PhD program in the social sciences or to professional school in law, business, public policy, or international relations. Those without a graduate degree will find limited career opportunity in direct areas of Political Science. To earn an AA-T in Political Science students must complete the following requirements: (1) a minimum of 18-19 semester units or 27-28.5 quarter units in the Political Science major with a grade of C or better; AP(Pass) grade is an acceptable grade for a course in the major only if the P is defined to be equivalent to a C or better(2) California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) requirements; (3) completion of 60 semester or 90 quarter units of CSU transferable coursework; and (4) have an overall GPA of 2.0. This degree requires a total number of 18-19 units in the major, in addition to general graduation requirements.

Program Student Learning Outcomes:

OUTCOME 1: Active Citizenship and Civic Engagement - Students should demonstrate knowledge of U.S. political institutions and processes, including the importance of civil society and community involvement. They should have an understanding of contemporary political issues, local and national problems, and their historical contexts.

OUTCOME 2: Critical Thinking and Political Communication - Students should demonstrate critical thinking skills through their understanding of the theories and methods, both qualitative and quantitative, of political science, and should have the capacity to present and defend their views effectively in written and/or oral format.

OUTCOME 3: Political Power and Decision Making - Students should demonstrate an understanding of the institutions and processes in which political decisions are made, and the values, interests and other sources of influence that inform those decisions.

OUTCOME 4: Foundations of Political Science - Students should have a basic knowledge of the content of the major subfields in political science: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory.

OUTCOME 5: A Global Perspective - Students should develop a comprehension and appreciation for the diversity of political institutions and traditions constructed by humans globally, and an understanding of the dynamic relationship between local, national and global contexts.

https://www.curricunet.com/Cypress/reports/program_report.cfm?programs_id=1660