Program Description
Political Science, or Government, is the study of the acquisition and use of public power and authority. Politics
and government affect everyone’s life and impinge on activities in many fields. The introductory courses are for
the student interested in learning about American Government and different political cultures in the world. The
political science major is especially desirable for students who might work for civil government at any level, be
commissioned as military officers or who intend to become lawyers. A major and/or minor in political science
at a four-year institution is useful in such fields as economics, history, journalism and language or for those who
hope to become executives in law enforcement or in many types of businesses. The Associate in Arts in
Political Science for Transfer (AA-T) is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in a
similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing this degree (AA-T) are guaranteed admission to the CSU
system, but not to a particular campus or major. Please refer to the Imperial Valley College general catalog for
more information on the “Requirements for the AA-T or AS-T.”
This associate’s degree is for transfer to a CSU institution only. However, other institutions may recognize this
associate’s degree for admission purposes as well. Please consult with a counselor for assistance.
Career Opportunities
A major in political science is excellent preparation for students who plan to enter the legal profession,
business, politics, government service, or teaching in elementary and secondary schools. Graduate degrees are
necessary for college teaching positions and helpful for selection to foreign service as a career diplomat.
Courses in business principles, geography, computer science and statistics should be taken as electives to
increase marketability of the graduate to potential employers.
Career Possibilities include: Administrative Analyst * Budget Analyst * Administrative Aide Administrator *
Administrative Assistant * Lobbyist * Personnel Manager * Attorney * Foreign Service Officer * Campaign
Aide * Occupational Analyst * Elected Official * Government Worker * Legislative Aide * Political Economist
* Military Officer * Public Information Officer * Political Scientist * Foreign Trade Specialist * City Planner *
Public Relations Specialist * Staff Member * Public Opinion Surveyor
Gainful Employment: Visit http://www.imperial.edu/courses-and-programs/programs-of-study/
Transfer Preparation
Associate degrees require the completion of certain general education courses. Transfer programs may require
the completion of additional coursework depending on the institution. It is advisable to meet with an academic
counselor for more information.
Associate Degree Course Sequence
The schedule below is based on a fall start and completion of appropriate pre-requisites.
Fall
1st Semester
POLS 100
Math Competency
or MATH 091
Units →
Requirement →
3
IA
Spring
2nd Semester
Units →
12-13
HIST 100
ENGL 101
PE 100
5
IIIA
3
3
2
POLS 102
MATH 119
HIST 101
GEOG 102
HE 100/102
3
4
3
3
3
Requirement →
IA
IA
Fall
3rd Semester
POLS 104
ECON 101
HIST 110
SPCH 100
Elective
Units →
Requirement →
3
IA
3
IIIA
3
3
2
Spring
4th Semester
POLS 106
ECON 102
HIST 111
ANTH 102
Elective
Units →
Requirement →
3
IA
3
IIIA
3
3
2
12-13
Program Description
Political Science, or Government, is the study of the acquisition and use of public power and authority. Politics
and government affect everyone’s life and impinge on activities in many fields. The introductory courses are for
the student interested in learning about American Government and different political cultures in the world. The
political science major is especially desirable for students who might work for civil government at any level, be
commissioned as military officers or who intend to become lawyers. A major and/or minor in political science
at a four-year institution is useful in such fields as economics, history, journalism and language or for those who
hope to become executives in law enforcement or in many types of businesses. The Associate in Arts in
Political Science for Transfer (AA-T) is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in a
similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing this degree (AA-T) are guaranteed admission to the CSU
system, but not to a particular campus or major. Please refer to the Imperial Valley College general catalog for
more information on the “Requirements for the AA-T or AS-T.”
This associate’s degree is for transfer to a CSU institution only. However, other institutions may recognize this
associate’s degree for admission purposes as well. Please consult with a counselor for assistance.
Career Opportunities
A major in political science is excellent preparation for students who plan to enter the legal profession, business,
politics, government service, or teaching in elementary and secondary schools. Graduate degrees are necessary
for college teaching positions and helpful for selection to foreign service as a career diplomat. Courses in
business principles, geography, computer science and statistics should be taken as electives to increase
marketability of the graduate to potential employers.
Career Possibilities include: Administrative Analyst * Budget Analyst * Administrative Aide Administrator *
Administrative Assistant * Lobbyist * Personnel Manager * Attorney * Foreign Service Officer * Campaign
Aide * Occupational Analyst * Elected Official * Government Worker * Legislative Aide * Political Economist
* Military Officer * Public Information Officer * Political Scientist * Foreign Trade Specialist * City Planner *
Public Relations Specialist * Staff Member * Public Opinion Surveyor
Gainful Employment: Visit http://www.imperial.edu/courses-and-programs/programs-of-study/
Certificate of Achievement
Certificate programs are designed for students with personal or occupational goals who wish early employment.
Certificate Course Sequence
The schedule below is based on a fall start and completion of appropriate pre-requisites.
Fall
1st Semester
POLS 100
Units →
3
Spring
2nd Semester
POLS 102
MATH 119
Units →
3
4
Fall
3rd Semester
POLS 104
12-13
Units →
3
Spring
4th Semester
POLS 106
Units →
3
12-13