The Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer (AA-T) program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to the California State University. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their American River College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Political Science at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU and the degree may only transfer to specific institutions.
Career opportunities related to the study of political science include, but are not limited to, advocate/organizer, campaign worker, diplomat, educator/teacher, events planner, foreign affairs specialist, lawyer, legislative aide (state and federal), lobbyist, political consultant, and public relations specialist.

Student Learning Outcomes
✔ describe the fundamentals of political science and governance.
✔ compare and contrast contemporary comparative systems and governance.
✔ evaluate the relationship between the governing process and public policy.
✔ examine how citizen and interest group participation influence political systems.
✔ analyze the role of culture and its influence on politics.
✔ assess how the design of political institutions and processes affect policy and stability.
✔ analyze politics and diplomacy in the international system.
✔ apply basic research methods to political science.
✔ analyze political and public policy making processes, and relate these to current issues and problems, for evaluating political events and their role in the political system.
✔ compare and contrast various theories of justice and the just state.
✔ evaluate various theories of the purpose of government and apply to a critical analysis of current political events.