Political Science
Political Science
Social & Behavioral SciencesConfused about American politics? Curious about globalization or why some countries are rich while others are poor? Take a course in political science and understand how governments work and the various factors that influence government behavior at the domestic and international levels.
View Transfer Options, Degrees & CertificatesStudents majoring in Political Science learn about American government, governments of other countries, international relations, and political philosophy. Since government and politics impacts nearly all aspects of our lives, it is important to learn about how government functions, the various influences on political decision-making and the role people can play in shaping their governments and societies. Students who graduate with a degree in political science can pursue a variety of careers from law, teaching, journalism, or working for governmental and non-governmental institutions like the State Department or United Nations.
Program Length
Four semesters.
Transfer Options
The program prepares students by offering lower division undergraduate courses in American government, international relations, comparative politics, and political theory. Most transfer institutions require students majoring in political science to complete these courses during the first two years of college. Students who majored in political science at IVC have transferred to all UC and CSU campuses. Students have also transferred to Columbia University, University of Michigan, Georgetown University, and other private universities.
Program Specific Support
The Student Success Center provides writing support for students taking political science courses.
Your Support Team
Your success is our priority! Whether you are just starting, in the middle of, or completing your time at IVC, we have a team of people in your corner to help keep you on-track to reach your goals at IVC and beyond!
Coming Soon: Completion Teams to get students from start to goal! Look for your team beginning fall 2021!
Transfer Options, Degrees and/or Certificates
Sample Academic Plans
- This is only a sample academic plan. Some UC majors may have additional required or recommended courses for transfer. Please see a counselor to create a customized My Academic Plan (MAP) that will best meet your specific academic goals.
| Course | Title | IGETC GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| WR 1 | College Writing 1 | 1A | 4 |
| MATH 10 or PSYC 10* | Introduction to Statistics or Statistical Methods | 2A | 3 |
| PS 1 | American Government | 4 & Major | 3 |
| COMM 1 | Communication Fundamentals | 1C | 3 |
| PS 21 | Model United Nations (Recommended extra-curricular, can only be taken once for credit but can be repeated with credit) | 3 |
| Course | Title | IGETC GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| WR 2 | College Writing 2 - Critical Thinking | 1B | 4 |
| PS 5 | Political Philosophy | 3B | 3 |
| ARTS | Arts GE Course | 3A | 3 |
| History 20 or 21 | American History Course | 3B | 3 |
| ECON 1 | Principles of Economics - Micro | 4 | 3 |
| Course | Title | IGETC GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS 12 or PS 14 | Comparative Politics or International Relations | 4 | 3 |
| PS 5, 17 or 41 | PS Course in Middle East, Latin American, or East Asia | 3B or 4 | 3 |
| ECON 2 | Principles of Economics - Macro | 4 | 3 |
| GLBL 1 | Introduction to Global Studies | 4 | 3 |
| Physical Science | Physical Science GE Course | 5A | 3 |
| Course | Title | IGETC GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS 12 or PS 14 | Comparative Politics or International Relations | 4 | 3 |
| GLBL 2 | Introduction to Global Issues | 4 | 3 |
| Bio Science | Biologicial Science Course | 5B | 3 |
| Bio Science Lab | Biologicial Science Lab Course | 5B | 1 |
| Elective of Math 3A | UC Transfer Elective or Calculus (Math 3A recommended for UCI Transfers) | 3 - 5 |
- Students can take Math 10, Psyc 10 or another math course that meets the UC math transfer requirement; however, Math 10 or Psyc 10 is recommended.
- Note: This sample academic plan does not account for the Language Other than English requirement necessary to meet Full IGETC Certification.
- This is only a sample academic plan. Some CSU majors may have additional required or recommended courses for transfer. Please see a counselor to create a customized My Academic Plan (MAP) that will best meet your specific academic goals.
| Course | Title | CSU GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| WR 1 | College Writing 1 | A2 | 4 |
| MATH 10 or PSYC 10 | Introduction to Statistics | B4 & Major | 3 |
| PS 1 | American Government | D & Major | 3 |
| Learning & Self Development | Lifelong Learning and Self Development GE Course | E | 3 |
| PS 21 | Model United Nations (Recommended extra-curricular, can only be taken once for credit but can be repeated with credit) | 3 |
| Course | Title | CSU GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM 1 | Communication Fundamentals | A1 | 3 |
| Critical Thinking | Critical Thinking GE Course | A3 | 3-4 |
| PS 5 | Political Philosophy | Major | 3 |
| ARTS | Arts GE Course | C1 | 3 |
| Life Science | Life Science GE Course | B2 | 3 |
| Course | Title | CSU GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS 12 or PS 14 | Comparative Politics or International Relations | Major | 3 |
| HIST 20 or HIST 21 | American History Course | D | 3 |
| PS Major | Political Science AA-T Major Course from List B | Major | 3 |
| Humanities | Humanities GE Course | C2 | 3 |
| Transfer Elective | CSU Transferable Elective (Courses 1-199) | 3 |
| Course | Title | CSU GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS Major | Political Science AA-T Major Course from List B | Major | 3 |
| PS 12 or PS 14 | Comparative Politics or International Relations | D & Major | 3 |
| Physical Science | Physical Science GE Course | B1 | 3 |
| Physical Science Lab | Physical Science Lab | B3 | 1 |
| Arts/Humanities | Arts or Humanities GE Course | C1 or C2 | 3 |
| Transfer Elective | CSU Transferable Elective (Courses 1-199) | 1-3 |
- This is only a sample academic plan. Please see a counselor and check IVC's catalog to create a customized My Academic Plan (MAP) that will best meet your specific academic goals.
| Course | Title | AA GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| WR 1 | College Writing 1 | 1A | 4 |
| MATH 10 or PSYC 10* | Introduction to Statistics or Statistical Methods | 2 | 3 |
| PS 1 | American Government | 8 & Major | 3 |
| PS 21 | Model United NationsModel United Nations (Recommended extra-curricular elective course) | 3 | |
| Lifelong Health** | Lifelong Health and Personal Development GE Course | 9 A/B/C | 2-3 |
| Course | Title | AA GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMM 1 | Communication Fundamentals | 1B | 3 |
| Critical Thinking | Critical Thinking | 1C | 3-4 |
| PS 4 | Introduction to Political Science | 4 & Major | 3 |
| PS 5 | Political Philosophy | 6 & Major | 3 |
| Fine Arts | Fine Arts and Languages GE Course | 7 | 3 |
| Course | Title | AA GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS 14 | International Relations | Major | 3 |
| PS Major | Political Science Major Course from List A | 5 & Major | 3 |
| Natural Sciences | Natural Sciences GE Course | 3 | 3 |
| GLBL 1 | Introduction to Global Studies (Fall Only) (Recommended Elective) | 4 & Major | 3 |
| Elective | Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299) | 3 |
| Course | Title | AA GE Area/Major | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS 3 | California Government and Politics | 4 & Major | 3 |
| PS 12 | Comparative Politics | 4 & Major | 3 |
| GLBL 2 | Introduction to Global Issues (Spring Only) (Recommended Elective) | 5 & Major | 3 |
| Lifelong Health** | Lifelong Health and Personal Development GE Course | 9 A/B/C | 3 |
| Elective | Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299) | 3 |
- Students can take Math 10, Psyc 10 or any other math course that meets the AA GE math requirement in Area 2; however, Math 10 or Psyc 10 are recommended.
- Take one course from two different categories among GE areas 9A, 9B, and 9C. Please refer to the AA GE pattern for details.
*Students may be eligible for one or more AA/AS/AA-T/AS-T degrees if they complete a GE transfer pattern, have specific courses, and have 60 transferable units. Please see a counselor for degree options and advisement.
- AA = Associate of Arts
- AS = Associate of Science
- AA-T = Associate of Arts for Transfer
- AS-T = Associate of Science for Transfer
- COA = Certificate of Achievement
- COP = Certificate of Proficiency
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Not sure if Political Science is the right fit?
That's OK!
Begin with the Exploratory Interest Area and explore Political Science while still working toward your academic goals.
Or speak to one of IVC’s Academic Counselors to learn more about all of your options.
