College of Alameda
Associate Degree in Political Science for Transfer
Alameda, USA
DURATION
4 Semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2024
TUITION FEES
USD 7,120 / per semester *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* this is for a standard 15 credit semester including fees / price may vary depending on how many credits are taken
Introduction
The Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer Degree (AA-T) is designed for students planning to transfer into a political science major. Political Science is the study of politics using the skills of social scientific inquiry. The political inquiry examines the human use of power in relationships creating the structures operating in human society. Inquiry into politics explores power in its myriad forms and consequences for people as individuals, in groups, and in society. This realm of psycho-socio-political inquiry is an integrated field of study drawing upon all the disciplines of the Social and Behavioral Sciences as well as in the Arts and Humanities.
Successful completion of the program with a minimum G.P.A. of 2.0 affords students specific guarantees for transfer to the CSU system such as admission to a CSU with junior status, priority admission to their local CSU campus, and to a program or major in political science or similar major. Students interested in the AA for a transfer degree in political science should consult with the departmental faculty chair
What you will learn
Our courses in politics address your needs as a whole person, worker, and citizen in the 21st-century modern world system. By taking these courses, you will learn in Three Program Learning Realms (“outcomes”) in which we seek to prepare you here; you will:
- Achieve a Mastery of a body of knowledge about your world – to see the world more clearly from a larger set of perspectives.
- Achieve Proficiency in critical political thinking and “Futures Consciousness” – to use your knowledge more effectively in the world.
- Greater capacity for personal social and political efficacy – to be better able to apply these perspectives as life skills in living a more satisfying life as:
- a person,
- a worker, and
- a citizen.
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Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships provide students with opportunities to attend college, advance their knowledge and skills for career readiness and help them prepare for both academic opportunities and financial challenges after transfer. This website provides information and resources to assist students in how to begin their search for scholarship opportunities. Note that requirements and deadlines vary among every scholarship.
College of Alameda Promise
The College of Alameda (COA) Promise is a pathway for Alameda high school graduates to access a quality college education. Eligible students will receive a year of college without fees.
Peralta Foundation Scholarships
Each semester, the Peralta Colleges Foundation is committed to providing students with access to post-secondary education and persistence services so they can complete college prepared for a successful career. The Peralta Promise enables qualifying students to attend their first semester at one of the Peralta Colleges – Laney College, Merritt College, College of Alameda, or Berkeley City College – for free!
External Scholarships
Here is a list of general scholarships that are available for community college students. Not every scholarship has a citizenship requirement. Review the following scholarships for your eligibility.
Curriculum
Required courses (one of the following):
- POSCI 001 Government and Politics in the United States (3)
- POSCI 26* U .S . and California Constitution (3)
Required (9 units):
- POSCI 2 Comparative Government (3)
- POSCI 3 International Relations (3)
- POSCI 4 Political Theory (3)
Required (two of the following):
- POSCI 6 The U .S . Constitution and Criminal Due Process (3)
- POSCI 31 Introduction to Public Administration (3)
- POSCI 35 Introduction to Community Violence Prevention (3)
- POSCI 37 Introduction to Community Violence Prevention (3)
- POSCI 026* U. S. and California Constitution (3)
- SOC 1 Introduction to Sociology (3)
- SOC 2 Social Problems (3)
- HIST 018 20TH Century American Protest Movements (3)
Total Required Major Units: 18
*Credit is only allowed for either POSCI 6 or POSCI 26, but not both.
Program Outcome
Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
- Demonstrate a degree of knowledge mastery representing the state of the discipline of political science {theoretical and practical knowledge of the historical background and the foundational principles of government and governance (utilizing: description, definition, summarization & explanation )}; and a working knowledge of these in use; with respect to inter-relatedness of humans in the environment, engaging with people from diverse backgrounds, and in understanding and acknowledging the significance of daily individual and social actions relative to global issues and the emergence of our shared future.
- Demonstrate a degree of critical political thinking proficiency; as a set of the life skills applied knowledge of the political grounded in futures consciousness; thus enabling one to better access, evaluate, and interpret ideas found in political philosophy and theory and information enabling people so disciplined to communicate effectively, reach conclusions, and solve problems as citizens — part of the governance structure of a political world — such that they may apply these in their professional pursuits should they choose a path of public service or community leadership, or simply community participants.
- Demonstrate a degree of capacity to assume personal & political efficacy and responsibility consistent with democratic-republican values — in the application of socio-political concepts explored in this learning experience (class, classes, program) in a meaningful manner to a person’s own self defined reality in the public, private and social sectors; as part of their everyday life as engaged citizens in the modern world-system; and in the context of global environmental (and other) challenges.
Career Opportunities
What can I do with a degree in Political Science (POSCI)
The Politics Program at the College of Alameda is an “Applied Politics Department.” Majoring in politics at the College of Alameda can prepare you to move in one of four directions: 1) the traditional major, 2) Violence Prevention and Social Justice Studies; 3) Public Law and Public Service; and 4) Public Administration and Emergency Management / Homeland Security
Political Science majors learn to be strong writers, public speakers, and researchers. Students receive assistance in finding and receiving credit for internships. We promise to work with you in being better prepared with “life-long learning to learn” life success skills — empowering you as you seek employment and in your efforts to transfer to four-year institutions.
Careers for Political Scientists include government employment, public service, public administration, public policy analysis, legislative advocacy, business, international relations, and teaching.