Transfer Degree-Emphasis

Political Science Emphasis, Associate in Arts Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA)

Area of Study
Social Sciences and Education

Overview

Complete your Associate in Arts Degree, Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA) with an emphasis on Political Science, the study of government, politics, and policy. Students interested in domestic, international, or comparative systems of governance are well-suited for this pathway. It is the springboard for a variety of careers and interests.

Sample Schedule

This sample schedule is provided as a guide for a full-time student starting in fall quarter whose goal is to earn the AA-DTA. The courses are designed with the appropriate number of credits to meet degree requirements and are organized in a recommended sequence. Please consult an advisor to schedule courses and develop a personalized educational plan.

      Your personal educational plan will vary based on many factors including:

  • The quarter you begin
  • How many classes/credits you plan to take in each quarter
  • Your math and English placement
  • If you have credits you have already taken and plan to transfer them
  • The college you are interested in transferring to
  • If you start in our Transitional Studies program

Sample Career Options

  • Foreign service officer or diplomat
  • Government official
  • Lawyer
  • Policy analyst
  • Political scientist

Transfer and Degree Requirements

Students working toward their transfer degree typically take a variety of courses designed to fulfill the general requirements of most four-year colleges and universities. Students intending to transfer to a four-year college for further study are encouraged to work closely with their advisor and transfer institution to explore the requirements of the college they wish to attend after Peninsula. Most institutions have separate admission criteria, which may be based on grades, prerequisite coursework, test scores, and other considerations. Our sample schedule is designed to provide you with faculty recommended courses to complete your AA-DTA degree with an emphasis in political science, but is not a major ready pathway.

Transfer Institution Information

Students must select credits from three distribution lists: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities. A specific course may be credited toward no more than one distribution requirement. A minimum of fifteen credits in two separate subject areas must be selected from each list. For Natural Sciences, at least five credits must be a lab. For Humanities, no more than five credits can be a Humanities-Performance course and no more than five credits may be applied in world languages at the 100 level.

Program Outcomes

Program outcomes are listed on the Area of Study webpage.

First Quarter

Meet with your advisor to talk about your long-term schedule, taking into account your transfer plans.

Catalog #
Title
Credits
5

This course provides support, develops positive connections, and opens learning opportunities to help students identify and pursue their academic and career goals. Through a process of self-discovery, students cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves that highlights their unique strengths and identifies areas for growth. Students will also learn how to navigate college systems and understand its specialized vocabulary and procedures. Throughout, this course reassures students of all backgrounds and abilities that they belong. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Elective)

This class has a fee of $12.13.

Credits: 5

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5

Active reading, effective writing, and critical thinking, using subjective and objective approaches. Introduction to research techniques. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Communication Skills)

Credits: 5

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Sub-Total Credits
15

Second Quarter

It’s not too soon to explore transfer options. Make a transfer appointment

Catalog #
Title
Credits
5

Reading and writing using analytical and critical approaches. One or more research papers. Builds on concepts introduced in ENGL& 101. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Communication Skills)

Credits: 5

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MATH& 141 or MATH& 146  +
5
5

Introductory course to develop the analytical skills necessary to understand major developments in the contemporary world and to provide the basis for more advanced study in the field of world politics. The course deepens students’ understanding of globalization and the need for common solutions to global problems that transcend borders. This class will include students from multiple sections. (Social Sciences, Elective)

Credits: 5

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Sub-Total Credits
15

Third Quarter

Check your educational plan to make sure you’re on track to graduate. 

Catalog #
Title
Credits
5

Explores classic and modern elements of persuasion and applies that understanding to assemble, deliver, and evaluate extemporaneous speeches. Eligibility for or concurrent enrollment in ENGL& 101 is recommended. This class may include students from multiple sections. (Humanities, Elective)

Credits: 5

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Natural Sciences  +
5
Sub-Total Credits
15

Fourth Quarter

Meet with your educational and career planner to explore universities. 

Catalog #
Title
Credits
Elective  +

Take any course 100 level or above.

5
Humanities  +
5
Natural Sciences  +
5
Sub-Total Credits
15

Elective + Consider History (HIST&) or a Language course.
Humanities + Take a second subject area.
Natural Sciences + Choose a second subject area.

Fifth Quarter

Apply to graduate. You’re just two quarters away...keep it up! 

Catalog #
Title
Credits
Elective  +

Take any course 100 level or above.

5
Natural Sciences  +
5
5

Introduction to the core issues and approaches used to understand the international system. The study of international relations broadly encompasses the fields of political economy and international security, both of which will be covered in this course, along with increasingly prominent cross-border issues that require global governance (countries working together to resolve problems). This class may include students from multiple sections. (Social Sciences, Elective)

Credits: 5

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Sub-Total Credits
15

Elective + Consider History (HIST&) or a second Language course.
Natural Sciences + Choose a third subject area.

Sixth Quarter

You’re almost done! Good luck on your final quarter! 

Catalog #
Title
Credits
Elective  +

Take any course 100 level or above.

5
Humanities  +
5
Social Sciences  +
5
Sub-Total Credits
15

Elective + Consider Comparative Government (POLS& 204) or History (HIST&).
Humanities + Consider a third Language course.
Social Sciences + Choose a third subject area.

Total Credits
90