Political Science (AA)
Program Overview:
Make the Changes Your Community Needs with a Career in Government
Take your love of political systems and turn it into a meaningful career. Convincingly debate with others, pass judgments that positively affect the community, teach others about government, or work with others to develop new laws and regulations that create a better world. Political science careers give you the power to shape and shift the government.
Having a solid foundation of government in the United States and across the globe will prepare you for a number of careers where knowledge of government is needed. A political science degree can assist in government roles, as well as in positions that work alongside government officials. A career in politics requires a deep understanding of our current political systems, great attention to detail, a passion for history, and a desire to affect change from the inside to help our society at large.
| Contact |
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| Chairperson Elizabeth Flowers |
| Phone (323) 242-5458 |
| Email |
| Office Location Student Services Education Center, Room 216P |
| Office Hours Mondays to Fridays: 8:00AM - 4:30PM |
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Department |
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Pathway |
Careers in Political Science
A career political science could see you in local, state, or national government roles. While you can choose to tackle today’s problems from the inside or study trends, there are a number of opportunities for you with this career path.
Here are some careers and their salaries you could have with a degree in Political Science:
Career information below taken from bls.gov November 2019. Go to bls.gov for most current career information.
Draft correspondence and legal documents, get affidavits and other formal statements, and help lawyers during trials by handling exhibits, taking notes and reviewing trial transcripts.
National data
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | $50,940/year | $24.49/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 12% increase (much faster than average) | 325,700 |
Create word-for-word transcriptions at trials, depositions, and other legal proceedings.
National data
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary non-degree award | $57,150/year | $27.48/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 7% increase (faster than average) | 15,700 |
Draft and edit legislation, including bills, rules, and other items. Generate ideas for legislation and write speeches to introduce new legislation.
National data
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Associate degree or higher | $40,010 /year | $19.23/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 8% increase (faster than average) | 325,700 |
Create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent.
National data
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $60,000/year | $28.85/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 6% increase (as fast as average) | 270,000 |
Study society and social behavior.
National data
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | $82,050/year | $39.45/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| None needed | 9% increase (faster than average) | 3,000 |
Facilitate negotiation and dialogue between disputing parties to help resolve conflicts outside of the court system.
National data
| Typical Education Level: | Salary: | Hourly Median Wage: |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | $62,270/year | $29.94/hour |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation: | Job Outlook 2018-2028: | Number of Jobs 2018: |
| Less than 5 years needed | 8% increase (faster than average) | 7,700 |
What You’ll Learn at LASC in Political Science
You can get Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) degrees through LASC’s Political Science program where you will learn about governments, political systems, and gain an understanding of how governments abuse power:
- Expand your knowledge of governing systems in the United States and abroad to understand how they are formed, how they function, and the processes in which to create change.
- Develop an understanding of how political systems and governing bodies can affect a society.
- Gain invaluable experience working as part of the Associated Student Government team where you’ll be paired with like-minded individuals who want to better LASC
- LASC provides internships so you can build your career connections and create community ties for after you graduate.
- Want to transfer? Check out our Associate in Arts for Transfer (AAT) degree in Political Science and save money on your first two years of college learning from passionate, dedicated faculty. You can graduate with guaranteed admission into a CSU, and some UCs! See your counselor for more information.
Degrees & Courses You Will Take
Review the LASC Associate in Arts in Political Science (AA) degree and the Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer (AAT) degree below, along with our suggested course of study for these programs. Go to LASC’s current Course Catalog for specific course information:
Major Code: 2207
Total Units Required: 60
The Associate of Arts degree in Political Science includes coursework that aligns with specific lower-division major requirements for the Political Science major at various universities within the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) systems. The goal of the Political Science program is to prepare students for upper division coursework through civic engagement, critical analysis of current theories, leadership, economic issues, as well as a fundamental understanding of core concepts and methodologies.
The main areas of study within Political Science include: American Government - the study of institutions and linkage organizations that characterize government in the United States; Comparative Politics - which studies the political systems of other countries and exposure to the comparative method; International Relations - which analyzes phenomena related to the interaction between sovereign states and other actors in the international system; Political Theory – which analyzes major philosophical works in relation to power and politics and Race and Ethnicity in Politics – which examines both the influence and effect of race within political phenomenon and institutions.
| Required Courses | Units |
|---|---|
| POL SCI 1 The Government of the United States | 3 |
| List A - Select three courses | |
| POL SCI 2 Modern World Governments | 3 |
| POL SCI 3 Introduction to Political Science | 3 |
| POL SCI 5The History of Western Political Thought | 3 |
| POL SCI 7 Contemporary World Affairs | 3 |
| POL SCI 50Introduction to Research in Political Science | 3 |
| List B - Select two courses: Any course above not used for List A | |
| POL SCI 9 Governments and Politics in Africa | 3 |
| POL SCI 19 Women in Politics | 3 |
| POL SCI 20 Race and Ethnicity in Politics | 3 |
| POL SCI 30 The Political Process | 3 |
| POL SCI 41 Principles of Student Leadership | 3 |
| POL SCI 60 Introduction to Globalization | 3 |
| AF AM 004 The African American in the History of the United States | 3 |
| AF AM 007 Black Americans and the Political System | 3 |
| HIST 11 Political and Social History of the United States to 1877 | 3 |
| HIST 12 Political and Social History of the United States to 1865 | 3 |
| SOC 11 Race and Ethnic Relations | 3 |
| TOTAL UNITS | 18 |
The Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer Degree is intended for students who are planning to transfer to a California State University (CSU) or University of California (UC) institution into the Political Science Bachelors program. The Student is guaranteed admission to a CSU upon completion of this program. The Transfer Degree is designed to provide students with a Transfer Model Curriculum to introduce students to the study of the acquisition and use of public power and authority.
With successful completion of this degree, students will fain the foundation knowledge of the core lower division content requirements of many baccalaureate programs in Political Science. Students completing the Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer Degree will be able to critically analyze and evaluate current theories and essential concepts in American Government, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Thought. This degree program provides preparation in Political Science Research Methodology as well as, an introduction to courses such as Women in Politics, Political Leadership, Race and Ethnicity in Politics and Globalization.
The intent of the Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer Degree is to assist students in seamlessly transferring to CSU. Senate Bill (SB) 1440 and the California Education Code (CEC) section 66746 require students seeking an Associate in Arts in Political Science for Transfer for Transfer Degree to:
- Complete 60 semester units of 90-quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following?
- The Intersegmental General Education Transfer curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education-Breadth Requirements
- A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
- Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0. ADTs also require that students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major area of emphasis. A “P” (Pass) grade is not an acceptable grade for courses in the major. Students should meet with a counselor to determine the necessary course work to complete the general education requirements. Program Objectives:
- To introduce students to the study of the acquisition and use of public power and authority.
- The courses are for the student interested in learning about American Government and different political cultures in the world.
| Required Courses | Units |
|---|---|
| POL SCI 1 The Government of the United States | 3 |
| List A: Select three courses: | |
| POL SCI 2 Modern World Governments | 3 |
| POL SCI 3 Introduction to Political Science | 3 |
| POL SCI 5 The History of Western Political Thought | 3 |
| POL SCI 7 Contemporary World Affairs | 3 |
| POL SCI 50 Introduction to Research in Political Sciences | 3 |
| List B: Select two courses: Any course from List A not already used or | |
| POL SCI 9 Governments and Politics in Africa | 3 |
| POL SCI 19 Women in Politics | 3 |
| POL SCI 20 Race and Ethnicity in Politics | 3 |
| POL SCI 30 The Political Process | 3 |
| POL SCI 41 Principles of Student Leadership | 3 |
| POL SCI 60 Introduction to Globalization | 3 |
| TOTAL UNITS | 18 |
Get Ready Before You Start
Interested in political science? Before your first class starts at LASC, you can begin preparing for your career in politics:
- Make an appointment with your LASC academic counselor to review LASC’s program, start to develop a Student Education Plan (SEP), and make sure to discuss your academic and career goals so they can direct you to all LASC has to offer you!
- Still in high school? Get involved in student government where you’ll plan and oversee events, activities, programs, policies, and initiatives around the school. Contact your local representative’s office to see if you could schedule a visit to take a tour of the office and learn more about a life in politics.
- Once you’re at LASC, make sure to get involved with on-campus clubs and organizations, such as the Associated Students Organization (ASO) to run for student body government, and Toastmasters to improve your public speaking, or become a student ambassador and give campus tours. These create new relationships and build important communication, and leadership skills while you meet your community.
Program Learning Outcomes
As a student, once you successfully complete the program, you should be able to:
- Demonstrate a basic knowledge of political institutions and processes of American government.
- Prepare a research paper that analyzes the impact of important political events on the prevailing political culture of a country.