This two-year program is designed for students who wish to complete an Associate in Arts degree with a concentration in Political Science. Students in this pathway develop skills in critical analysis, research, multicultural awareness, communication, information literacy, audience analysis, networking, and leadership. Students will build foundational knowledge of political institutions, policy, American systems, globalization, and political theory.
Completion of this program allows students to transfer at the junior level to a Political Science, Economics, Media and Communications, or a related program at a four-year college or university with core Political Science classes completed. Completion of this degree also opens doors to a variety of careers in fields including public service, government, interest groups, sustainability, businesses, social media, and education.
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To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit our Paying for College page for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.
Once you complete the Associate degree, additional educational opportunities include:
A Bachelor's degree in Political Science, International Studies, Economics, Media and Communications, or a related field at a four-year college or university.
Seattle Central College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including University of Washington, Washington State University and Seattle University. Political Science graduates from Central have also transferred to out-of-state institutions. Program and admissions requirements vary from college to college. Contact an advisor to create an educational plan tailored to transfer to the institution of your choice. You can use the College Navigator search engine to find Political Science programs in Washington state or around the country.
The Political Science pathway meets requirements for the Associate in Arts degree. A complete list of degree requirements is available on the AA Degree page under Program Requirements.
The sample schedule and quarterly to-do list below will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The sample schedule assumes a fall quarter start. Please work with your advisor to create a customized education plan that meets your goals.
Before you begin:
Please visit the Enroll Now page for everything you need to do.
Drop by the Library to get help with research; check out resources; access computers and study space; and create media projects.
Click course row to read description.
Course
Course Title
Units
ENGL& 101
English Composition I
5
This pathway assumes placement into ENGL&101. Speak to an advisor if you place into a different English course.
ENGL& 101: English Composition I
English 101 is a college-level writing course that emphasizes academic writing and major strategies of reading and writing analytically. Writing assignments focus on engaging with and responding to a variety of texts. Instruction encourages students to develop, through revision and reflection, as readers, writers, and critical thinkers.
5
Units
POLS& 101
Introduction to Political Science
5
POLS& 101: Introduction to Political Science
Explores the origin and development of the study of political science. Examines the origins of government systems, political theory, comparative systems, political socialization, public administration, political parties and elections, technology, political economy, globalization, and international relations. Foundation course for political science studies.
5
Units
MATH 116
Applications of Math: Management, Life and Social Sciences
5
MATH 116: Applications of Math: Management, Life and Social Sciences
Explores functions and graphs as found in business and the social sciences. Students utilize linear, polynomial, exponential and logarithmic functions, solve systems of equations and inequalities, and learn applications of the growth of money.
5
Units
HDC 101
Orientation to College Success
3
HDC 101: Orientation to College Success
Assists new students in their adjustment to community college. Includes goal-setting, self-motivation skills, identifying college resources, personal development and general study hints.
1 to 3 Units
Quarter 2,
15 Units
Create an education plan.
Research and develop a list of four-year colleges and universities.
Attend transfer workshops and a transfer fair.
Apply for the Seattle Colleges Foundation Scholarship and other scholarships.
Click course row to read description.
Course
Course Title
Units
ENGL& 102
Composition II
5
ENGL& 102: Composition II
Continuation of the composition sequence with further instruction and practice in the writing process, concentrating on critical reading and writing techniques needed for the preparation and completion of documented essays.
5
Units
POLS& 202
American Government
5
POLS& 202: American Government
Survey of the origin and functions of the U.S. government. Examines the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution and the creation of the federal system as well as the three branches of American Government. Analyzes the functions of institutions through the lens of political history and through analysis of current events. Topics include political culture, elections and campaigns, interest groups, the media, and public policies.
5
Units
MATH& 146
Introduction to Statistics
5
MATH& 146: Introduction to Statistics
(Formerly MATH 109) Covers descriptive methods, probability and probability distributions, samples, decisions, hypothesis testing and statistical inferences. Fulfills QSR requirement for A.A. degree.
5
Units
Quarter 3,
15 Units
Check with transfer institutions’ planning resources for core political science courses required for major.
Attend Undergraduate Research Festival at University of Washington (occurs annually in Spring).
Consider Student Leadership positions and other on-campus jobs.
Visit potential universities and determine application deadlines.
Meet with Transfer Center advisor to determine transfer eligibility
Click course row to read description.
Course
Course Title
Units
ECON& 201 or ECON& 202 or Individuals/Cultures/Societies
Choose a course
5
Choose one.
ECON& 201: Micro Economics
Covers the concepts of production, consumption and distribution with emphasis on price determination, production costs and market structures. Application of economic reasoning to public issues and business.
5
Units
ECON& 202: Macro Economics
Intro to the macroeconomic measures in the economy: GDP, unemployment and inflation. Examines monetary and fiscal policies and their effects on the interest rate and inflation. Covers economic growth and business cycles.
5
Units
Individuals/Cultures/Societies
5
Units
POLS& 203
International Relations
5
POLS& 203: International Relations
Introduction to international relations and governmental organizations. Examines major issues in the international arena including nationalism, national sovereignty, globalization, international law, economics, security, environmentalism and foreign policy. Emphasis on issues that foster or frustrate world peace and prosperity. Transfer class.
5
Units
CMST& 220 or Visual, Literary, and Perf Arts
Choose a course
5
Choose one.
CMST& 220: Public Speaking
Covers the process of getting started with confidence; topic selection and research; and preparation and delivery of informative, persuasive, special occasion and other forms of presentations. Prereq: Placement into ENGL& 101.
5
Units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts
5
Units
Quarter 4,
15 Units
Create long-term education plan with your assigned advisor.
Research and contact Political Science departments at potential universities.
Attend transfer workshops and a transfer fair.
Attend transfer day at prospective university.
Write your personal statement for university applications.
Check in with Political Science faculty during their posted office hours regarding possible careers and academic opportunities.
Click course row to read description.
Course
Course Title
Units
BIOL& 100 or Natural World Lab Science
Choose a course
5
Choose one.
BIOL& 100: Survey of Biology W/ Lab
Intro to biological principles and concepts: cell biology, application of biological knowledge to problems of society, and development of an awareness of science. Lab included. For non-science majors.
5
Units
Natural World Lab Science
5
Units
World Languages 1 or Visual, Literary, and Perf Arts
Choose a course
5
Choose one.
World Languages 1
5
Units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts
5
Units
AME 150 or Individuals/Cultures/Societies
Choose a course
5
Choose one.
AME 150: Race & Culture: an American History
Surveys the making of the multicultural United States from indigenous homelands to settler colonialism. Examines the experiences of indigenous peoples, African Americans, Latinx Americans and Asian Americans in exposing the systemic race, class and gender oppression that generates wealth and power in the U.S., and how the struggles of people of color for political power, community well-being and
cultural integrity embody the U.S.'s possibility for freedom and democracy.
5
Units
Individuals/Cultures/Societies
5
Units
Quarter 5,
15 Units
Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships.
Look for summer internships such as Research Experience for Undergraduates (REUs).
Plan to participate in the transfer student events at prospective universities.
Apply for FAFSA or WASFA at transfer university.
Ask for letters of recommendation (if needed).
Click course row to read description.
Course
Course Title
Units
ENVS& 101 or Natural World
Choose a course
5
Choose one.
ENVS& 101: Intro to Environmental Science W/Lab
Covers natural principles governing operation of the environment including interaction between humans and the environment, emphasizing attitudes and actions to maintain a healthy ecosystem. This course has a lab component focusing on major topics in environmental science. Not open for credit to students who have taken ENVS 150 or ENVS&100.
5
Units
Natural World
5
Units
Individuals/Cultures/Societies
5
Choose one.
Individuals/Cultures/Societies
5
Units
World Languages 2 or Visual, Literary, and Perf Arts
Choose a course
5
Choose one.
World Languages 2
5
Units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts
5
Units
Quarter 6,
15 Units
Apply for graduation for the AA degree.
Check in with university for admissions status.
Order cap and gown for commencement and join Seattle Central Alumni Association.
Attend graduation fair and commencement ceremony.
Click course row to read description.
Course
Course Title
Units
Natural World
5
Choose one.
Natural World
5
Units
POLS 170 or Individuals/Cultures/Societies
Choose a course
5
Choose one.
POLS 170: Minority Politics In America
Focuses on socio-political developments leading to current status of minorities in America. Surveys U.S. legislative history and citizenship. Covers critical review of proposed solutions to minority tensions.
5
Units
Individuals/Cultures/Societies
5
Units
World Languages 3 or Visual, Literary, and Perf Arts
American Political Science Association - APSA brings together political scientists from all fields of inquiry, regions, and occupational endeavors within and outside academe in order to expand awareness and understanding of politics.
