Political Science

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Political Science

Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA)

This two-year program is designed for students who wish to complete an Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement 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 ...

This two-year program is designed for students who wish to complete an Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement 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 & 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. 

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Units
Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA) Full time : 6 90-93

You may need more or fewer units depending on your transferred credits, individual situation, and goals.

Before Quarter One

Step 1: Apply and register at Seattle Central College anytime (the application is always free). Once you become a student, register for classes using the online class schedule and go to the academic calendar for registration dates and tuition deadlines.

Step 2: See an advisor to create a personalized educational plan by the end of your second quarter. Your plan will include prerequisites, graduation requirements, and transfer preparation if you plan to transfer to another college or university to earn a bachelor's degree.

Sample Schedule and Quarterly To-Do List

90-93 Units

A sample schedule and quarterly to-do list are below. The schedule and to-do list will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The guide assumes a fall quarter start and college placement, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level.

Note about the sample schedule: Classes are offered in various formats such as online (e-learning) and may not be offered each quarter. Click the button with arrows throughout the map to expand the section and view detailed information.

Click to see details

Quarter 1
To-Do List
18 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor in Starfish to discuss your academic goals and to create a short-term educational plan
  • Visit the Learning Support and Tutoring Center for tutoring
  • Drop by the Library to get help with research; check out resources; access computers and study space; and create media projects
ENGL&101
English Composition I
5 units
POLS&101
Intro to Political Science
5 units
MATH116
Applications of Math: Mgmt, SS
5 units
HDC101
Orientation to College
3 units
Quarter 2
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Research and develop a list of four-year colleges and universities
  • Attend transfer workshops and a transfer fair
  • Meet with a Political Science faculty during their posted office hours to discuss possible careers and academic opportunities
  • Apply for the Seattle Colleges Foundation Scholarship and
    other scholarships
ENGL&102
Composition II
5 units
POLS&202
American Government
5 units
MATH&146
Introduction to Statistics
5 units
Quarter 3
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • 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
  • 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)
Individuals/Cultures/Societies or ECON&201 or ECON&202
Choose a course
5 units
POLS&203
International Relations
5 units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts or CMST&220
Choose a course
5 units
Quarter 4
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Create long-term educational 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
Natural World Lab Science or BIOL&100
Choose a course
5 units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts or World Languages 1
Choose a course
5 units
Individuals/Cultures/Societies or AME150
Choose a course
5 units
Quarter 5
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • 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)
Natural World or ENVS&101
Choose a course
5 units
Individuals/Cultures/Societies
Choose a Course
5 units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts or World Languages 2
Choose a course
5 units
Quarter 6
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
Natural World
Choose a Course
5 units
Individuals/Cultures/Societies or POLS170
Choose a course
5 units
Visual, Literary and Perf Arts or World Languages 3
Choose a course
5 units

More Information

Tuition and Funding

It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing
either the FAFSA or the WASFA 2024-25.

Need help paying for college?

To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit Central's Financial Aid Department for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.

Learn more about the estimated cost of attendance and general fees to attend college.

Career Opportunities

A Political Science pathway can lead to various career opportunities. Examples include: 

  • Policy Analyst/Legislative Assistant
  • Lobbyist
  • Political Campaign Staff
  • Marketing Research Analyst
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Attorney
  • Teacher
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • Social Media Manager
  • College Student Leadership and Activities Director

A Bachelor’s degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above. For current employment and wage estimates, please visit https://www.bls.gov/oes/

To discuss additional careers options, speak with faculty once you begin classes or contact the Career Exploration Center. CareerServicesCenter@seattlecolleges.edu or 206.934.4383 

Future Education Opportunities

Once you complete the Associate degree, additional educational opportunities include:

  • A Bachelor's degree in Political Science, International Studies, Economics, Media & 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 found at http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to find Political Science programs in Washington state or around the country.

Additional Information

Learn more about the Transfer process, Transfer agreements, and Bachelor’s degrees including transferring to top universities around the state and nation, such as Historically Black Universities and Colleges.

Area of Study

Social Sciences, Humanities, and Language

Program Contact

For more information, contact
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Division
206.934.4164
AHSS.Central@seattlecolleges.edu

Advising Contact