Political science is the scientific study of how competing conceptions of the good life are conceptualized in theory and realized in cultures, institutions, processes, and practices. You will learn about the different areas of political science which include American politics, comparative politics, world politics (international relations), and political theory. Completion of the Associate Degree in Political Science for Transfer (ADT) will prepare you to meet minimum lower-division admission requirements (60 transferable units) for transfer to a California State University (CSU) and the University of California (UC). Some UC's require additional coursework, please meet with a counselor for additional information. The Political Science program map below includes all of your major coursework and recommended general education courses by term that is needed to fulfill your degree and transfer requirements. Please consult the political science educational advisor and a member of the faculty for specialized attention to your needs.

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.

When you study “Politics” in our program at the College of Alameda; we seek to be supportive of your learning goals in being better prepared as a more effective “Global Citizen” in “a Knowledge Economy,” guided by democratic values, and an “ethic of public service” in the 21st Century modern world system. In all of our work together, our area of emphasis is Social Justice and futures consciousness.

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.

The Political Science degree introduces students to the four main fields in the discipline in most undergraduate programs in the United States: American Politics, Political Philosophy, Comparative Politics, and International Relations.

Hampden-Sydney's Government and Foreign Affairs department is one of only "two or three others like it in the United States," according to the National Review guide to the top 50 liberal arts colleges in the country.

The Liberal Arts Program offers a Peace Studies Concentration for students interested in pursuing international relations with an emphasis on peace.

The ASHS requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours of instruction at the lower level (freshman and sophomore years). The ASHS places a strong emphasis on general education courses that will provide a foundation for entry to the BSHS program. General education courses are designed to broaden a student’s educational foundation.