Overview
Politika: the art or science of government concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy
Why Study Political Science?
Are you interested in American politics; international affairs; critical issues such as health, the environment, civil rights; theories concerning the ideal government and how power and resources are allocated in society? Do you want to study these subjects and pursue a career based on your interest? If so, you should consider studying political science.
Political science students can gain a versatile set of skills that can be applied in a wide range of exciting careers in federal, state and local governments; law; business; international organizations; nonprofit associations and organizations; campaign management and polling; journalism; precollegiate education; electoral politics; research and university and college teaching.
Careers In Political Science
A bachelor's degree in political science can lead to exciting careers in federal, state and local governments; law; business; international organizations; nonprofit associations and organizations; campaign management and polling; journalism; precollegiate education; electoral politics; research and university and college teaching.
Political science majors gain analytical skills, administrative competence and communication abilities that are valued in a wide spectrum of potential career areas.
Careers for Political Scientists
The following are a small sample of careers for political scientists.
Administration, Corporate, Government, Non-Profit, etc.
Archivist, Online Political Data
Budget Examiner or Analyst
Attorney
Banking Analyst or Executive
Campaign Operative
Career Counselor
CIA Analyst or Agent
City Planner
City Housing Administrator
Congressional Office/Committee Staffer
Coordinator of Federal or State Aid
Communications Director
Corporate Analyst
Corporate Public Affairs Advisor
Corporate Economist
Corporate Manager
Corporate Information Analyst
Corporate Adviser for Governmental Relations
Corporate Executive
Corporation Legislative Issues Manager
Customs Officer
Editor, Online Political Journal
Entrepreneur
Federal Government Analyst
Financial Consultant
Foreign Service Officer
Foundation President
Free-lance writer
High School Government Teacher
Immigration Officer
Information Manager
Intelligence Officer
International Agency Officer
International Research Specialist
Issues Analyst, Corporate Social Policy Div.
Journalist
Juvenile Justice Specialist
Labor Relations Specialist
Legislative Analyst / Coordinator
Lobbyist
Management Analyst
Mediator
Plans and Review Officer, USIA
Policy Analyst
Political Commentator
Pollster
Public Affairs Research Analyst
Public Opinion Analyst
Publisher
Research Analyst
State Legislator
Survey Analyst
Systems Analyst
Teacher
University Administrator
University Professor
Urban Policy Planner
Web Content Editor
Political Science Scope and Objectives
The undergraduate major in Political Science aims to provide understanding of basic political processes and institutions as these operate in different national and cultural contexts. It also covers the interaction between nations, states, the changing character of the relations between citizens and governments, and the values and criteria by which the quality of political life is judged. The program may be individually focused to serve the needs of the liberal arts major, the student seeking preparation for graduate work in political science, public administration, law, and other professional fields, and the student preparing for specialized roles in political and public organizations.
Courses
Course Schedule Page | Course Description Page
Major Requirements
Core Courses (9 units): PLSC 130, PLSC 150 & PLSC 210
Selective Courses (9 units): PLSC 310, ECON 100, ECON 102, Foreign Language, HIST
201/202/100/101 or Math 200
Political Science AA Degree
Cañada College offers everything you need to finish an AA degree in Political Science as well as the undergraduate courses necessary to transfer to a four-year college or university as a Political Science Major.
Political Science Club
The Political Awareness Club (PAC) promotes informed voting and political awareness throughout the Cañada College Community. We sponsor debates on various political issues as well as hold round table discussions that focus on current events as they directly relate to politics and government.
Political Science Links
- http://www.apsanet.org/
- http://www.whitehouse.gov/
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/
- http://www.house.gov/
- http://www.senate.gov/
- http://www.sen.ca.gov/
- http://www.ss.ca.gov/
Program Learning Outcomes:
Students completing this program will be able to:
- Analyze social science concepts and theories.
- Evaluate diverse viewpoints related to the human experience.
- Produce evidence-based arguments.