A student obtaining an A.A. degree in Political Science will be able to demonstrate critical thinking, analytic problem solving, research and communication skills, all of which are valued by institutions of higher education and the labor market. Students will apply these skills to understand the structure and functions of American government; the institutions, players, and processes in American national and state governments; the exercise of power in governmental institutions; comparison of the U.S. political system to others in the world; and political relations among nations and the transnational relations practiced by people, organizations, and institutions across national boundaries. The Political Science Program at West Valley College is primarily transfer oriented. It prepares students to enter 4-year Political Science or any Political Science-related program at the university level. Students are required to earn a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 and earn a grade of C or better in all courses required for the major.

Required Core Courses (12 units)

Elective Courses (9 units)

Total Major Units: 21 units

To be awarded an Associate Degree, a student must:

1. Achieve a grade of “C” or better in the major requirements.
2. Completion of WVC, CSU-Breadth, or IGETC General Education patterns. Students whose goal is to obtain a bachelor’s degree should complete the CSU-Breadth or IGETC General Education pattern.
3. Complete additional degree applicable units to meet the minimum 60-unit Associate Degree requirements.