Political Science

The political science major provides systematic knowledge of the nature and scope of political science with a diverse academic regimen of academic research and practical application. In a nutshell, it is the study of politics and government with concentrations that include: American government, public policy, foreign affairs, political philosophy, and comparative government. In addition, a political science major is a preparation for general education, good citizenship, and participation in political life. 

DEGREES & CERTIFICATES

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Political Science, Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T)

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(New students need to refer to the current academic year for the most up-to-date info) 

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CAREER INFO

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Are you interested in American politics? International affairs? Critical issues such as public policy, globalization, terrorism, the environment, civil rights, political development, or foreign policy? 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 them? If so, political science is the major for you. Political science delves into the study of governments, public policies, and political behavior. It is a social science, which uses both humanistic perspectives and scientific skills to examine the United States and all countries and regions of the world.

Majoring in political science can qualify you for many different careers in private, for-profit, and non-profit organizations, as well as the public sector. Graduates can pursue careers in the areas below!

To explore potential jobs in this field of study, we strongly urge you to visit LBCC Career Center. Working with a career counselor, we will assess your strengths, skills, interests, and accomplishments to help you identify internship opportunities and career goals that match your educational and professional needs.

FAQ

 What is Political Science?

Political Science is the study of politics that focuses on the theory and practice of government and politics at the local, state, national, and international levels.

Why choose Political Science?

If you like discussing local, national, and international issues, then you’ll love political science. Political Science students have a chance to study a broad range of topics, including strategic communication, public opinion, social movements, and campaigning.

What Political Science courses does the department offer?

Please visit the College Catalog to find Political Science courses.

What is the Political Science Student Association?

The Political Science Student Association or PSSA is a non-partisan, non-ideological club. We welcome any and all students at LBCC. Members are passionate about government and the political system. The PSSA creates an opportunity for students to get to know their peers who have similar interests and are pursuing similar majors and career goals.

We meet each week to share information and ideas on topics discussed in classes, the news, and on social media. Meetings also include visits from politicians, political activists, and professors. As a club, we hope to encourage and inspire people to take a more active role in the political process by sponsoring public affairs events on campus.

Does the department offer credit by examination option?

Yes

The department offers a credit-by-examination course, POLSC 48M1 - California State/Local Government, which is for students who have previously taken the AP U.S. Government and Politics test and earned a score of at least 3.

You do not need to take the POLSC 1 course at LBCC to demonstrate your mastery of the principles and issues of government and the political process in the United States. However, the POLSC 1 course at LBCC also satisfies the requirement for a course in the principles of California state and local government as required by Title 5 of the California Administrative Code (and as part of the CSU’s graduation requirement in American Institutions), which the AP test does not.

Thus, it is necessary for you to successfully complete POLSC 48M1 to demonstrate your mastery of California politics and government and earn 1 unit of college credit.

What is Credit by Examination?

Credit by Examination is a provision whereby a student who is currently enrolled in the college and is in good standing may, with departmental approval, take an examination to earn credit in a specific course. To be eligible for the Credit by Examination Process at LBCC, you must also have completed at least 12 units of coursework at the college.

Who Should Complete the POLSC 48M1 Credit by Examination Process?

If you have previously taken the AP U.S. Government and Politics test and have earned a score of at least 3, you do not need to take the POLSC 1 course at LBCC to demonstrate your mastery of the principles and issues of government and the political process in the United States. However, the POLSC 1 course at LBCC also satisfies the requirement for a course in the principles of California state and local government as required by Title 5 of the California Administrative Code (and as part of the CSU’s graduation requirement in American Institutions), which the AP test does not. Thus, it is necessary for you to successfully complete POLSC 48M1 to demonstrate your mastery of California politics and government and earn 1 unit of College Credit.

To learn more about the credit by examination process, please review the POLSC 48M1 – Credit by Examination document.