Political Science
Associate in Arts DTA
Two-year Degree
90 Units
This pathway is designed to meet Associate in Arts degree requirements with a concentration in Political Science.
Completion of this degree opens doors to a variety of careers such as government, commerce, and nonprofit work. It also allows you to transfer into most bachelor’s degree programs with your first two-years of schooling completed. Political science is the study of conflict and cooperation within societies. In order to make sense of the political world, political scientists investigate concepts such as justice, liberty, representation and democracy. Are you interested in American politics? International affairs? Critical issues such as health, the environment, or civil rights? Theories concerning the ideal government and how power and resources are allocated in society? If so, this degree pathway may be perfect for you.
When you study political science you’ll expand your knowledge of American politics, comparative government, international politics, political theory and methods of political analysis. But you’ll also gain important skills that employers in every field value such as statistical analysis skills, research capabilities, written and verbal communication skills, and knowledge of the international political community.
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College Application Steps
Visit our Steps to Enroll to learn more about how to apply (the application is always free).
College Tuition
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Save money at South. Taking your first two years of coursework and prerequisites at a community college will save you thousands of dollars.
Financial Aid
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To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit our Paying for College page for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.
Program Information
The Political Science pathway can lead to various career opportunities.
Examples include:
Career titles and data are supplied by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For current employment and wage estimates, please visit O*NET OnLine.
A Bachelor's degree or higher may be required for some careers listed above.
Once you complete this Associate degree, additional education opportunities include:
- A bachelor’s degree in political science, international studies, legal studies, or a related field at a four-year college or university.
- A Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree at one of the Seattle Colleges.
South Seattle College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including University of Washington, Washington State University and Seattle University. Graduates from South 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.
South Seattle College offers several associate degrees designed for transfer students. Please review our transfer degrees page to find the degree requirements for your chosen pathway.
Units
The sample schedule and quarterly to-do list below will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The sample schedule assumes a fall quarter start and is constrained by 6 quarters, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level. Some classes listed may require a pre-requisite class. Some courses are offered in a variety of formats including online (e-learning), in-person, and hybrid. Available formats vary by quarter. Please work with your advisor to create a customized education plan that meets your goals.
Before you begin:
- Please visit the Steps to Enroll page for everything you need to do.
- Review the Academic Calendar for key enrollment dates.
- If you need help with the Steps to Enroll, please contact the Welcome Center.
- Research and apply for grants and scholarships. Visit the Benefits Hub.
Quarter 1, 15 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL& 101 | English Composition I | 5 |
| HIST& 146 or HIST& 147 | Choose a course | 5 |
| Any ENVS course | Choose a course | 5 |
Quarter 2, 15 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL& 102 | Composition II | 5 |
| ASTR& 100 or Natural World | Choose a course | 5 |
| POLS& 202 | United States Government | 5 |
Quarter 3, 15 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| NUTR& 101 | Nutrition | 5 |
| MATH& 107 or MATH& 146 | Choose a course | 5 |
| MUSC 170 or Visual, Literary and Performing Arts | Choose a course | 5 |
Quarter 4, 15 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 117 or Natural World Lab Science | Choose a course | 5 |
| POLS& 201 | Introduction to Political Theory | 5 |
| HUM 105 | Intercultural Communication | 5 |
Quarter 5, 15 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| HIST& 147 or HIST& 148 | Choose a course | 5 |
| POLS 210 | Cannabis & Social Justice | 5 |
| AME 201 or ECON& 201 or ECON& 202 | Choose a course | 5 |
Quarter 6, 15 Units
| Course | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| POLS& 203 | International Relations | 5 |
| Visual, Literary and Performing Arts | 5 | |
| Elective | Choose a course | 5 |
Program data from ctcLink:
- Academic Plan: LASDTAA
- Degree: AA-DTA
- Plan Transcript Description: Associate in Arts DTA
- Academic Plan Currently Offered: Yes
- Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP): 24.0101
New or Prospective Students: Please connect with the Welcome Center to discuss South’s program options and for help navigating the Steps to Enroll.
Welcome Center
RSB 72
southwelcomecenter@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-7943
Current Students: Please connect with Advising to create an education plan and discuss specific class offerings for your program.
Advising Center
RSB 02
advisorsouth@seattlecolleges.edu
206/934-5387
To update degree or certificate information please start with how to make edits to academic program data.