2024-2025 Catalog and Student Handbook 
    
    Nov 14, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog and Student Handbook

Political Science, AA


CODE: PSC-AA     |     TOTAL CREDITS: 60     |     FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY: Eligible


DESCRIPTION
The Political Science program at CSN emphasizes familiarizing students with the basis and functioning of the United States and Nevada governments. Students will also learn about the workings of international relations and the role of the United States in world politics. The study of Political Science will prepare students to pursue many different jobs and careers, especially in the fields of government service, diplomacy, law, politics, and teaching.

ACADEMIC MAPS AND TRANSFER OPTIONS

Explore the link below for transfer pathways to various institutions.

Academic Maps: AA Political Science  


 

Student Learning Outcomes


  1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, the Nevada Constitution, the role of the various branches of government, America’s diverse political values and beliefs, political parties, interest groups, the electoral process, and the development of our civil liberties and rights.
  2. Analyze and compare domestic politics within each of several diverse countries including analysis of various types of political systems and institutions, political culture, the impact of ethnic and religious diversity within countries, and competing political and economic ideologies.
  3. Explore and evaluate competing theoretical approaches to international relations including an analysis of arguable causes and consequences of war, relations between regions of the world, the role of diverse international actors, and the role of the United States in world politics.
  4. Examine major political theories and philosophies and explain how they informed the creation of the U.S. Constitution and reforms that have transpired over time.

General Education Requirements


TOTAL GENERAL EDUCATION CREDITS: 35


300-level and above courses cannot be used to satisfy GE requirements.
Courses with a B suffix (i.e. 100B) cannot be used to satisfy general education or degree requirements for Associate of Arts, Associate of Business, and Associate of Science degrees. B suffix courses may not be transferable within NSHE.

Mathematics (3 Credits)


NOTE: Your first college-level MATH course MUST be completed before reaching 30 total college-level credits.

Recommended: MATH 120 or 120E. 

Analytical Reasoning (3 Credits)


Recommended: PHIL 102.

Natural Science (7 Credits)


Seven credits of coursework to include at least one laboratory experience.

Humanities (6 Credits)


Fine Arts (3 Credits)


U.S. and Nevada Constitutions (4 Credits)


Values and Diversity


All students MUST fulfill this requirement. Course chosen may also be used to fulfill the corresponding general education or special program requirements.

ENG 231 or 232, or PSC 201 fulfills this requirement.

Please note: ENG 231 or 232 also covers the General Education Literature requirement.  PSC 201 also covers 3 of the 6 credits needed to complete the Special Program Electives section that is part of the Special Program portion of this degree.

Major Requirements


TOTAL MAJOR REQUIREMENTS CREDITS: 25


 

General Electives (5 Credits)


Choose any courses totaling 5 credits.