2025-2026 Catalog and Student Handbook 
    
    Jul 09, 2025  
2025-2026 Catalog and Student Handbook

Political Science, AA


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

This degree is intended for transfer to UNLV and UNR.  Students should meet with their assigned CSN advising unit first and then contact the transfer program advising unit for the university you plan to attend.

ACADEMIC MAPS: Academic Maps: AA Political Science 


SCHOOL: School of Education, Behavioral and Social Sciences​ 

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.

NEED HELP WITH THIS DEGREE OR SELECTING A COURSE?

  • For advising assistance, log into MyCSN and access your advising unit’s information from the advising notice in the communication center.
  • If you are on academic warning, probation or suspension, or financial aid warning or suspension, please see an Academic Counselor by visiting Counseling and Retention Services.

Once you have met with your CSN advising unit you should meet with the Transfer Program for the university you wish to transfer to:

  • UNLV/CSN Transfer Program - Prepares students to transfer to UNLV including transfer credit review, referrals to student services, and assistance with transition steps from CSN to UNLV. Schedule an appointment by visiting https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/4ye2pqh0/10.
  • UNR/CSN Transfer Program - Students should schedule appointments at the beginning of their third semester. Schedule an appointment by visiting tinyurl.com/NVatCSNAdvisors, click Select Staff, the advisor’s name, a date, an appointment time, and then click “Book.”

 

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.