Political Science

Study of Government's Inner Workings

Political science is the study of the theory and practice of government. Prelaw is the preparation for the study of application of law within the juridical system of government. Public administration is the study of the implementation practices of the governmental agencies and legal bodies. These three departments are closely related through the common interests of the people and in service of the populace either at the local, state, or national level. These departments explore social behavior, customs, rules, and practices within the context of the self-defined common good of the community and the willingness of the members of the communit

Program Awards

Our Political Science programs are included in the Education, Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences field of study and offer these awards:

Award	Location	Estimated Completion
Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) - Law, Public Policy, and Society (SB 1440)	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) - Political Science (SB 1440)	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Associate in Arts Degree: Transfer Preparation - Political Science	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Associate in Arts Degree: Transfer Preparation - Public Administration	Chula Vista	# Semesters

Common Careers

Below is a sample of the career options available for the political science, prelaw, or public administration major. A few of these require an associate degree, most require a bachelor’s degree, and some require a graduate-level degree: politician, political scientist, political campaign worker, lawyer, legal assistant, legal researcher, government employee, agency director, historian, high school or college instructor, research assistant, consultant, administrative aide to a public official, budget analyst, lobbyist, city planner, administrator, and foreign service officer, non-profits, international organizations, cyber security, regulatory affairs, mediator, research analyst, public relations, intelligence analyst, military officer, legislative aid or assistant, economist, management analyst, policy analyst, urban planner, fact-checker, labor relations, human resources, social media manager, journalist, press secretary, press assistant, court assistant, para-legal, market researcher, political pollster, city manager, consumer advocate, lobbyist, customs and immigration officer, CIA, FBI.

The average annual salary in this field is $165,280 for occupations like Lawyer.

Typical Duties

Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Performing Administrative Activities
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Scheduling Work and Activities
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Selling or Influencing Others
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Developing and Building Teams
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.