Political Science
Apply for AdmissionWhy Study Political Science
Political scientists analyze governmental institutions and the political behavior of human beings. Our courses offer specialization within the major, and the ADT degree makes for easier transfer to a CSU.
The value of a political science degree is recognized by business, law schools, and government agencies as it involves the develpment of a variety of critical and analytical skills demanded by higher education institutions and the labor market. Our students have successfully acquired internships with campaigns, government offices, and grassroots organizations and have transferred to many competitive universities including Stanford and U.C. Berkeley.
What can you do with a degree in Political Science?
A major in Political Science can prepare you for:
- Business
- Consulting
- Community Advocacy
- Government Service
- Journalism
- Communications
- Legal Profession
- Public Sector Careers
- Nonprofit Work
- Teaching in Elementary and Secondary Schools
New Course Announcement
POLI 4 California Politics & Government
In this course we will take a deep dive into the political world of the United States'
most heavily populated state and the world's fifth-largest economy: California.
Degrees & Certificates
View list below for programs offered at Foothill. Then select program map for a possible schedule that fulfills program and college requirements.
For program requirements and full course listings, view degrees and certificates information.
Associate in Arts for Transfer Degree
Associate in Arts Degree
Quick Look at Political Science Courses
For complete course details, including units, hours and prerequisites, view course catalog. For when a course is offered, view class schedule.
- POLS C1000 Political Science: Introduction to American Government & Politics (formerly POLI 1)
- POLI 2 Comparative Government & Politics
- POLI 2H Honors Comparative Government & Politics
- POLI 3 Introduction to Political Philosophy/Political Theory
- POLI 3H Honors Introduction to Political Philosophy/Political Theory
- POLI 4 California Politics & Government
- POLI 9 International Political Economy
- POLI 9H Honors International Political Economy
- POLI 15 International Relations/World Politics
- POLI 15H Honors International Relations/World Politics
Course Schedule
The general schedule below is provided to assist students with long term educational planning. It is not a guarantee of course offerings. For when a course is offered, please check current schedule of classes.
While you can take the below courses in any order you choose, the department urges you to take them in the sequence listed. Courses in geography, computer science, and statistics should be taken as electives to increase your marketability if you choose to major in political science.
See the course catalog for descriptions and links to currently scheduled classes.
| Quarter | IP (In-person) | Y (Hybrid (Asynch-online/Synch in-person)) | W (Asynch-online) | Z (Hybrid (Synch-virtual/Asynch-online)) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall |
POLS C1000, POLI 9, POLI 9H
|
POLS C1000, POLI 2, POLI 15, POLI 15H, POLI 4, POLI 3 |
||
| Winter | POLS C1000 |
POLS C1000, POLI 2, POLI 15H, POLI 3, POLI 3H, |
||
| Spring | POLS C1000 |
POLS C1000, POLI 2, POLI 15, POLI 15H, POLI 3, POLI 54H |
||
| Summer |
POLS C1000, POLI 15 |
It was thanks to my POLI 1 professor that I was able to join the Faculty Association Political Action Committee (FA-PAC) Intern cohort. I was also able to take my skills and knowledge to the California State Capitol where I advocated for community college students' needs.
Lilian Juarez ArmentaFoothill CollegePolitical Science Major
Ways to Experience More!
At Foothill, we offer many opportunities to get involved outside the classroom.
Gain real-world experience through paid internships with mission-driven nonprofit organizations. Build professional skills, connect coursework to careers, and work with community partners across the region.
Travel, study, and gain real-world experience through Foothill’s faculty-led global programs. Explore new cultures, earn academic credit, and participate in service learning, research, and study abroad around the world.
Showcase your ideas and creativity at Foothill’s annual symposium, where students present research, service projects, and creative work through talks, posters, performances, and art exhibitions.
Related Programs and Degrees
