Political Science

Confused about American politics? Curious about globalization or why some countries are rich while others are poor? Take a course in political science and understand how governments work and the various factors that influence government behavior at the domestic and international levels.

View Transfer Options, Degrees & Certificates

Students majoring in Political Science learn about American government, governments of other countries, international relations, and political philosophy. Since government and politics impacts nearly all aspects of our lives, it is important to learn about how government functions, the various influences on political decision-making and the role people can play in shaping their governments and societies. Students who graduate with a degree in political science can pursue a variety of careers from law, teaching, journalism, or working for governmental and non-governmental institutions like the State Department or United Nations.

Program Length

Four semesters.

Transfer Options

The program prepares students by offering lower division undergraduate courses in American government, international relations, comparative politics, and political theory. Most transfer institutions require students majoring in political science to complete these courses during the first two years of college. Students who majored in political science at IVC have transferred to all UC and CSU campuses. Students have also transferred to Columbia University, University of Michigan, Georgetown University, and other private universities.

Program Specific Support

The Student Success Center provides writing support for students taking political science courses.

Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates

Sample Academic Plans

Fast Track Career Path

AA CSU Transfer UC Transfer

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC GE Area/Major	Units
WR 1	College Writing 1	1A	4
MATH 10 or PSYC 10*	Introduction to Statistics or Statistical Methods	2A	3
PS 1	American Government	4 & Major	3
COMM 1	Communication Fundamentals	1C	3
PS 21	Model United Nations (Recommended extra-curricular, can only be taken once for credit but can be repeated with credit)		3

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC GE Area/Major	Units
WR 2	College Writing 2 - Critical Thinking	1B	4
PS 5	Political Philosophy	3B	3
Arts	Arts GE Course	3A	3
HIST 20 or 21	American History Course	3B	3
ECON 1	Principles of Economics - Micro	4	3

Summer Session

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE AREA/Major	Units
Ethnic Studies	Ethnic Studies GE Course	7	3

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC GE Area/Major	Units
PS 12 or PS 14	Comparative Politics or International Relations	4	3
PS 5, 17 or 41	PS Course in Middle East, Latin American, or East Asia	3B or 4	3
ECON 2	Principles of Economics - Macro	4	3
GLBL 1	Introduction to Global Studies	4	3
Physical Science	Physical Science GE Course	5A	3

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	IGETC GE Area/Major	Units
PS 12 or PS 14	Comparative Politics or International Relations	4	3
GLBL 2	Introduction to Global Issues	4	3
Biological Science	Biological Science Course	5B	3
Biological Science Lab	BiologicalScience Lab Course	5B	1
Elective or Math 3A	UC Transfer Elective or Calculus (Math 3A recommended for UCI Transfers)		3 - 5

Students can take Math 10, Psyc 10 or another math course that meets the UC math transfer requirement; however, Math 10 or Psyc 10 is recommended.

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	Units
WR 1	College Writing 1	A2	4
MATH 10 or PSYC 10	Introduction to Statistics	B4 & Major	3
PS 1	American Government	D & Major	3
Learning & Self Development	Lifelong Learning and Self Development GE Course	E	3
PS 21	Model United Nations (Recommended extra-curricular, can only be taken once for credit but can be repeated with credit)		3

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	Units
COMM 1	Communication Fundamentals	A1	3
Critical Thinking	Critical Thinking GE Course	A3	3-4
PS 5	Political Philosophy	Major	3
ARTS	Arts GE Course	C1	3
Life Science	Life Science GE Course	B2	3

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	Units
PS 12 or PS 14	Comparative Politics or International Relations	Major	3
HIST 20 or HIST 21	American History Course	D	3
PS Major	Political Science AA-T Major Course from List B	Major	3
Humanities	Humanities GE Course	C2	3
Ethnic Studies	Ethnic Studies GE Course	F	3

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CSU GE Area/Major	Units
PS Major	Political Science AA-T Major Course from List B	Major	3
PS 12 or PS 14	Comparative Politics or International Relations	D & Major	3
Physical Science	Physical Science GE Course	B1	3
Physical Science Lab	Physical Science Lab	B3	1
Arts/Humanities	Arts or Humanities GE Course	C1 or C2	3
Transfer Elective	CSU Transferable Elective (Courses 1-199)		1-3

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AA GE Area/Major	Units
WR 1	College Writing 1	1A	4
MATH 10 or PSYC 10*	Introduction to Statistics or Statistical Methods	2	3
PS 1	American Government	8 & Major	3
PS 21	Model United NationsModel United Nations (Recommended extra-curricular elective course)		3
Lifelong Health**	Lifelong Health and Personal Development GE Course	9 A/B/C	2-3

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AA GE Area/Major	Units
COMM 1	Communication Fundamentals	1B	3
Critical Thinking	Critical Thinking	1C	3-4
PS 4	Introduction to Political Science	4 & Major	3
PS 5	Political Philosophy	6 & Major	3
Fine Arts	Fine Arts and Languages GE Course	7	3

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AA GE Area/Major	Units
PS 14	International Relations	Major	3
PS Major	Political Science Major Course from List A	5 & Major	3
Natural Sciences	Natural Sciences GE Course	3	3
GLBL 1	Introduction to Global Studies (Fall Only) (Recommended Elective)	4 & Major	3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AA GE Area/Major	Units
PS 3	California Government and Politics	4 & Major	3
PS 12	Comparative Politics	4 & Major	3
GLBL 2	Introduction to Global Issues (Spring Only) (Recommended Elective)	5 & Major	3
Lifelong Health**	Lifelong Health and Personal Development GE Course	9 A/B/C	3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3

Students can take Math 10, Psyc 10 or any other math course that meets the AA GE math requirement in Area 2; however, Math 10 or Psyc 10 are recommended.
Take one course from two different categories among GE areas 9A, 9B, and 9C. Please refer to the AA GE pattern for details.

*Students may be eligible for one or more AA/AS/AA-T/AS-T degrees if they complete a GE transfer pattern, have specific courses, and have 60 transferable units. Please see a counselor for degree options and advisement.

Explore Careers

Legislators

Median Salary

$51,924

Job Growth

+8%

Education

View Career

Develop, introduce, or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, state, or federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.

New workers start around $36,182. Normal pay is $51,924 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $134,490.

Education

Core Tasks

Analyze and understand the local and national implications of proposed legislation.
Appoint nominees to leadership posts, or approve such appointments.
Confer with colleagues to formulate positions and strategies pertaining to pending issues.
Debate the merits of proposals and bill amendments during floor sessions, following the appropriate rules of procedure.
Develop expertise in subject matters related to committee assignments.
Hear testimony from constituents, representatives of interest groups, board and commission members, and others with an interest in bills or issues under consideration.
Keep abreast of the issues affecting constituents by making personal visits and phone calls, reading local newspapers, and viewing or listening to local broadcasts.
Maintain knowledge of relevant national and international current events.
Make decisions that balance the perspectives of private citizens, public officials, and party leaders.
Negotiate with colleagues or members of other political parties in order to reconcile differing interests, and to create policies and agreements.
Prepare drafts of amendments, government policies, laws, rules, regulations, budgets, programs and procedures.
Read and review concerns of constituents or the general public and determine if governmental action is necessary.
Represent their parties in negotiations with political executives or members of other parties, and when speaking with the media.
Review bills in committee, and make recommendations about their future.
Seek federal funding for local projects and programs.
Serve on commissions, investigative panels, study groups, and committees in order to examine specialized areas and recommend action.
Vote on motions, amendments, and decisions on whether or not to report a bill out from committee to the assembly floor.
Write, prepare, and deliver statements for the Congressional Record.
Alert constituents of government actions and programs by way of newsletters, personal appearances at town meetings, phone calls, and individual meetings.
Attend receptions, dinners, and conferences to meet people, exchange views and information, and develop working relationships.
Conduct "head counts" to help predict the outcome of upcoming votes.
Determine campaign strategies for media advertising, positions on issues, and public appearances.
Encourage and support party candidates for political office.
Establish personal offices in local districts or states, and manage office staff.
Evaluate the structure, efficiency, activities, and performance of government agencies.
Organize and maintain campaign organizations and fundraisers, in order to raise money for election or re-election.
Oversee expense allowances, ensuring that accounts are balanced at the end of each fiscal year.
Promote the industries and products of their electoral districts.
Represent their government at local, national, and international meetings and conferences.
Speak to students to encourage and support the development of future political leaders.

Median Salary

$51,924

Job Growth

+8%

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Median Salary

$89,763

Job Growth

+9%

Education

Associate's Degree
4%

Bachelor's Degree
75%

Master's Degree
21%

View Career

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

New workers start around $41,995. Normal pay is $89,763 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $222,412.

Education

Associate's Degree
4%

Bachelor's Degree
75%

Master's Degree
21%

Core Tasks

Provide responses to regulatory agencies regarding product information or issues.
Direct the preparation and submission of regulatory agency applications, reports, or correspondence.
Review all regulatory agency submission materials to ensure timeliness, accuracy, comprehensiveness, or compliance with regulatory standards.
Develop regulatory strategies and implementation plans for the preparation and submission of new products.
Formulate or implement regulatory affairs policies and procedures to ensure that regulatory compliance is maintained or enhanced.
Manage activities such as audits, regulatory agency inspections, or product recalls.
Maintain current knowledge of relevant regulations, including proposed and final rules.
Review materials such as marketing literature or user manuals to ensure that regulatory agency requirements are met.
Communicate regulatory information to multiple departments and ensure that information is interpreted correctly.
Provide regulatory guidance to departments or development project teams regarding design, development, evaluation, or marketing of products.
Direct documentation efforts to ensure compliance with domestic and international regulations and standards.
Monitor emerging trends regarding industry regulations to determine potential impacts on organizational processes.
Investigate product complaints and prepare documentation and submissions to appropriate regulatory agencies as necessary.
Represent organizations before domestic or international regulatory agencies on major policy matters or decisions regarding company products.
Train staff in regulatory policies or procedures.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures or local working practices.
Implement or monitor complaint processing systems to ensure effective and timely resolution of all complaint investigations.
Participate in the development or implementation of clinical trial protocols.
Contribute to the development or implementation of business unit strategic and operating plans.
Establish procedures or systems for publishing document submissions in hardcopy or electronic formats.
Develop relationships with state or federal environmental regulatory agencies to learn about and analyze the potential impacts of proposed environmental policy regulations.
Coordinate internal discoveries and depositions with legal department staff.
Establish regulatory priorities or budgets and allocate resources and workloads.
Evaluate new software publishing systems and confer with regulatory agencies concerning news or updates on electronic publishing of submissions.
Monitor regulatory affairs activities to ensure their alignment with corporate sustainability or green initiatives.

Median Salary

$89,763

Job Growth

+9%

Compliance Managers

Median Salary

$89,763

Job Growth

+9%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
9%

Certificate
7%

Some College
1%

Associate's Degree
5%

Bachelor's Degree
63%

Master's Degree
14%

View Career

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

New workers start around $41,995. Normal pay is $89,763 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $222,412.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
9%

Certificate
7%

Some College
1%

Associate's Degree
5%

Bachelor's Degree
63%

Master's Degree
14%

Core Tasks

Report violations of compliance or regulatory standards to duly authorized enforcement agencies as appropriate or required.
Identify compliance issues that require follow-up or investigation.
Discuss emerging compliance issues to ensure that management and employees are informed about compliance reporting systems, policies, and practices.
File appropriate compliance reports with regulatory agencies.
Maintain documentation of compliance activities, such as complaints received or investigation outcomes.
Consult with corporate attorneys as necessary to address difficult legal compliance issues.
Provide employee training on compliance related topics, policies, or procedures.
Conduct or direct the internal investigation of compliance issues.
Serve as a confidential point of contact for employees to communicate with management, seek clarification on issues or dilemmas, or report irregularities.
Verify that all regulatory policies and procedures have been documented, implemented, and communicated.
Prepare management reports regarding compliance operations and progress.
Disseminate written policies and procedures related to compliance activities.
Conduct periodic internal reviews or audits to ensure that compliance procedures are followed.
Keep informed regarding pending industry changes, trends, or best practices.
Advise internal management or business partners on the implementation or operation of compliance programs.
Monitor compliance systems to ensure their effectiveness.
Direct the development or implementation of policies and procedures related to compliance throughout an organization.
Design or implement improvements in communication, monitoring, or enforcement of compliance standards.
Provide assistance to internal or external auditors in compliance reviews.
Collaborate with human resources departments to ensure the implementation of consistent disciplinary action strategies in cases of compliance standard violations.

Median Salary

$89,763

Job Growth

+9%

Regulatory Affairs Specialists

Median Salary

$81,196

Job Growth

+3%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
85%

Master's Degree
10%

Doctoral or More
5%

View Career

Coordinate and document internal regulatory processes, such as internal audits, inspections, license renewals, or registrations. May compile and prepare materials for submission to regulatory agencies.

New workers start around $47,731. Normal pay is $81,196 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $123,336.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
85%

Master's Degree
10%

Doctoral or More
5%

Core Tasks

Coordinate efforts associated with the preparation of regulatory documents or submissions.
Communicate with regulatory agencies regarding pre-submission strategies, potential regulatory pathways, compliance test requirements, or clarification and follow-up of submissions under review.
Prepare or direct the preparation of additional information or responses as requested by regulatory agencies.
Coordinate, prepare, or review regulatory submissions for domestic or international projects.
Interpret regulatory rules or rule changes and ensure that they are communicated through corporate policies and procedures.
Determine the types of regulatory submissions or internal documentation that are required in situations such as proposed device changes or labeling changes.
Prepare or maintain technical files as necessary to obtain and sustain product approval.
Coordinate recall or market withdrawal activities as necessary.
Advise project teams on subjects such as premarket regulatory requirements, export and labeling requirements, or clinical study compliance issues.
Review product promotional materials, labeling, batch records, specification sheets, or test methods for compliance with applicable regulations and policies.
Review adverse drug reactions and file all related reports in accordance with regulatory agency guidelines.
Identify relevant guidance documents, international standards, or consensus standards.
Provide technical review of data or reports to be incorporated into regulatory submissions to assure scientific rigor, accuracy, and clarity of presentation.
Provide pre-, ongoing, and post-inspection follow-up assistance to governmental inspectors.
Maintain current knowledge base of existing and emerging regulations, standards, or guidance documents.
Review clinical protocols to ensure collection of data needed for regulatory submissions.
Recommend changes to company procedures in response to changes in regulations or standards.
Compile and maintain regulatory documentation databases or systems.
Participate in internal or external audits.
Write or update standard operating procedures, work instructions, or policies.
Obtain and distribute updated information regarding domestic or international laws, guidelines, or standards.
Develop or track quality metrics.
Develop or conduct employee regulatory training.
Recommend adjudication of product complaints.

Median Salary

$81,196

Job Growth

+3%

Labor Relations Specialists

Median Salary

$82,417

Job Growth

-28%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
20%

Associate's Degree
10%

Bachelor's Degree
40%

Master's Degree
30%

View Career

Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.

New workers start around $47,145. Normal pay is $82,417 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $128,233.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
20%

Associate's Degree
10%

Bachelor's Degree
40%

Master's Degree
30%

Core Tasks

Negotiate collective bargaining agreements.
Monitor company or workforce adherence to labor agreements.
Present the position of the company or of labor during arbitration or other labor negotiations.
Draft contract proposals or counter-proposals for collective bargaining or other labor negotiations.
Write letters related to labor relations activities, such as letters to amend collective bargaining agreements, letters of dispute or conciliation, or letters to seek clarification of contract terms.
Call or meet with union, company, government, or other interested parties to discuss labor relations matters, such as contract negotiations or grievances.
Interpret contractual agreements for employers and employees engaged in collective bargaining or other labor relations processes.
Investigate and evaluate union complaints or arguments to determine viability.
Recommend collective bargaining strategies, goals, or objectives.
Assess the impact of union proposals on company or government operations.
Prepare evidence for disciplinary hearings, including preparing witnesses to testify.
Mediate discussions between employer and employee representatives in attempt to reconcile differences.
Propose resolutions for collective bargaining or other labor or contract negotiations.
Review and approve employee disciplinary actions, such as written reprimands, suspensions, or terminations.
Advise management on matters related to the administration of contracts or employee discipline or grievance procedures.
Assess risk levels associated with collective bargaining strategies.
Review employer practices or employee data to ensure compliance with contracts on matters such as wages, hours, or conditions of employment.
Select mediators or arbitrators for labor disputes or contract negotiations.
Draft rules or regulations to govern collective bargaining activities in collaboration with company, government, or employee representatives.
Identify alternatives to proposals of unions, employees, companies, or government agencies.
Provide expert testimony in legal proceedings related to labor relations or labor contracts.
Train managers or supervisors on topics related to labor relations, such as working conditions, safety, or equal opportunity practices.
Develop methods to monitor employee satisfaction with policies or working conditions, including grievance or complaint procedures.
Research case law or outcomes of previous case hearings.
Schedule or coordinate the details of grievance hearings or other meetings.

Median Salary

$82,417

Job Growth

-28%

Climate Change Analysts

Median Salary

$93,354

Job Growth

+5%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
17%

Master's Degree
65%

Doctoral or More
17%

View Career

Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.

New workers start around $49,643. Normal pay is $93,354 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $149,258.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
17%

Master's Degree
65%

Doctoral or More
17%

Core Tasks

Provide analytical support for policy briefs related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, or climate change.
Propose new or modified policies involving use of traditional and alternative fuels, transportation of goods, and other factors relating to climate and climate change.
Prepare study reports, memoranda, briefs, testimonies, or other written materials to inform government or environmental groups on environmental issues, such as climate change.
Analyze and distill climate-related research findings to inform legislators, regulatory agencies, or other stakeholders.
Make legislative recommendations related to climate change or environmental management, based on climate change policies, principles, programs, practices, and processes.
Present climate-related information at public interest, governmental, or other meetings.
Promote initiatives to mitigate climate change with government or environmental groups.
Gather and review climate-related studies from government agencies, research laboratories, and other organizations.
Review existing policies or legislation to identify environmental impacts.
Research policies, practices, or procedures for climate or environmental management.
Write reports or academic papers to communicate findings of climate-related studies.
Develop, or contribute to the development of, educational or outreach programs on the environment or climate change.
Present and defend proposals for climate change research projects.
Prepare grant applications to obtain funding for programs related to climate change, environmental management, or sustainability.

Median Salary

$93,354

Job Growth

+5%

Not sure if Political Science is the right fit?

Exploratory Interest Area

Explore Political Science while still working toward your academic goals.

Learn More

Talk with a Counselor

Speak to one of IVC’s Academic Counselors to learn more about all of your options.

Contact Counseling

Why choose IVC?

Affordable

Quality education should not put you in the red. The cost of attending Irvine Valley College is very low compared to the private, UC, and CSU systems.

Career Preparation

With Fast Track Career Paths, at IVC, we give you the tools to quickly enter the workforce and start making money.

#1 Transfer Rate

Looking to transfer to a four-year university? With the #1 Transfer Rate in California, IVC is the best place to start!

Questions?

Contact Counseling

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Find Your Path

Become an IVC Student

Guide to Paying for College

Supporting You

Welcome Lasers

Finish Your Path at IVC

Find Your Path

Become an IVC Student

Guide to Paying for College

Supporting You

Welcome Lasers

Finish Your Path at IVC

Political Science

Program Length

Transfer Options

Program Specific Support