In Cascadia College's Political Science pathway, you will study governments and public policy. Political science uses different methods of analysis to examine individual and group behaviors and outcomes at the local, state, national, and international levels of politics. Political science students will gain skills that are useful in a number of fields and occupations, including government, law, business and industry, international organizations, nonprofit groups, and electoral politics. Political science students also gain critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills that are valuable in any profession. Students do not have to enter politics or politically related fields.
Modalities
Coursework may be completed through a combination of in-person (web enhanced), hybrid and online modes, though not every course is offered in the same modality each quarter. Specific courses may be offered at certain times of the year. Consult the current Class Schedule.
Placement
Many courses at Cascadia College have placement prerequisites for reading, writing and math ability. The courses that you will place into determine how you progress through your pathway and how long your degree will take. There are a variety of ways to find your English and Math placement level.
You will need to consult with an academic advisor after placement to be sure to enroll in a course that is consistent with your planned course of study.
One college-level math class needed to complete degree, as well as transfer. MATH& 146 Introduction to Statistics is recommended. Please see an academic advisor if you have questions about transfer requirements.
If you have any questions about this pathway, contact: advising@cascadia.edu
The information below assumes the following:
- You will be attending full-time each quarter (3 classes)
- You will start in the fall quarter
- You are ready to take 100 and 200-level classes in your first quarter
- You are NOT taking courses during summer quarters
If any of these points do not apply to you, you can still complete the pathway! You will just need to make some adjustments to your course schedule.
Talk with an Academic Advisor to create a long-term academic plan that meets your needs.
The Annual Course Planning Guide shows Cascadia’s tentative plan for classes and the quarters in which they are offered. It is intended for planning purposes only and should not be considered a guarantee of class offerings. Actual quarterly sections may be changed, added, or removed. Students should use the Searchable Quarterly Class Schedule to see up to date class offerings.
Quarter One (Fall)
- Find your community! Attend activities and connect with student clubs related to your long-term goals or interests.
- Meet with your Advisor and build a long-term course plan.
- If you have credits through AP testing or from another college, begin the process of having them officially evaluated.
Quarter Two (Winter)
- Compare the different Political Science majors offered at the universities you're interested in.
- Look for local opportunities to participate in psychology-related activities.
Choice Class: Natural Science Distribution Requirement
If you are interested in Law:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline, including at least 5 credits of a LAB course. At least 10 credits required in physical, earth and/or biological sciences. Only 5 credits of Mathematics may be used.
Lab Science Recommended:
Non-Lab Science Recommended:
If you are interested in Comparative Politics:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline, including at least 5 credits of a LAB course. At least 10 credits required in physical, earth and/or biological sciences. Only 5 credits of Mathematics may be used.
Lab Science Recommended:
Non-Lab Science Recommended:
If you are interested in International Relations:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline, including at least 5 credits of a LAB course. At least 10 credits required in physical, earth and/or biological sciences. Only 5 credits of Mathematics may be used.
Lab Science Recommended:
Non-Lab Science Recommended:
If you are interested in American Politics:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline, including at least 5 credits of a LAB course. At least 10 credits required in physical, earth and/or biological sciences. Only 5 credits of Mathematics may be used.
Lab Science Recommended:
Non-Lab Science Recommended:
Choice Class: Humanities Distribution Requirement
If you are interested in Law:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline. No more than 5 credits from those courses designated as performance/skills, applied theory or lecture/studio courses. Only 5 credits of world language at the 100 level may be included.
Recommended:
If you are interested in Comparative Politics:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline. No more than 5 credits from those courses designated as performance/skills, applied theory or lecture/studio courses. Only 5 credits of world language at the 100 level may be included.
Recommended:
If you are interested in International Relations:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline. No more than 5 credits from those courses designated as performance/skills, applied theory or lecture/studio courses. Only 5 credits of world language at the 100 level may be included.
Recommended:
If you are interested in American Politics:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline. No more than 5 credits from those courses designated as performance/skills, applied theory or lecture/studio courses. Only 5 credits of world language at the 100 level may be included
Recommended:
Quarter Three (Spring)
- Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
- Check the GPA and other entry requirements for your future major/university. Are you on track?
Choice Class: Natural Science Distribution Requirement
If you are interested in Law:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline, including at least 5 credits of a LAB course. At least 10 credits required in physical, earth and/or biological sciences. Only 5 credits of Mathematics may be used.
Lab Science Recommended:
Non-Lab Science Recommended:
If you are interested in Comparative Politics:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline, including at least 5 credits of a LAB course. At least 10 credits required in physical, earth and/or biological sciences. Only 5 credits of Mathematics may be used.
Lab Science Recommended:
Non-Lab Science Recommended:
If you are interested in International Relations:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline, including at least 5 credits of a LAB course. At least 10 credits required in physical, earth and/or biological sciences. Only 5 credits of Mathematics may be used.
Lab Science Recommended:
Non-Lab Science Recommended:
If you are interested in American Politics:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline, including at least 5 credits of a LAB course. At least 10 credits required in physical, earth and/or biological sciences. Only 5 credits of Mathematics may be used.
Lab Science Recommended:
Non-Lab Science Recommended:
Choice Class: Humanities Distribution Requirement
If you are interested in Law:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline. No more than 5 credits from those courses designated as performance/skills, applied theory or lecture/studio courses. Only 5 credits of world language at the 100 level may be included.
Recommended:
If you are interested in Comparative Politics:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline. No more than 5 credits from those courses designated as performance/skills, applied theory or lecture/studio courses. Only 5 credits of world language at the 100 level may be included.
Recommended:
If you are interested in International Relations:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline. No more than 5 credits from those courses designated as performance/skills, applied theory or lecture/studio courses. Only 5 credits of world language at the 100 level may be included.
Recommended:
If you are interested in American Politics:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline. No more than 5 credits from those courses designated as performance/skills, applied theory or lecture/studio courses. Only 5 credits of world language at the 100 level may be included
Recommended:
Quarter Four (Fall)
- Meet with your advisor about applying to universities. Start your transfer applications!
- Apply for next year's financial aid at your desired universities.
- If next year's FAFSA isn't available yet, set a reminder for when it will be!
Choice Class: Natural Science Distribution Requirement
If you are interested in Law:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline, including at least 5 credits of a LAB course. At least 10 credits required in physical, earth and/or biological sciences. Only 5 credits of Mathematics may be used.
Lab Science Recommended:
Non-Lab Science Recommended:
If you are interested in Comparative Politics:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline, including at least 5 credits of a LAB course. At least 10 credits required in physical, earth and/or biological sciences. Only 5 credits of Mathematics may be used.
Lab Science Recommended:
Non-Lab Science Recommended:
If you are interested in International Relations:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline, including at least 5 credits of a LAB course. At least 10 credits required in physical, earth and/or biological sciences. Only 5 credits of Mathematics may be used.
Lab Science Recommended:
Non-Lab Science Recommended:
If you are interested in American Politics:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline, including at least 5 credits of a LAB course. At least 10 credits required in physical, earth and/or biological sciences. Only 5 credits of Mathematics may be used.
Lab Science Recommended:
Non-Lab Science Recommended:
Quarter Five (Winter)
- Meet with your Advisor to apply for graduation!
Choice Class: Social Sciences Distribution Requirement
If you are interested in Law:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline.
Recommended:
If you are interested in Comparative Politics:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline.
Recommended:
If you are interested in International Relations:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline.
Recommended:
If you are interested in American Politics:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline.
Recommended:
Choice Class: Humanities Distribution Requirement
If you are interested in Law:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline. No more than 5 credits from those courses designated as performance/skills, applied theory or lecture/studio courses. Only 5 credits of world language at the 100 level may be included.
Recommended:
If you are interested in Comparative Politics:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline. No more than 5 credits from those courses designated as performance/skills, applied theory or lecture/studio courses. Only 5 credits of world language at the 100 level may be included.
Recommended:
If you are interested in International Relations:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline. No more than 5 credits from those courses designated as performance/skills, applied theory or lecture/studio courses. Only 5 credits of world language at the 100 level may be included.
Recommended:
If you are interested in American Politics:
Completion of a minimum of 15 credits from at least 2 different disciplines with a maximum of 10 credits from 1 discipline. No more than 5 credits from those courses designated as performance/skills, applied theory or lecture/studio courses. Only 5 credits of world language at the 100 level may be included
Recommended:
Quarter Six (Spring)
- Attend Cascadia's Commencement Ceremony (optional)
Choice Class: Elective Distribution Requirement
Elective credits may be selected from any of the distribution requirements and elective courses.
If not already completed, be sure to complete EDP requirements by taking a class numbered 150, an additional EDP class and an IL.
Choice Class: Elective Distribution Requirement
Elective credits may be selected from any of the distribution requirements and elective courses.
If not already completed, be sure to complete EDP requirements by taking a class numbered 150, an additional EDP class and an IL.
Choice Class: Elective Distribution Requirement
Elective credits may be selected from any of the distribution requirements and elective courses.
If not already completed, be sure to complete EDP requirements by taking a class numbered 150, an additional EDP class and an IL.
Choice Classes: Distribution and Elective Requirements - Explore and align your interests.
The recommended choice classes listed below were thoughtfully chosen to help you gain the necessary skills in this pathway. You are welcome to choose other choice classes outside the recommended list, but consult with an academic advisor to be sure that the classes meet the specific requirements for this pathway.
150 Equity, Diversity, and Power (10 credits)
To meet the Equity, Diversity, and Power completion requirement, you must complete one 150-series EDP course, and at least one additional EDP-designated course for a total of ten (10) credits. EDP courses in the 150-series ground students in the needed cognitive tools and background to critically analyze their position in our increasingly interconnected, complex, and diverse world so they can pursue further study and seek out their careers more intentionally. EDP-designated courses may also apply toward Humanities, Social Science, Natural Science, or General Elective distribution requirements as indicated.
Choose one:
- CMST 150 Multicultural Communication
- GS 150 Globalization, Culture and Identity
- HIST 150 Cultural Diversity and Challenges in United States History
- HUMAN 150 Introduction to Cultural Studies
- SOC 150 Social Inequality
Choose one additional course designated in EDP in any distribution area by choosing from the choice classes below or checking the current class schedule for additional EDP designated courses.
Integrated Learning (5 credits)
You will include an Integrated Learning Experience in your course selections. This requirement can be satisfied through the completion of learning communities, linked classes, classes containing formal community-based learning, classes taken as part of an academic study abroad program, or classes with an academic internship. Through Learning Communities (LC) or other Integrated Learning Experiences (IL), you will demonstrate abilities to integrate skills, concepts, information, and analytical and methodological frameworks from two or more areas of inquiry in a purposeful project or experience.
For more information on Integrated Learning and current learning community offerings please follow this link.
Transfer Opportunities
For this pathway, Cascadia College recommends the Associate's degree linked at the top of this page. However, the College offers multiple degrees which are designed for transfer to public and private four-year institutions. Please consult with an Academic Advisor about which degree may be best suited for your long-term goals.
Washington State University, Pullman
University of Washington, Seattle
View Cascadia’s Transfer Agreements for details of our partnerships with other colleges and universities.
University admissions requirements may vary – consult with the Career and Transfer Office for transfer assistance to plan your career and future educational goals.
Paths: 1) academia, 2) non-profit sector, 3) business, 4) government. Specifically, professor, K-12 teacher, government/public service, political/campaign consultant/strategist, political campaign staff, lobbyist, candidate for public office, government affairs/relations, international business/country specialist, public opinion researcher/pollster, business development, marketing research, financial consulting, public finance, operations managers, urban planning, policy analyst, intelligence analyst, diplomat, foreign service officer, communications director, public relations specialist, social media manager, community manager, non-profit work, news producer, reporter, law Political science students also gain critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills that are valuable in any profession. Students do not have to enter politics or politically related fields.
You can learn more about career possibilities related to your interests in this pathway through O*NET OnLine (onetonline.org) O*Net Online shares information about related careers, salary, skills related to the industry and more.
Connect with Cascadia’s Career and Transfer Office for assistance as you go through the process of planning career and future educational goals.
Some job opportunities may also exist in business corporations, non-profits, and Tribal Enterprises.