New and Prospective Students
Welcome to the Department of Political Science at UC San Diego!
We are happy to have you be part of our program for as long as you are with us. We recommend you explore all of the different categories and subcategories we have listed underneath the "Undergraduate Programs" component of our website.
Beginning June 18, 2025 all students must complete New Triton Advising through the Virtual Advising Center. They should log on at VAC.ucsd.edu to review the modules and submit their academic background by July 2. Students can submit questions to their advisors via the Virtual Advising Center (VAC) after completing New Triton Advising. Individual colleges update their own version of New Triton Advising which may include videos that present important academic information and an overview of the new student enrollment process. Students who have questions about NTA should be directed to contact their college advising office.
Transfer students should also participate in the STEP webinars through the Transfer Hub. That series is amazing and gets them answers to many of the things they need, starting in late May. https://transferstudents.ucsd.edu/new-transfers/step/index.html On June 4 and 11 there are advising-specific sessions!
Incoming Students
UC San Diego hosts Triton Day in early April every year as a way for incoming and prospective first year students to explore campus, become familiar with support services, and speak with their academic department and College.
Virtual Triton Day webinar
First Year Orientation
The Department hosts First Year Orientation in August or September every year. Below, you will find a copy of the most recent Orientation.
FA24 First-Year Student Orientation
Recording August 12, 2024
Transfer Orientation
The Department hosts two Transfer Orientations in mid-August every year. Below, you will find a copy of the most recent Orientation.
Recording August 13, 2024
Transferring Credit
Transfer students may have courses that are deemed transferable from another UC campus, four-year or two-year institution, or California Community College.
Current and prospective students can find the most updated Advanced Placement (AP) Credit Chart HERE.
For Political Science majors:
- A score of "5" on the AP United States Government and Politics exam is equivalent to completion of POLI 10.
- A score of "5" on the AP Comparative Government and Politics exam is equivalent to completion of POLI 11.