Department of Anthropology

Hons.B.A. Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

An undergraduate education in Political Science has traditionally led students into a number of directions, such as careers in government services (municipal, regional, provincial or federal), journalism, media and communications, support services for politicians (such as political assistants, consultants, and researchers), public affairs managers, and international organizations. Some graduates have continues their studies at professional schools, such a Law, Social Work, and Colleges of Education.

Hons.B.A. Honours Political Science Specialization in Public Law and Judicial Studies

This specialization examines the role that constitutional, administrative, criminal, and international laws play in limiting or controlling the use of power by governments. It also critically examines the extent to which the judiciary and courts are key players.

Hons.B.A. Honours Political Science Specialization in Global Citizenship

This specialization is designed to prepare students for their roles as citizens within a globalized world. It examines global citizenship in relation to some of the main challenges faced by contemporary politics. Students will use various perspectives to explore citizenship, democracy, human rights, north-south relations, economic justice and human security.

B.A. Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science provides a broad exposure to politics, law and government at the domestic and international levels on a less intensive basis than the Honours degrees. Students can pursue a general interest degree or specialize in one of the five areas of study, including Political Theory, Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics of Developed and Developing Countries, International Relations and Public Policy. Students can also upgrade to the more intensive Honours BA if it suits their academic interests and abilities.

Minor Minor in Justice, Law & Order

Minor Minor in Political Science

Minor Minor in Public Leadership

This minor is intended to provide students with a strong theoretical, practical and applied understanding of leadership and the role that political and/or public actors can play in the public domain of both democratic and non-democratic states to achieve their policy goals, affect positive social change and impact the policy choices of governments. Students will be prepared for further studies or careers in politics, government, public policy, community organization and activism, education, human rights and law.

M.A. Master of Arts in Political Science

Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory and Public Policy

M.A. Master of Arts in Global Politics

International Relations, Global Politics, Globalization, Global Political Economy

Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (Comparative Public Policy)

McMaster is the only university in Canada, and one of very few universities worldwide, to offer a PhD in Comparative Public Policy. In order to more robustly examine and explain policy dynamics and change, students are trained in the comparative method and required to examine a policy issue in at least two political jurisdictions. These jurisdictions may be states, but they could also be at the subnational or international level.

Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science (International Relations)

McMaster has one of the strongest International Relations PhD programs in Canada. A 2007 survey of International Relations professors' views on which PhD programs provided the best preparation for an academic career found that our Department's program ranked in the top four of Canadian universities (along with University of Toronto, UBC, and York). Source: Lipson et al, 'Divided Discipline' International Journal, Spring 2007, p. 337.