Future Undergraduates
Who gets what, when and how? Who rules? Where does the power lie in Canada? What drives globalization? Can it be stopped? In political science, we consider these and other questions in looking at the future of Canada and other countries around the world.
We also look at issues such as justice, freedom and democracy and the relationship between individuals and governments. At the international level, students examine the cause of conflicts, the conditions for peace and the impact of regionalization and globalization on individuals and communities.
Political Science Degree Options:
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Honours B.A.
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Honours B.A. Specialization in Global Citizenship
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Honours B.A. Specialization in Public Law & Judicial Studies
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Combined Honours B.A. in Political Science & Another Subject
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B.A.
Please note that enrolment in the Specialization in Public Law & Judicial Studies and in the Specialization in Global Citizenship is limited, therefore possession of the published minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Foundations...
The Department's Level I (1AA3 and 1AB3) courses are the foundation courses for all Political Science programs at McMaster. We believe it is vital to introduce students to an understanding of the nature of politics, power and the institutions of political governance within countries and internationally. The instructor that teaches Political Science 1AA3 and 1AB3 is among the Department's best. Following the first year, students can select courses from five fields: Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, Public Policy or International Relations.
Our undergraduate students run a very successful McMaster Political Science Students Association (MPSSA) and participate in a range of activities such as the yearly Model United Nations event. Please explore these pages for further information and contact us if you have any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am an Ontario highschool student applying to McMaster. What do I need in order to get into first year Political Science?
If you are applying to McMaster as an Ontario high school student and you are interested in Political Science, you will require the following academic requirements: - 6 Grade 12 U/M courses including, English 4U. The anticipated cut-off required by Ontario High School applicants for admission to Social Sciences I, September 2020 (Subject to Change), is 78-82%.
What types of courses are offered within the Department of Political Science?
The Political Science program at McMaster covers all aspects of political science with particular emphasis on:
- Canadian Politics, the study of Canadian government, elections, political parties, and so much more
- Comparative Politics, the study of internal politics in other countries around the globe
- International Relations, the study of global politics and how countries and their citizens are mutually interdependent
- Political Theory, the study of political philosophy, from Aristotle to John Stuart Mill to Hannah Arendt and everything in between.
- Public Policy, the study of the politics of policy adoption and implementation and public administration Public Law and Judicial Studies, the study of legal principles and practices
What courses are available in my first year of studies?
As a full time student, you will be responsible for enrolling in 30 units of course work within your first year of studies (please refer to the Undergraduate Calendar for the specific year I requirements). Our first year introductory courses Political Science 1AA3: Government, Politics, and Power and Political Science 1AB3: Politics and Power in a Globalizing World are 6 units of Level I Political Science that are recommended for you to enroll in, however only 3 units of Level I Political Science are required to be admitted into any Political Science program.
What are possible career paths available to a graduate of the Political Science Program?
Graduates with an undergraduate degree in Political Science pursue a wide range of career opportunities.
In the public sector our graduates pursue careers as Public Policy Analyst, Social Policy Program Officer, Foreign Service Officer, Immigration and Revenue Officer, Diplomat, Economic Development Officer, Police or Public Safety Officer, Political Aide/Legislative Assistant, or Politician.
In the private sector, our graduates have the opportunity to pursue as careers: Financial/Economic Analysts, Journalists, Marketing or opinion research analysts, Project/Program Managers, Government/Public relations officers, Lobbyists, Human Resources Officers, or Lawyers.”
In the non-profit sector, majors in political science have opportunities to develop careers as Program Manager, Researcher, Public opinion analyst, Program analyst, Election analyst, Election observation specialist, Public relations, Lobbyist, and Grant-writer.