Bachelor of Arts Honors in Political Science Degree Program Guide

In Honors, students are provided an opportunity for greater specialization in POL S than is provided by the BA program. Gain the opportunity to conduct faculty-supervised undergraduate research which can open the doors for academic publication, awards, conference presentations, and more. This is especially important for students looking to pursue graduate studies in Political Science or a related field.

Political Science is so much more than how a bill becomes a law! Political Science students study politics to make sense of the world in times of peace and stability and in times of crisis and change. Gain an understanding of fundamental ideas, apply them to real-world situations, question things we may take for granted, and find new ways to structure our world as a Political Science student.

Academic Requirements for Political Science Honors students

  • For full details about Political Science Honors degree requirements, and information about taking Political Science as a Combined Honors program, please visit the department website.

The University of Alberta Calendar will always contain the most up-to-date degree requirements for your program, and your requirements are determined by the calendar year you were admitted in.

What kinds of courses can Political Science Honors students take?

  • POL S 101 - Introduction to Politics
  • POL S 201 - Introduction to Indigenous Politics
  • POL S 211 - Introduction to History of Political Theory
  • POL S 224 - Canadian Government
  • POL S 261 - International Relations
  • POL S 304 - Modern Political Theory
  • POL S 323 - Elections in Canada
  • POL S 328 - Managing Modern Government
  • POL S 332 - Introduction to United States Politics and Government
  • POL S 456 - The Politics of International Migration
  • POL S 477 - Islam, Modernity, and Democracy
  • POL S 499 - Honors Essay

What kinds of careers can you pursue with a Political Science Honors degree?

There are many different fields and career paths that students can pursue with a Political Science Honors degree. From public policy to international relations, graduates are equipped with analytical, research and critical thinking skills to name a few, that are assets in today’s job market. Although there is a list of career options below, it is important to understand that careers are not linear. Intentionally engaging in a variety of activities and following your curiosities will open new opportunities that you might not have expected. To learn more about how you can put your Arts degree to work, stop by the HUB Career Centre (8917 HUB Mall) for more information.

  • Civil Servant
  • Policy Analyst
  • Public Affairs Specialist
  • Lobbyist
  • Legislative Assistant
  • Political Campaign Manager
  • Educator (Professor, Secondary or Primary)
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Global Policy Analyst
  • International Development Consultant
  • Ombuds Officer
  • Environmental and Sustainability Advisor
  • Public Health Analyst
  • Privacy Officer
  • +More!

Interested in gaining work experience related to your career goals? If so, apply to Arts Work Experience to gain full-time, PAID, work experience before you graduate!

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