Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Degree Program Guide

Political Science degree program guide header

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. How? Various ways include:

  • Understanding fundamental ideas -- power, colonialism, justice, democracy, oppression, emancipation, citizenship.  Identifying how politics, including how we are governed, actually works in the real world.
  • Applying these ideas and this knowledge to spaces as different as the halls of Parliament, international borders, public protests, and social media sites.
  • Questioning things we may take for granted, including how group identities come to be recognized in political discourse and public policy.
  • Recommending new ways of thinking about political puzzles, such as what states and nations Canada encompasses.

Academic Requirements for Political Science Majors

Course Requirements
  • Minimum of 30 units and a maximum of 48 units in Political Science at the senior level, including:
    • A minimum of 18 units in 200-level POL S, of which 15 units must be from:
      • POL S 201 - Introduction to Indigenous Politics
      • POL S 211 - Introduction to History of Political Theory
      • POL S 212 - Introduction to Contemporary Political Theory
      • POL S 224 - Canadian Government
      • POL S 225 - Canadian Politics
      • POL S 235 - Introduction to Comparative Politics
      • POL S 250 - The Politics of Gender
      • POL S 261 - International Relations
    • 12 units at the 300- and 400-level (of which 6 units must be at the 400-level)
Additional Notes
  • POL S 101 is the prerequisite for most 200-level POL S courses, and 300- and 400-level courses presuppose specific 200-level prerequisites.  Students proposing to concentrate in Political Science should take:
    • Year 1
      • POL S 101 - Introduction to Politics
    • Year 2 (12 units from the following)
      • POL S 201 - Introduction to Indigenous Politics
      • POL S 211 - Introduction to History of Political Theory
      • POL S 212 - Introduction to Contemporary Political Theory
      • POL S 224 - Canadian Government
      • POL S 225 - Canadian Politics
      • POL S 235 - Introduction to Comparative Politics
      • POL S 250 - The Politics of Gender
      • POL S 261 - International Relations
  • Course requirements may be varied only in special circumstances and only with departmental approval

Academic Requirements for Political Science Minors

Minor Requirements
  • For a minor in Political Science, students must have at least 15 units at the senior level, including the following:
    • 6 units minimum in POL S courses at the 200-level, including 3 units from:
      • POL S 201 - Introduction to Indigenous Politics
      • POL S 211 - Introduction to History of Political Theory
      • POL S 212 - Introduction to Contemporary Political Theory
      • POL S 224 - Canadian Government
      • POL S 225 - Canadian Politics
      • POL S 235 - Introduction to Comparative Politics
      • POL S 250 - The Politics of Gender
      • POL S 261 - International Relations
    • 6 units minimum from 300- or 400-level POL S courses
  • POL S 101 is the prerequisite for most 200-level POL S courses, and 300- and 400-level courses presuppose specific 200-level prerequisites

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 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 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

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

There are many different fields and career paths that students can pursue with a Political 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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