Political Science
Bachelor of Arts
(Faculty of Arts)
Political science is the study of conflict and cooperation within societies. At its most basic level, this entails asking how and why life and property should be protected, and how cultural and economic aspirations are expressed and accommodated. The study of national and international political systems involves investigation of how individuals, social movements, groups and parties relate to each other and to government; how governmental systems operate; and how and why certain policies work.
Political scientists analyze the causes and consequences of war, disputes over territory and resources, problems of environmental degradation, problems of sexual and racial inequality, poverty, terrorism, refugees, and the nature and consequences of globalization. More generally, political scientists investigate such concepts as justice, liberty, representation, and democracy, and explore ideologies that try to make sense of the political world, such as conservatism, liberalism, socialism, fascism, feminism and environmentalism.
Course offerings in political science span four sub-fields of the discipline: political theory; Canadian politics; comparative politics; and international relations. Political science students at the University of Calgary may organize their undergraduate degree around themes such as globalization, political ideas, Canada, governance, sustainability, law and justice, comparative global studies, peace and security, or political behaviour.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission applicants are required to present appropriate high school subjects and a competitive average.
Application/Document Deadlines
Why take this program?
- Knowledge is power: Do you know what your political rights are? Are you interested in learning how the government works? A Political Science degree can help you navigate the complicated waters of law and politics, and demystify the complex choices made by politicians and government agencies that influence everyday life. As an informed citizen, you'll have a better grasp of how laws and economic and social policies affect you and your community, which can help you select a government that best meets your needs.
- Getting involved: Do you want to change the world? You can with a BA in Political Science! Graduates are prepared for career work in areas directly associated with political life such as party organizations, advocacy groups, parliaments, and social movements, as well as public service and related organizations. They also have the skills and training for employment in para-political occupations such as public-opinion polling, political analysis, risk-management analysis, public and media relations, and other fields such as management and marketing.
- Way of the world: With globalization, awareness of the international political community and its various perspectives has become increasingly important within the political, economic and social contexts of the world today. The program provides students with a strong foundation in world politics, covering international organizations such as the United Nations Assembly and the World Trade Organization, and global issues like environmental problems, slave labour, and terrorism. Graduates develop international perspectives, an appreciation for culture-specific attitudes, ideals and practices, and a comprehensive understanding of the nature of change in the global political community. This enables them to function at a higher capacity in an international setting.
- Honours: The Honours program in Political Science provides undergraduates with an opportunity to study intensively in a sub-discipline that they find compelling. It offers students a challenging and invigorating learning environment that exposes them to the demands of rigorous intellectual research. They work closely with a faculty member who assists them to develop their research, technical, writing ad analytical skills and abilities.
- Co-op: Get a competitive edge when you enter the workforce after graduation with our Co-operative Education program. This combines 4-8 month work terms with your studies in Political Science. Co-op is a great way for you to gain work experience before you graduate, and gain valuable contacts in your industry of choice. For more information on Co-op, visit our Co-op and Internship website.
What will I study in my first year?
All first-year Political Science students must complete two of the following 200 level courses: Political Science 201, Introduction to Government and Politics; Political Science 213, Political Ideologies; Political Science 225, Canadian Politics: A Comparative View; Political Science 279, Politics of the Global South; and Political Science 283, Issues and Trends in World Politics.These courses introduce students to the subject matter and methods of political science. They are designed to ensure students are given a firm grounding in the conceptual and practical fundamentals of political science.
What will I study in later years?
After the completion of the Political Science core-courses, students have the opportunity to further their studies in a sub-discipline. The four sub-disciplines are Canadian Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics and Political Theory.
What can I do with this degree? (Courtesy of Career Services)
Graduates with a BA in Political Science have a thorough knowledge of political science, of its various sub-disciplines and major themes, and of analytical techniques from other disciplines (social sciences, philosophy and law). Transferable skills include, articulate communication and interpersonal skills, research and problem-solving abilities, and the knowledge and understanding of the statistical techniques used in public relations, public-opinion polling, political-risk analysis, etc.
Possible careers include:
- Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Agent
- Correctional Officer
- Government Affairs Specialist
- Legislative Correspondent
- Parliamentary Aid
- Policy Analyst
- Political Scientist
- Public Relations Officer
- Statistician
For a more comprehensive list of careers, visit the Career Services website or click here for thePolitical Science careers PDF.
Additional Information
Bachelor of Arts
(Faculty of Arts)
Political science is the study of conflict and cooperation within societies. At its most basic level, this entails asking how and why life and property should be protected, and how cultural and economic aspirations are expressed and accommodated. The study of national and international political systems involves investigation of how individuals, social movements, groups and parties relate to each other and to government; how governmental systems operate; and how and why certain policies work.
Political scientists analyze the causes and consequences of war, disputes over territory and resources, problems of environmental degradation, problems of sexual and racial inequality, poverty, terrorism, refugees, and the nature and consequences of globalization. More generally, political scientists investigate such concepts as justice, liberty, representation, and democracy, and explore ideologies that try to make sense of the political world, such as conservatism, liberalism, socialism, fascism, feminism and environmentalism.
Course offerings in political science span four sub-fields of the discipline: political theory; Canadian politics; comparative politics; and international relations. Political science students at the University of Calgary may organize their undergraduate degree around themes such as globalization, political ideas, Canada, governance, sustainability, law and justice, comparative global studies, peace and security, or political behaviour.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission applicants are required to present appropriate high school subjects and a competitive average.
Application/Document Deadlines
Why take this program?
- Knowledge is power: Do you know what your political rights are? Are you interested in learning how the government works? A Political Science degree can help you navigate the complicated waters of law and politics, and demystify the complex choices made by politicians and government agencies that influence everyday life. As an informed citizen, you'll have a better grasp of how laws and economic and social policies affect you and your community, which can help you select a government that best meets your needs.
- Getting involved: Do you want to change the world? You can with a BA in Political Science! Graduates are prepared for career work in areas directly associated with political life such as party organizations, advocacy groups, parliaments, and social movements, as well as public service and related organizations. They also have the skills and training for employment in para-political occupations such as public-opinion polling, political analysis, risk-management analysis, public and media relations, and other fields such as management and marketing.
- Way of the world: With globalization, awareness of the international political community and its various perspectives has become increasingly important within the political, economic and social contexts of the world today. The program provides students with a strong foundation in world politics, covering international organizations such as the United Nations Assembly and the World Trade Organization, and global issues like environmental problems, slave labour, and terrorism. Graduates develop international perspectives, an appreciation for culture-specific attitudes, ideals and practices, and a comprehensive understanding of the nature of change in the global political community. This enables them to function at a higher capacity in an international setting.
- Honours: The Honours program in Political Science provides undergraduates with an opportunity to study intensively in a sub-discipline that they find compelling. It offers students a challenging and invigorating learning environment that exposes them to the demands of rigorous intellectual research. They work closely with a faculty member who assists them to develop their research, technical, writing ad analytical skills and abilities.
- Co-op: Get a competitive edge when you enter the workforce after graduation with our Co-operative Education program. This combines 4-8 month work terms with your studies in Political Science. Co-op is a great way for you to gain work experience before you graduate, and gain valuable contacts in your industry of choice. For more information on Co-op, visit our Co-op and Internship website.
What will I study in my first year?
All first-year Political Science students must complete two of the following 200 level courses: Political Science 201, Introduction to Government and Politics; Political Science 213, Political Ideologies; Political Science 225, Canadian Politics: A Comparative View; Political Science 279, Politics of the Global South; and Political Science 283, Issues and Trends in World Politics.These courses introduce students to the subject matter and methods of political science. They are designed to ensure students are given a firm grounding in the conceptual and practical fundamentals of political science.
What will I study in later years?
After the completion of the Political Science core-courses, students have the opportunity to further their studies in a sub-discipline. The four sub-disciplines are Canadian Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics and Political Theory.
What can I do with this degree? (Courtesy of Career Services)
Graduates with a BA in Political Science have a thorough knowledge of political science, of its various sub-disciplines and major themes, and of analytical techniques from other disciplines (social sciences, philosophy and law). Transferable skills include, articulate communication and interpersonal skills, research and problem-solving abilities, and the knowledge and understanding of the statistical techniques used in public relations, public-opinion polling, political-risk analysis, etc.
Possible careers include:
- Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Agent
- Correctional Officer
- Government Affairs Specialist
- Legislative Correspondent
- Parliamentary Aid
- Policy Analyst
- Political Scientist
- Public Relations Officer
- Statistician
For a more comprehensive list of careers, visit the Career Services website or click here for thePolitical Science careers PDF.
Additional Information
polugrad [at] ucalgary [dot] ca
Student Finance
