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Political Science (BA)

Analyze political systems and their impact on society.

Program Type
Bachelor
Faculty
Unit
Location
Program Start
September and January
Program Options
Combined degree
Honours
Major
Minor

Why choose this program?

Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s Political Science program allows you to study power structures around the world and in your own backyard. You'll be surrounded by Canadian political history — Halifax is home to Canada’s first elected assembly, the country’s oldest legislature building, and is the birthplace of responsible government in the British Empire. Work closely with nationally recognized and award-winning faculty members in a small, interactive setting.

Admission requirements

Minimum admission requirements

To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:

  1. Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
  2. Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
  3. Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).

Admission to many Â鶹´«Ã½ programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Program-specific admission requirements

Bachelor of Arts requirements:

  • Minimum overall average: 70%

  • Academic English 12

  • Four additional academic subjects

Minor in Political Science eligibility:

This minor is available to students registered in the following 120 credit hour programs: Bachelor of Applied Computer Science

  • Bachelor of Arts

  • Bachelor of Commerce

  • Bachelor of Community Design

  • Bachelor of Computer Science

  • Bachelor of Informatics

  • Bachelor of Management

  • Bachelor of Music

  • Bachelor of Science

  • Bachelor of Science (Medical Sciences) program

Financial information

A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.Ìý

Program options

The department offers courses on a wide range of topics, including globalization, environmental politics, Indigenous politics, gender, race and politics, social media, and the politics of health care, among others.


The following Political Science program options are offered by Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:ÌýÌý

  • Bachelor of Arts, Honours/Combined Honours in Political Science

  • Bachelor of Arts, Major/Double Major in Political Science

  • Minor in Political Science, Security Studies, amongst others.

What you will learn

Our courses give you the opportunity to discover and pursue the aspect of political science that most interests you. Whether you’re passionate about Canadian government and local politics, the politicization of social issues, foreign policy, or global conflict, there are courses for you.

First-year courses provide a great overview of Canadian government, international relations, political theory, and history and serve as a solid foundation for more specialization in the upper years. While our professors use their own unique teaching methods, all our courses focus on developing strong research, critical thinking, and writing skills.

Sample courses may include:

  • Introduction to Government and Politics

  • Political Worlds: Themes and Concepts

  • Global Politics and Society

  • The Federal Dynamics of Canadian Politics.

  • Municipal Law and City Politics in Canada

  • Indigenous Politics in CanadaÌý

  • Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice Ìý

  • Social Media and Politics

  • Politics of Health Care

  • The Politics of Crime

  • Canada in the Global Economy

  • Politics of the European Union

  • Politics of Public Policy

  • Human Rights: Legal Issues

  • Queer Theory

  • Politics of Climate ChangeÌý

Political Science is valuable for individuals who want to know more about the values, laws, institutions, and policy mechanisms that govern their lives, in local, national and global contexts.

Careers

You might find yourself working directly in politics or using the skills you learned in the program as a foundation for a career in law, teaching, public service, journalism, communications, NGOs and charities, consulting, or business.

Future studies could include programs at the graduate level in social sciences, arts, or business administration, or a professional degree in law.