Undergraduate Programs

Students studying towards a B.A. with a Major in Political Science or a B.A. Honours may also apply to our Co-op program. When selecting Political Science courses bear in mind that the second number designates its area (see chart): 1=political theory, 2=international politics, 3=comparative politics, 6=public policy and administration and 8=Canadian politics. Be sure to check out our undergraduate handbook.

Political Science Degree Requirements

The University Calendar, maintained by the Office of the Registrar, presides over the summary information provided below, which may not apply to "grandfathered" students. Undergraduates must meet minimum degree requirements, which include courses in English, in a second language, in science, in humanities, in two social sciences disciplines (one of which can be Political Science), and two research/writing courses (one of which can be POSC 2010).

	B.A. with a Minor in Political Science (24 credits – 8 courses)	B.A. with a Major in Political Science (42 credits – 14 courses)	B.A. (Honours) in Political Science (60 credits – 20 courses)
1000-level minimum:	POSC 1000	POSC 1000	POSC 1000
2000-level minimum:	Two, including 2800	2100, 2800 + two of 2200, 2300, 2600	Same as Major + 2010
3000-level minimum:	See below	3010, one 32xx or 33xx course, one 36xx or 38xx course + two more	Same as Major + one more
4000-level minimum:	One course	Three courses	Same as Major + 4010, 4011
Further minimums:	At least 4 other courses, of which 3 must be numbered 3xxx or 4xxx	One more POSC course (any level)	One POSC course at 2xxx or higher; one at 3xxx or higher; and one other POSC course
Minimum grade average:	60% in the minimum number of required POSC courses beyond the 1000-level	60% on in the minimum number of required POSC courses beyond the 1000-level	A grade of 70%, or an average of 75%, in all POSC courses beyond the 1000-level, plus 70% on the Honours essay
Also consider:	Major or Double Major	Double Major or Honours	Joint Honours and/or Master of Arts
To declare:	See below	See below	See below
R/W needs include:	Two research/writing courses, such as POSC 2010	Two research/writing courses, such as POSC 2010	One research/writing course in another department
If Co-op degree:	n/a	POSC 260W, 360W, 460W (counts as a 4000-level course)	POSC 260W, 360W, 460W (counts as a 4000-level course)

Selecting Your Courses

Undergraduate students in the Faculty of Arts need to select courses to fulfill the Arts component of their degree and those declaring an Honours, Major or Minor in Political Science must also follow the Department of Political Science course requirements. Completing an introductory course is generally recommended prior to enrolling in a corresponding course at the next level. Students following this path may opt to take courses in the same area in the same academic year (e.g., if a 2000-level course is completed in Fall then a corresponding 3000-level course may be taken in Winter). This is presented for illustrative purposes below. For further information about particular courses, review the information on our undergraduate courses page and contact the instructor and/or the Department's undergraduate advisor.

	Political Theory	International Politics	Comparative Politics	Public Policy	Canadian Politics
Overview course:	1000	1000	1000	1000	1000
Area introduction:	2100	2200	2300	2600	2800
Area specialization:	31xx	32xx	33xx	36xx	38xx
Advanced seminar:	41xx	42xx	43xx	46xx	48xx

While working towards an Honours, Major or Minor in Political Science, you can opt to select courses that will allow you to also complete an academic certificate.

Declaring in Political Science

Students interested in signing up, or "declaring", for an Honours, Major or Minor in Political Science may do so at any time in their studies. Preferably this will occur by the end of the first year of studies and/or after having completed at least two courses in the subject, including POSC 1000.

Declaring a Minor in Political Science
Complete the Faculty of Arts' "Declaration/Change of Academic Program" form and return it to the Office of the Registrar (A-2003). We also recommend that Minor candidates complete the Political Science intake form ("grandfathered" students use another version) and discuss it with the department’s undergraduate advisor to help ensure that you are aware of courses requirements, to answer questions, etc.

Declaring a Major in Political Science
Complete the Faculty of Arts' "Declaration/Change of Academic Program" form and return it to the Office of the Registrar (A-2003). We also strongly recommend that Major candidates complete the Political Science intake form ("grandfathered" students use another version) and discuss it with the department’s undergraduate advisor to help ensure that you are aware of course requirements, to answer questions, etc. You may also wish to consider declaring a Minor in a subject area related to Political Science.

Applying to declare an Honours in Political Science
Two forms must be completed. The Faculty of Arts' "Application for Admission to Honours Programme" form can be picked up at, and returned to, the Office of the Registrar (A-2003). The Registrar will then provide the student's completed Application, along with a copy of the student's transcript grades, to the Head of the Department. A signature from the Head will be required and this will only be provided if the student has completed and returned the Department’s intake form ("grandfathered" students use another version). That form must be discussed with and signed by the department’s undergraduate advisor to ensure that the student is aware of course requirements, Honours Essay considerations, etc. The completed intake form will be kept on file in the Department. These two forms can often be completed on the same day and, if the student chooses, the intake form can be completed before the Application form. You may also wish to consider declaring a Minor in a subject area related to Political Science.

Applying to declare a Political Science Co-op degree (Honours or Major)
The annual application deadline for the Co-op degree program is November 15 and ordinarily occurs in a student's second year of study. Details about applying for admission to the program can be found on the Co-op section of the department's website.