Political Science

Political Science explores how and why societies—locally, nationally, and globally—make collective decisions.

Our courses critically examine governments in Canada and abroad, law, public policy, international relations, and philosophies of how to organize power and to what ends. The department has particular strength in criminal justice policy, law and courts, digital politics, security and foreign policy, Indigenous politics, and local government.

You will have the opportunity to learn through lectures, discussion-based seminars, simulations, independent research, and experiential learning. Together with our emphasis on critical thinking, reading comprehension, and written and verbal communication, graduates have the skills for such career paths as advocacy, civil service, diplomacy, journalism, law, policing, policy analysis and polling.

Political Science offers concentrations in International Development and Public Law for those interested, respectively, in the uneven global distribution of power and the machinery of government and its relationship with individuals. Co-op programs are available in either Political Science or Public Policy and Administration with academic and work terms over four and a half years.

  • BA in Political Science
  • BA in Political Science/Paralegal Diploma (Seneca College)
  • Concentrations in International Development or Public Law
  • Minors in Political Science, Canadian Politics, Political Theory, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Public Policy and Administration
  • Certificates in Public Administration or Public Law

Expected cut-off: mid 70s
OUAC Code: BPO

Not an Ontario Secondary School applicant? Find your admissions criteria here.


Career outcomes

  • Lawyer
  • Government administrator
  • Policy analyst
  • Journalist
  • Diplomat, international affairs specialist
  • Polling and political consultant

Prerequisite requirements

  • English (ENG4U)