Bachelor of Arts Political Science (3 year)
The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science offers a comprehensive exploration of politics, law, and government on both domestic and international scales, with a less intensive commitment compared to Honours degrees. You can tailor the degree to your interests, either opting for a general focus or specializing in one of five areas: Political Theory, Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, or Public Policy. For those with a keen academic interest and ability, there’s also the option to upgrade to the more intensive Honours BA.
The program equips you with essential methodologies, teaching you how to find and use information about political institutions, actors, and events. You’ll explore scholarly literature, assess arguments, and efficiently manage information for effective written and verbal communication. Emphasizing the application of knowledge, the curriculum encourages independent research, critical evaluation of sources, and the development of well-structured arguments.
Communication skills are honed through a variety of methods, from writing research essays and book reviews to participating in debates and discussions. This degree also cultivates an ‘awareness of the limits of knowledge’, emphasizing the importance of establishing support for claims and understanding the challenges of assessing the value of different political or social scientific claims.
Preparing you for employment, further studies, or community involvement, our program equips you with sophisticated analytical and communication skills valued in government, law, politics, international relations, and business. This degree will equip you with advanced analytical and communication skills that are highly sought after in these fields. It will also nurture behaviours aligned with professional and social responsibilities, encouraging active participation in civic engagement.
Interested in co-op or combining two different majors? Check out our Honours in Political Science degree.
Program Details
Typical Entry Term
Fall (September)
Program Options
Full-time or part-time
Program Length
Three years (full-time)
Program Format
Course-based
Expandable List
Completion of any Level I program with a Grade Point Average of at least 3.5 including a grade of at least C- in one of POLSCI 1AA3 or 1AB3.
The Academic Calendar lists course requirements and minimum grade requirements for entry to and continuance in the BA Political Science.
Sample Courses By Year (Not All Required)
Level I Courses
- POLSCI 1AA3 – Government, Politics, and Power
- POLSCI 1AB3 – Politics and Power in a Globalizing World
Level II Courses
- POLSCI 2PF3 – Politics of Funny
- POLSCI 2U03 – Public Policy and Administration
- POLSCI 2I03 – Global Politics
Level III Courses
- POLSCI 3GG3 – Federalism
- POLSCI 3GC3 – Politics of a Dying Planet
- POLSCI 3V03 – Gender and Politics
BA Political Science graduates enjoy success beyond the classroom
Reference: Ontario University Graduate Survey, 2021
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Our flexible degrees let you study your way.
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Study Abroad STUDY ABROAD
Take your studies beyond Canada. McMaster has exchange agreements with 100+ universities.
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Internships Learn More
Apply to an internship and begin building your professional network.
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Student Research Learn More
Apply for an Undergraduate Student Research Award and get paid to conduct research.
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Minors View Minors
Add a minor to your studies to differentiate yourself in the workplace.
Questions About the BA Political Science?
Contact Us
Undergraduate Studies and General Inquiries
Enrolment, course permissions, general inquiries
Email: binnies@mcmaster.ca
Academic Advising Office
Goals, program changes, academic support
Email: socscfac@mcmaster.ca
Phone: (905) 525-9140 ext. 23772
Office Location
Department of Political Science
Kenneth Taylor Hall, 527
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8S 4M4
Office Hours
The Department of Political Science operates in a hybrid format.
Monday to Friday
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed daily 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)