Political Science Degree Requirements

Department Regulations  

Normally, all courses above the 100 level, except PSCI 241/242, require PSCI 101/2 (100) as a prerequisite. Students who wish to register in courses at the 300 level or above should have 12 credits in PSCI or permission of the instructor.  

There are four areas within the discipline: Canadian Politics; Political Theory/Philosophy; Comparative Politics; and World Politics/International Relations. Students will normally concentrate in two of those areas. Additionally, the department offers, along with the Department of Philosophy, an optional concentration in ethics, politics, and law. Minor and subsidiary programs are available for students majoring in another discipline.  

Major and Joint Major Programs  

See the Academic Calendar for degree regulations. Candidates for the major degree should choose their courses in consultation with a member of the political science department, and they must have their major form approved by the department chair. Students will normally concentrate in two areas within the discipline and have a minimum of 18 credits at the 300 level or above, including PSCI 397 or 399. Majors are encouraged to include a fourth-year seminar in their course pattern.  

Advanced Major Program  

See the Academic Calendar for degree regulations. Candidates for a degree with advanced major in political science must choose their courses in consultation with the chair or with a supervisor assigned to them by the department. All students will take PSCI 100 (101 & 102), 399 and at least two three-credit seminars and a senior research paper as part of their program. Students will normally concentrate in two areas within the discipline, and have at least 18 credits at the 300 level or above, including PSCI 399 or 397, and two three-credit seminars. Joint advanced major candidates must complete all of the above requirements, including the senior paper if political science is the primary subject (major 1).  

Honours Program  

See the Academic Calendar for degree regulations. Candidates for the degree with honours in political science require credit for PSCI 100 (101 & 102), 399 and 397, a minimum of 12 credits from the following: 201, 202, 211, 212, 221, 222, 251, 252, and two three-credit seminars, a thesis (490) and 24 other credits in PSCI. Students will normally have at least 24 credits at the 300 level or above, including PSCI 399, 490 and two 3-credit seminars.  

Honours with a Subsidiary Subject  

See the Academic Calendar for program requirements. Candidates for the degree with honours in Political Science with a subsidiary require credit for PSCI 100 (101 & 102), 397 and 399, a minimum of 12 credits from the following: 201, 202, 211, 212, 221, 222, 251, 252, and two three-credit seminars, a thesis (490) and 12 other credits in PSCI. Students will normally have at least 24 credits at the 300 level or above, including PSCI 397, 399, 490 and two 3-credit seminars. 

Note: Not all courses are offered every year. Most 300-level courses are offered in alternate years. To confirm course offerings students should check the timetable prior to registration.  

For additional information, please consult the Academic Calendar.