Political Science | MA
Understanding Rights, Justice, Citizenship, and Identity
Whether you are considering a career within government, looking to make it in the private sector, or want to take your education to the next level by pursuing a PhD – the MA in political science at the University of Guelph will give you the competitive edge you need to get there.
This program revolves around the themes of Rights, Justice, Citizenship, and Identity. It is designed to investigate the role of politics in defining who we are, where we belong, and what our rights and responsibilities are in this age of globalization and constant change. Tailor your study to suit your interests and goals including selecting from optional specializations.
In our MA program, you'll deepen your understanding of how political power and processes affect our lives and communities. You'll also develop advanced skills in research and analysis techniques, mobilizing you for career opportunities in academia, government and industry.
Two Ways to Complete the MA Program
Major Paper-Based
3-4 Semesters
For a balanced grad school experience with coursework and a taste of intensive research with the major research paper.
Thesis-Based
4-5 Semesters
If you want the full experience of a traditional research-based graduate program, the thesis option might be for you.
Meet the Faculty
When you join the Department of Political Science, you'll work with faculty who are pursuing fascinating research on diverse and exciting topics. You'll be mentored by well-published, world-renowned researchers with a depth of experience as they guide you throughout your degree.
When you apply to our program, you should identify a faculty advisor who has agreed to supervise your project.
Program Format and Courses
Our graduate program in Political Science is delivered in-person at the University of Guelph's main campus.
In the major research paper stream, you'll complete these components over 12-16 months, beginning in September:
- Research Design and Methods
- Communications
- Three restricted elective courses
- One free elective course
- Major research paper
Check out the Graduate Calendar for full details on courses.
In the thesis stream, you'll complete these components over 16-20 months, beginning in September:
- Research Design and Methods
- Communications
- One restricted elective courses
- One free elective course
- Thesis
Check out the Graduate Calendar for full details on courses.
Two Optional Concentrations to Choose From
Public Policy & Administration
If you are interested in investigating public policy and management in more detail, you'll take courses focused in these areas, and you'll select a topic within public policy and administration for your major research paper or thesis.
Sample courses in the Public Policy & Administration concentration:
- Multi-Level Governance in Canada
- Citizenship and Social Policy
- Canadian Public Administration: Public Sector Management
Global Justice & Politics
If you have a particular interest in politics and social justice across the world, you'll take courses focused in these areas, and you'll select a topic within global justice and politics for your major research paper or thesis.
Sample courses in the Global Justice & Politics concentration:
- Human Rights, Ethics and Development
- Resource Scarcity and Conflict
- International Political Economy
Extend Your Learning with a Collaborative Specialization
In addition to the two optional concentrations available to political science students, you can choose one of the following add-ons to give your research an interdisciplinary edge:
Meet our Students & Alumni
I have professional experience in both federal and provincial government, including roles at CRA and OMAFA, where I contributed to several program and policy areas. My research interests lie in political communication, with a particular focus on news consumption and avoidance, as well as the broader dynamics of political, civic, and democratic engagement.
I hold a BA in Political Science from the University of New Brunswick and am currently studying for my master's degree under the supervision of Dr. Mark Harding at the University of Guelph. My research area is bicameralism in the Westminster Parliamentary System with a focus on the Canadian Senate.
Guaranteed Admission Pathway for U of G Students
The Department of Political Science is proud to offer guaranteed admission to eligible University of Guelph students.
This pathway reserves spots in the program for students who have graduated from one of the following Bachelor of Arts majors with a minimum 80% average in the last two years of study:
- Political Science
- Justice and Legal Studies
- Criminal Justice and Public Policy
- International Development Studies
Apply for the Guaranteed Admission Pathway by December 18, 2026.
For thesis stream students only: you must identify a faculty member who has agreed to supervise your project when you complete the form to confirm your eligibility.
Applying to the MA in Political Science
- Completion of an Honours BA in political science with a minimum B+ (77-79%) GPA in the last two years of study
- Completion of an undergraduate social science methodology course
Note: if you hold an undergraduate degree in another social science discipline and/or have not completed a methodology course, you are still encouraged to apply. You may be admitted to the MA program with the requirement that you complete additional courses.
Prospective graduate students must apply to the University of Guelph online, through the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC).
After submitting an online application, you will be invited to submit required documents through the University of Guelph's online system, WebAdvisor.
Visit the Registrar's Office website for full details on domestic and international tuition per semester.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for external scholarships in the fall of the year before entering the program.
Applicants can also browse scholarships available to graduate students in political science.
If you receive an offer of admission, it will include two guaranteed teaching assistant positions, worth around $6,000 each. It may also include other scholarships, stipends, or teaching/research assistant positions.
Note that admission offers to the thesis stream usually include more financial support than offers for the MRP stream.
Learn more about funding your graduate studies.
Get in Touch
Questions about the MA in Political Science? Contact the Graduate Program Team at csahs.admissions@uoguelph.ca.