Political Science
Why Political Science?
Do governments have the power to intervene on climate change? Is social media good for democracy? What are we going to do about homelessness? As a Political Science student, you'll explore questions like these to better understand the forces of power, authority and governance that shape the world and learn to analyze governmental actions and their effects on a local and global scale.
Whether diving into the impact and origin of sociopolitical movements across history or the power of politics in everyday life, the Political Science program will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to understand the features of political culture, public interest groups and social movements, public institutions and policy-making processes and tensions between them.
To see all courses offered in this degree, visit our Academic Calendar.
Deepen Your Political Understanding
Explore the profound impact and the power of both local and global politics and their ability to influence the lives of individuals, families, communities, cities and nations.
Apply Political theory into practice
Translate your political knowledge into practical experience through dynamic learning activities such as mock conferences, simulations, and co-op opportunities, preparing you for real-world challenges.
Tailor Your Expertise to Your Passion
Personalize your degree by pursuing your interests in five major areas: Political Thought; Canadian Politics; Public Policy, Governance and Law; Comparative Politics; and International Relations and Global Studies.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Political Science?
A degree in Political Science helps students understand the political context in which critical issues affect populations as individuals, families, and more. Political Science students often go on to exist in the epicenter of community intersecting with the state, rights and responsibilities and public policy, and the relationships between cities, countries and peoples – to name a few.
Here are a few careers our graduates have successfully pursued:
- Policy analyst
- Business-government relations
- Lawyer
- Non-governmental organization (NGO)
- Politician
- Research analyst
- Population studies analyst
- Police officer
- Foreign service officer
- Immigration officer
- Public relations consultant
Gain Valuable Experience Through Co-op
The co-op program gives you the opportunity to gain relevant work experience, build professional networks and develop essential interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the workplace, all while getting paid and earning your university degree.
The political science co-op program includes three co-op work terms in addition to eight academic semesters, for a total of four and a half years of study at the University of Guelph.
To see all courses offered in the co-op program, visit our Academic Calendar.
Hear From A Political Science Student
I was always interested in politics and knew it would be a good undergraduate program for law school. I love learning about life and governments not only in this country, but all over the world. My favourite class would have to be Politics in Africa, a third-year course that holds much importance to me because I was born in Cameroon, a country in central west Africa.
Discover More Options
Students considering Political Science may also be interested in Criminal Justice and Public Policy, International Development Studies, Sociology, Environmental Governance, or other majors.
Admission Requirements
Explore admission requirements for Canadian, international, transfer, and mature students. Start your journey today!
Scholarships & Bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial aid programs to assist with funding your education at the University of Guelph.
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Talk to a Current Student
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