Program Overview

University of Waterloo Political Science Program

The University of Waterloo offers a comprehensive Political Science program, encompassing undergraduate and graduate studies, as well as specialized courses and research opportunities.

Program Overview

The Political Science program at the University of Waterloo is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of political systems, theories, and practices. The program offers a range of courses, including introductory surveys, specialized seminars, and research-based studies.

Undergraduate Program

The undergraduate program in Political Science offers students the opportunity to explore various aspects of politics, including Canadian politics, international relations, comparative politics, and political theory. Students can choose from a range of academic plans, including majors, minors, and honors programs.

• Academic plans:
  • Majors in Political Science
  • Minors in Political Science
  • Honors programs in Political Science
• Courses:
  • Introductory surveys of Canadian politics, international relations, and comparative politics
  • Specialized seminars on topics such as political theory, public policy, and global governance
  • Research-based studies, including honors essays and special studies courses

Graduate Program

The graduate program in Political Science at the University of Waterloo offers students the opportunity to pursue advanced research and study in the field. The program includes master's and doctoral degrees, as well as specialized courses and research opportunities.

• Graduate degrees:
  • Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Political Science
• Courses:
  • Advanced seminars on topics such as political theory, international relations, and comparative politics
  • Research-based studies, including master's research papers and doctoral dissertations
• Research opportunities:
  • Funding for research projects and fieldwork
  • Access to research centers and institutes
  • Opportunities for collaboration with faculty members and other researchers

Specialized Courses

The University of Waterloo offers a range of specialized courses in Political Science, including the Special Studies course (PSCI 391).

PSCI 391 Special Studies

PSCI 391 is a single-term course on a specific topic that is not concurrently taught in the department's regular course offerings. The course is supervised by a full-time faculty member in the Political Science department.

• Eligibility:
  • Students must be at least level 3A to take PSCI 391
• Course expectations:
  • Students must work with their faculty supervisor to devise a program of study that includes a variety of written and reading assignments
  • All assignments must be completed and submitted within the time constraints of a normal academic term
• Enrollment:
  • Students must find a faculty member who is willing to supervise their proposed program of study
  • Students must complete an enrollment application outlining their intention to take PSCI 391 and their proposed program of study

Research Areas

The University of Waterloo's Political Science department is involved in a range of research areas, including:

• Canadian politics
• International relations
• Comparative politics
• Political theory
• Global governance

Faculty and Research

The Political Science department at the University of Waterloo is composed of a diverse group of faculty members with expertise in various areas of political science. The department is also home to several research centers and institutes, providing opportunities for students to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty members.

• Faculty members:
  • Experts in Canadian politics, international relations, comparative politics, and political theory
  • Researchers with expertise in global governance, public policy, and other areas
• Research centers and institutes:
  • Centers for research on Canadian politics, international relations, and comparative politics
  • Institutes for research on global governance, public policy, and other areas

The University of Waterloo's Political Science program provides students with a comprehensive education in the field, as well as opportunities for advanced research and study. With its diverse range of courses, research opportunities, and faculty expertise, the program is well-suited for students interested in pursuing careers in politics, government, and related fields.