Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Waterloo offers a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex political landscape. This program allows students to investigate a wide range of topics, including comparative politics, international relations, social sciences, and political theory.

Program Structure

The program is available as both a co-op and a regular program, offering students the flexibility to choose their preferred path. The co-op program provides students with up to 20 months of paid work experience, while the regular program focuses on academic coursework.

First-Year Courses

In the first year, students will take a combination of courses, including:

• PSCI 100 – Power, Politics, and Policy: An Introduction
• ARTS 160 – Inquiry and Knowledge Creation
• Prospective major #2
• 2 electives

Honours Arts and Business

For students pursuing Honours Arts and Business, the first-year courses will include:

• ARBUS 101 – Introduction to Business in North America
• ECON 101 – Introduction to Microeconomics
• PSCI 100 – Power, Politics, and Policy: An Introduction
• Prospective major #2
• Elective

Customizing the Degree

Students can customize their degree by adding an International Relations specialization or including minors in areas such as Economics, History, International Studies, International Trade, Legal Studies, and Sociology.

Co-op Program

The co-op program provides students with relevant paid work experience, allowing them to explore potential careers and gain valuable skills. Sample co-op job titles include:

• Junior policy analyst
• Public affairs coordinator
• Information technology communications coordinator
• Economic analyst

Admission Requirements

To apply to the Political Science program, students must meet the admission requirements, which include:

• Six Grade 12 U and/or M courses, including any Grade 12 U English (minimum final grade of at least 70%)
• Admission average: Low 80s (co-op and regular)

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Political Science program can pursue careers in policy and risk analysis, public service, research, marketing, and public relations. Recent graduates have found employment in various fields, including:

• Lawyer – Legal Aid Ontario
• Executive Director – Ontario Human Rights Commission
• Trade Policy Officer – Government of Alberta
• Research Analyst – Legislative Assembly of Ontario
• Project Control Officer – Loblaw Companies
• Legal Counsel – MADD Canada
• Investment Auditor – CIBC

Related Programs

The University of Waterloo also offers related programs, including:

• Peace and Conflict Studies
• Gender and Social Justice
• Philosophy

Academics

The program is part of the Faculty of Arts, which offers a range of undergraduate courses and programs. The university is committed to providing students with a comprehensive education and preparing them for successful careers.

Conclusion

The University of Waterloo's Bachelor of Arts in Political Science provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex political landscape and prepares them for successful careers in a variety of fields. With its flexible program structure, customizable degree options, and co-op program, this degree is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in politics, public service, or related fields.