Program Overview

Introduction to the Certificate in Politics and Law

The Certificate in Politics and Law provides specialized knowledge for when politics and law intersect at local, national, and international levels. The program relates to government and governance, authority and legitimacy, equity and resource distribution, rights and responsibilities, as well as peace and conflict.

Program Overview

• The program is a three-year certificate.
• It can be taken full- or part-time.
• Students can enter this program directly from high school.
• The program is available for off-campus study and has an online option.

What You Will Learn

You will study legal issues from a political science perspective and apply your critical thinking skills to present, support, and defend ideas on politically controversial legal issues. You will:

• be able to recognize and think through moral and ethical issues in a variety of contexts
• evaluate the connection between state power and law at local, national, and international levels
• problematize and generate new ideas about how law and legal systems shape national and international politics
• demonstrate the political importance of Canada's constitutional, regulatory, and administrative law regimes
• evaluate how politics and law interact to shape contemporary international relations and the lives of individuals globally
• apply different legal theories to analyze issues of national and international politics
• write clearly, succinctly, and persuasively on topics of politics and law

Featured Classes

• POLS 111: Democratic Citizenship in Canada: This course introduces students to political participation and activism in Canada, covering topics such as the Canadian political system, political culture and identity, the role of media, political rights and duties, political representation, Québécois nationalism, Indigenous self-government, political socialization, and the role of Canada and Canadians in the world.
• POLS 303: Public Law and the Courts in Canada: This course introduces students to Canada's constitution, with special emphasis on the judicial system, examining Canada's constitutional debates and the judicial role in shaping federal/provincial division of powers since Confederation.
• POLS 403: Advanced Topics in Public Law and Public Policy: Students are introduced to theories of law, politics, and justice in modern Canadian society, examining judicial decision-making and how law influences administrative actors in policy fields such as labour, immigration, health, multiculturalism, the environment, and Indigenous rights.

Why Study Here

• Reputation: The Political Studies program has a reputation for being among the best medium-size programs in Canada in its field, offering closer contact between students and faculty due to its smaller size.
• Faculty: Faculty members are well-known experts in their fields, providing analysis on national and international issues and serving as leaders and members of Royal Commissions, task forces, and other public bodies.

Careers

You will gain expertise and acquire an additional credential in the study of politics and law, which will be advantageous for those seeking careers in:

• Politics
• Government
• Advocacy
• Public affairs
• Law offices This certificate will also benefit anyone considering law school and related graduate programs.

Tuition Estimates

• Tuition varies depending on the type and number of classes taken in a year.
• Student Fees fund specific student benefits, including health, vision, and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs, and fitness centre access.
• The cost of books and supplies varies widely, with a recommended budget of $1,500-$2,500 for this program.

Program Options

The Certificate in Politics and Law is offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science. You may earn the certificate on its own, while pursuing a degree, or after graduating with a degree. If you are already enrolled at USask, consult your academic advisor regarding enrolling in this program.

Note for International Students

The College of Arts and Science strongly recommends that international students do not enroll in a certificate program alone, as course offerings per term and program length may not be sufficient to maintain eligibility for a study permit, on/off-campus work permit, or post-graduation work permit when taken as a stand-alone program. Instead, plan to enroll in your certificate of interest only alongside a degree.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements depend on your situation. Please refer to the specific requirements based on your education background and where you attended high school.

Application Deadlines

Start term | Application Deadline | International Deadline ---|---|--- Winter (January 2026) | Dec. 1, 2025 | Sept. 1, 2025 Spring (May 2026) | April 1, 2026 | Feb. 1, 2026 Summer (July 2026) | May 1, 2026 | March 1, 2026 Fall (September 2026) | July 15, 2026 | May 1, 2026 Winter (January 2027) | Dec. 1, 2026 | Sept. 1, 2026

Related Programs

• Ethics, Justice, and Law
• Indigenous Governance and Politics
• Law
• Political Studies
• Sociology