Program Overview

MA Program

The Master of Arts program in Political Science is designed for students who have achieved strong grades in an Honours (4-year) undergraduate degree in Political Science or a related discipline. The admissions process is competitive and enrollment is limited. The program admits students exclusively for the Fall term, and offers of admission cannot be deferred.

Program Structure

Students in the MA program can tailor their degree program to meet their own interests and goals. The degree can be completed either through coursework only, or through a combination of coursework and a thesis or major research paper. Additional options include co-op and the Dual Master's Degree with the Department of Political Science, University of Lucerne, Switzerland. MA students also have an opportunity to specialize in either African Studies or Latin America and Caribbean Studies.

Research Areas

The MA program offers opportunities for focused graduate-level study and learning in all aspects of politics. Students have the option of concentrating their courses and research on specific fields of political science – including:

• Canadian Politics
• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• Public Policy
• Political Theory
• Gender and Diversity Or taking a wide range of courses across these fields.

Program Duration

The MA is normally completed in two academic years. During the program, students will have access to faculty for one-on-one research supervision, as well as to the lively research community within the department.

Admission Requirements

The Master of Arts program in Political Science is designed for students who have achieved strong grades in an Honours (4-year) undergraduate degree in Political Science or a related discipline.

Guidelines and Forms

• MA Program Guidelines
• Master's Thesis and Research Essay Guidelines
• Directed Reading Tutorial Approval Form

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many courses do I need to take in order to be considered a full-time student? You must be registered in at least 1 course (0.50 cr) and pay full-time tuition.
• I am a part-time student, how many courses can I take each semester? You can take up to, but not more than, 2 courses (1.0 cr).
• How many courses should a MA student register for? While this is a personal choice, we generally recommend 2 – 3 courses a term. For your very first semester, we recommend 2 courses. If you have a Teaching Assistant position, we do not recommend more than 2 courses a term.
• I would like to select the thesis option for my MA program, when should I begin the process? By the end of your second semester, you should have found and met with a faculty member to supervise your thesis. It is possible to register for your thesis in the third semester.
• How do I find a faculty member to supervise my thesis or MRP topic? You should begin by reviewing the faculty member's profiles. You should talk to your course instructors and other graduate students. If you are still unsure, schedule a meeting with the graduate supervisor.
• What is the difference between a MA thesis and a Masters Research Paper (MRP)? A thesis is worth 2.0 credits, and a MRP is worth 1.0 credits. A thesis requires an oral defense and an internal examiner. A MRP does not require an oral defense nor an internal examiner.
• Do I need to pay tuition and register for the summer term? Yes – the summer term is a perfect time to take a course in another department or register for your Thesis/MRP and begin the research.
• When can I apply for the co-op program offered through your MA program? Once you are registered as a full-time student, you are eligible to apply for a co-op position one full term before the co-op term is to begin. You must have obtained 2.5 credits in your MA at the time your co-op assignment begins.
• When can I apply for OGS, SSHRC and other scholarships/awards? The graduate administrator will announce all awards and will include deadlines and instructions.