Program in Political Science Major (HBA)
Admissions Category: Social Sciences & Humanities
Program Overview
The Department of Political Science prepares students for thoughtful citizenship in the 21st Century. In classes about globalization and climate change, corruption and violence, international conflict and cooperation, democracy and authoritarianism, ethnic and religious conflicts, ancient and modern philosophy, domestic and global public policy, and other critical areas, our faculty ground students in enduring traditions of systematic thought while equipping them with new tools and insights to make sense of the world. Students learn to see, think, and communicate about the bigger picture within which day-to-day politics play out.
Complementary Programs:
Major Programs in , , Economics for Management Studies, , .
Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:
Competencies & Skills
- Marshall evidence to advance an argument in a variety of formats, including research papers, policy briefs, case studies, or book reviews
- Think globally and comparatively about pressing contemporary issues
- Identify and analyze diverse perspectives that can shape governance
- Analyze quantitative and qualitative data
- Design and execute empirical research projects
Careers for Graduates
- Policy Analyst/Advisor in Government
- Program Coordinator in Non-Profits
- Research Analyst in Think Tanks
- Public Relations Specialist
- Service Rep - Social and Community Service
- Political Aide/Consultant
- Lobbyist
- Public Opinion Analyst
- Foreign Service Officer
- Lawyer / Paralegal
Further Education
- Political Science
- Public Policy (many varieties)
- Public Administration/Service
- Business Administration
- Law
- Paralegal Studies
- Communications or Marketing
- Public Relations
- Community Service Management
Program Pathway
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4
Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 1.0 credit in Introductory Political Science: , .
- 0.5 credit in Statistics: .
- Explore courses in other disciplines while fulfilling breadth requirements and electives for your degree.
- Use and the to plan your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Your first year courses ( and ) are designed to introduce you to techniques of critical reading and analytical essay writing. We encourage you to contact the for assistance when completing your assignments for both courses. Writing support is also available at the .
Apply Theory to Practice
- Consider applying for Alternative Reading Week, a short term volunteer program that runs during reading week where students learn to explore the concepts of learning through service and leadership for social change (sign up at DSL).
- Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Join the (PSSA) and attend their activities and events to connect with other students in your field of study.
- Explore other relevant on campus.
- Participate in Department of Student Life鈥檚 (DSL) LEAD program to build confidence, self-esteem and resiliency.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Volunteer with organizations to explore your interests in Political Science; check listings on (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Establish a professional presence on social media (Linkedin, Twitter or blogs).
- Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and register with 鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;.
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 1.0 credit in Political Theory: and 0.5 credit from courses listed in the Political Theory area.
- 1.0 credit in Canadian Politics: and .
- 1.0 credit from: , , , .
- Use and consult with your Program Advisor to ensure you meet degree and program requirements.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Book an appointment with your for in-depth library research assistance.
- Explore the .
- Check the Research Catalogue on () for possible research opportunities.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Attend the University of Toronto Model Parliament (UTMP) conference to better understand the political processes to legitimize government, policy and law.
- Interested in global issues? Then join the (UTMUN).
- Join the (LSOU) and participate in a .
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Join one of DSL鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;Community Action Projects to apply academic learning and take action for social change through engagement opportunities in the Scarborough Community.
- Gain international experience by studying at an international host university for one term to one year through the through the ISC.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Gain experience by applying for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Considering grad school? Speak to professors and program advisors early so you are on track.
- Explore careers through the AA&CC鈥檚&苍产蝉辫; program and programs.
- Develop professional skills by joining a conference like .
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- Complete your remaining methods course: .
- Start completing your applications courses within our five areas of concentration of the program: 2.5 credits in POL or PPG Applications courses of which at least 2.0 must be at the C- and/or D-level.
- Use to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Consider competing for the UTSC Library or .
- Conduct a summer research project under the supervision of eligible U of T faculty members with the University of Toronto Excellence Award.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Consider contributing in leadership about an issue that is important to you in the UTSC community by running for a seat on the , or the .
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Why not work abroad during a summer session? Visit the ISC and attend the to connect with organizations that can help you make it happen.
- Intern with a Non-Governmental Organization in Ghana, Malawi, Sri Lanka or Tanzania with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship Program; visit ISC for details.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Plan a career path with a staff member at the .
- Check for networking events and employer information sessions.
- Attend the UTSC Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.
- Consider the AA&CC鈥檚&苍产蝉辫; program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- Complete remaining applications courses and at least 0.5 credit in POL or PPG Advanced Applications courses at the D-level.
- Fulfill the depth requirements by taking appropriate number of C- and D-level courses.
- Use to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Register your 鈥淚ntent to Graduate鈥 on by the deadline.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Explore independent research courses such as to delve deeper into research of interest with a faculty member.
- Apply for the Academic Travel Fund to conduct research, present at a conference, or engage with the international academic community.
- Submit your work to , UTSC鈥檚 official Political Science Undergraduate Journal.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Consider volunteering in your local MP/MPP鈥檚 constituency office, and/or volunteering during an election if you are interested in working for a party as a constituency assistant, legislative assistant, policy advisor, or communications assistant.
- Explore summer internships or job opportunities in Political Science.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Apply for the to work with a Member of Parliament in Canada for the summer.
- Consider joining the ; volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Attend the AA&CC鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
- Attend the Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search 鈥渃rash course鈥. Find job opportunities on .
- If you are considering grad school, discuss your plans early with staff at the AA&CC and your professors.
- Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the .