1. What is Political Science?

Political Science is the study of power, law, and government. It explores the debates, decision-making processes and struggles that determine who gets what, how and why, and how people’s rights, obligations, and freedoms are organized at various levels of society.

2. What are the program options for Political Science and what GPA/courses do I need?

Program options are:

• Political Sciences (B.A.)
• Honours Political Science (B.A.)
• Honours Political Science Co-op Option (B.A.)
• Honours Political Science Specialization in Public Law and Judicial Studies (B.A.)
• Honours Political Science Specialization in Global Citizenship (B.A.)
• Combined Honours in Political Science and Another Subject (B.A.)
• Minor in Political Science
• Minor in Justice, Law and Order
• Minor in Public Leadership

3. What can I do with this degree? What are the career pathways?

Some popular career paths for political science graduates include:

• Law
• Public Policy
• Diplomacy
• Education
• Public Relations
• International Governance
• Marketing
• Media
• Non-Profit Sector
• Law Enforcement
• Journalism
• Political Party Organization
• Statistical or Data Analysis
• Municipal Public Service – among many others.

4. What are some experiential opportunities in the program?

The Department of Political Science offers many opportunities for students to interact with political institutions, including:

• Political Science 3PR3 students have been placed with political parties, MPs, MPPs, city councillors, and non-governmental organizations
• Political Science 3WP3 offers credit for internships
• Political Science 3FG3 offers students paid summer internship opportunities with the Federal public service
• McMaster Public Leadership for Change Distinguished Visiting Professor
• McMaster Queen’s Park Day

5. How many students are admitted to the Specialization in Public Law & Judicial Studies, and what is the GPA cut-off?

The program admits 60 students. GPA cut-off changes every year, depending on how many students request the program. In 2020-2021, it was approximately 8.2.

6. How many students are admitted to the Specialization in Global Citizenship, and what is the GPA cut-off?

The program admits 25 students. GPA cut-off changes every year, depending on how many students request the program. In 2020-2021, it was between 6 and 7.