Admission to the MA in Political Science degree program requires an average of B+ or better in Honours Political Science or, with the approval of the Department’s Graduate Chair, in another discipline. The Department offers a regular MA in Political Science program in four areas: Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory and Public Policy. Students must indicate the area in which they wish to major in their application.

In the MA in Political Science, studies in all areas may take the form of course work and Major Research Paper (MRP), or course work and a thesis.

Coursework with MRP
Students in this option are required to complete:

1. Four political science courses; at least two in a ‘major field’ (Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory and Public Policy) and one in a ‘minor’ field (Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, Global Politics/International Relations, Political Theory and Public Policy).
2. One additional graduate course
3. M.A. Colloquium course POLSCI 775
4. Major Research Paper (10,000 words) POLSCI 708

The MRP option is normally a one-year program.

Coursework with thesis
Five half courses (or equivalent) and a thesis, which must demonstrate independent research skills. Full-time students who wish to write a thesis must submit a thesis proposal for departmental approval by a date to be determined by the Department in Term 1, fall. If the thesis proposal is not approved, students may continue in the course/MRP option.

The thesis option is normally a two-year program.

Admission to the MA program requires a clear B+ average or better in an honours political science Bachelor’s degree or a four year major political science degree.

The Department offers a regular MA program in the following areas: Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory and Public Policy. We also offer an MA in Global Politics.

Notes:

• Only COMPLETED applications will be reviewed by the Department
• Applicants to the MA program are strongly encouraged to apply for the SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarships Competition (Scholarship Deadline is December 1st), provided they meet the eligibility requirements. For more information, visit the School of Graduate Studies: Scholarships

Required Application Documents:

Graduate Studies Online Application

Applicants are required to complete the Graduate Studies Online Application which opens October 1st each year. In addition to the online application, applicants must also submit the required documents listed below. Some required documents must be submitted through the online application.

Statement of Interest

• An electronic statement of interest (approximately 250-500 words, single or double-spaced, maximum of 1 page).
• The statement must be uploaded as a PDF attachment through the online application system.
• Your statement of interest should clearly describe your reasons for pursuing an MA degree, research interests, previous studies, experience and your career objectives.

CV/Personal Resume

• An electronic copy of your CV/Resume must be uploaded as a PDF attachment through the online application system.

Official Academic Transcripts

• Upload a scan of ALL official university transcripts completed to date to the application system. Remember to include a copy of the transcript key/legend or scale from the transcript.
• Transcripts from institutions where you completed courses on Letter of Permission and/or as part of a Student Exchange Program must also be included.
• If the official language of instruction at your institution is not English, please include both the original language document and a certified English translation.
• DO NOT submit an unofficial transcript or a student record print.
• If you receive an offer of admission further instructions will be given on how to submit formal official transcripts.

Academic References

• Two (2) confidential e-reference reports from instructors most familiar with your academic work.
• All referees are required to complete the e-Reference.
• You will be required to include contact information and an email address for each referee.
• The electronic referencing system will send an e-Reference request on your behalf.

English Language Proficiency (if applicable)

• If English is not your native language, an official copy of your English Language Proficiency score or other evidence of competency in English is required.
• Such applicants are required to supply this evidence as part of your application.
• Applicants whose university studies were complete at an institution where English is deemed the official language of instruction may be exempted from this requirement (an official letter from the institution is required).
• The English Proficiency exam must have been completed within 2 years of the application due date.
• This requirement must be met prior to an offer of admission. There will be no exceptions to the language requirement.
• The most common evidence is a score on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
• TOEFL: minimum score is 92 (iBT-internet based), 237 (computer based) or 580 (paper based). The McMaster University TOEFL/TSE Institution Code is 0936 and the Department Code for Political Science is 89.
• IELTS (Academic): minimum overall score is 6.5, with at least 5.5 in each section.

NOTE: International students wishing to enter Canada on a study permit should also contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate for further information.

Application Fee

The system will charge a non-refundable application fee. Please have a valid credit card ready to pay the application fee. The fee will not be refunded or waived.

ANY LATE OR MISSING DOCUMENTS WILL DELAY YOUR APPLICATION AND NOT BE REVIEWED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S ADMISSION COMMITTEE.

Application Deadline: 

January 31, 2024 (for September 2024 admission)

We do not offer a Winter (January) or Spring (May) start date.

The awards listed below are only opened to current Political Science graduate students. Eligible students should apply to Mosaic.

The Ellen Louks Fairclough Scholarship in Political Science

The Ellen Louks Fairclough Memorial Scholarship in Political Science was established in 2004 to commemorate the life of The Right Honourable Ellen Louks Fairclough, P.C., C.C., F.CA., L.L.D., F.R.C.G.S., D.H., U.E., Canada’s first female federal cabinet minister and lifelong advocate for women’s rights. To be awarded to a student enrolled in a graduate program in Political Science who holds an Ontario Graduate Scholarship. Preference will be given to a student with an interest in Canadian public policy.

The Political Science Travel Grant

To support research and professional development by assisting graduate students with costs related to doing field-work or attending academic conferences. This grant is open to both MA (thesis option) and PhD students. There are two rounds of applications each year with the deadlines being October 15th and January 30th.

To see additional information regarding awards and funding, please visit the Awards & Funding page.