Programs

Level 1

POLSCI 1AA3 Government, Politics and Power
POLSCI 1AB3 Politics and Power in a Globalizing World

*Only one course is required for admission to Political Science but both POLSCI 1AA3 and 1AB3 must be completed by the end of Level II.

Level 2

POLSCI 2O06 A/B Political Theory
POLSCI 2NN3 Politics by Design
Up to 15 units of Level 2 Political Science (not including POLSCI 2O06 or POLSCI 2NN3)
At least one course must be from the Canadian Politics Field of Study

Second year courses are designed to give students a foundation in our five fields: Some of these courses are prerequisites for third and fourth year classes, so make your choices carefully. Course descriptions are in the current Undergraduate Calendar.

Level 3

POLSCI 3NN3 Statistical Analysis of Primary Data
Minimum of 9 units of Level 3 Political Science (not including POLSCI 3NN3)

The third year offers a wide variety of courses that allow you to develop specialized knowledge in a particular subject. Course descriptions are in the current Undergraduate Calendar.

Study abroad usually takes place in your third year. The Political Science Department strongly encourages students to do a year abroad studying at a university in another country. Such visits can be life changing experiences as you are introduced to new courses, new faculty, new perspectives and new friends. Here is some information to get you started:

Who can go?

To be eligible you must:

• Be enrolled in an Honours or combined Honours program
• Be in the third year of a four-year program or the fourth year for a five-year program.
• Have completed at least 60 units of work with a cumulative average of at least 7.0. (Note: individual programs may have additional requirements)
• Not study abroad in your home country (international students)

Where can I go?

We have exchange agreements with universities in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Japan. For a current student exchange list visit the McMaster Global Hub.

What about money?

If you participate in an exchange, you should apply for a travel scholarship. Further details are available from the International Student Services Office and the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.

What should I do?

1. Attend one of the International Student Services Office Exchange Information Sessions. They are held in October, November and January. For more details, visit https://iss.mcmaster.ca/outgoing-mcmaster-students/exchange-information-sessions.html
2. Gather information at these sessions so that you can discover your exchange options, application process, dates, deadlines, funding your exchange program and have other questions answered.
3. Then make an appointment to discuss your exchange university choices and to develop a study plan with an Academic Advisor in the Faculty of Social Sciences.
4. Contact the Department’s Internationalization Officer to let them know what your are doing so we can follow your progress. (Dr. Tony Porter at tporter@mcmaster.ca)

Level 4

12 units of Level IV Political Science
Students may take a maximum of 12 units of Level IV Political Science. Additional units of Level IV POLSCI courses may not be used towards electives

Regular Honours Political Science students are required to take any combination of Level IV Political Science courses to achieve a total of 12 units. As stated in the Undergraduate Calendar, Students may take a maximum of 12 units of Level IV Political Science and will be removed from any excess units of Level IV Political Science unless permission is granted by the Department.

6 units of Level IV Political Science
Students enrolled in a Combined Honours BA in Political Science and another subject may take a maximum of 6 units of Level IV Political Science and will be removed from any excess units of Level IV Political Science unless permission is granted by the Department. Additional units of Level IV POL SCI courses may not be used towards electives.

This requires completion of any Level I program with a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 including a grade of C or greater in one of POLSCI 1AA3 or 1AB3 or a grade of at least C in POLSCI 1G06 A/B. For continuation in the program, see Minimum Requirements for Entering and Continuing in a Program Beyond Level I in the Faculty of Social Sciences Academic Regulations.

Students also have the option of pursuing a four year Combined Honours BA in Political Science and another subject. This requires completion of any Level I program with a GPA of at least 5.0. Students must have a grade of C or greater in one of POL SCI 1AA3 or 1AB3 or a grade of at least C in POL SCI 1G06 A/B. It also requires satisfaction of the admission requirements for the Honours program in the other B.A. subject. For continuation in the program, see Minimum Requirements for Entering and Continuing in a Program Beyond Level I in the Faculty of Social Sciences Academic Regulations. 

Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

All undergraduate students accepted for admission to McMaster University are automatically considered for a McMaster University entrance award. Additional entrance awards, in-course scholarships, bursaries and other forms of financial assistance are available to you at various stages of their undergraduate careers.

Each scholarship, bursary, Government Aid or Work Study Program has its own unique application process and requirements. More information on Aids & Awards visit the Student Affairs, Office of the Registrar website.

The Clarke Prizes in Advocacy and Active Citizenship

Established in 2014 by Ryan Clarke (Class of '88) and Leanna Clarke to reward distinguished advocacy demonstrated by students at McMaster University who are - or wish to - advocate for some type of meaningful social and/or political change.

Parliamentary Internship Programs

• Federal Parliamentary Internship
• Ontario Legislative Internship 

Fall / Winter 2022-2023

Undergraduate Chair 
Dr. Todd Alway
alwayto@mcmaster.ca

Political Science Academic Advisor
Dr. Robert O'Brien
obrienr@mcmaster.ca

Recruitment, Awards & Scholarship Coordinator
Dr. Nibaldo Galleguillos
gallegui@mcmaster.ca

Careers, Experiential & Alumni Coordinator
Dr. Lana Wylie
wyliel@mcmaster.ca

Academic Advising

The Academic Advising office is run through the Office of the Associate Dean in the Faculty of Social Sciences. The primary goal of the Advising Office is to provide all Social Sciences undergraduate students with the information and guidance they need to succeed in their academic careers.

Advisors can help you make the right academic decisions by explaining policies and regulations as well as presenting different options and supports available in your studies.

An academic advisor can assist you with:

• Course requirements, dropping and adding courses
• Program selection, application and changes
• Studying abroad
• Transfer credits
• Petitions for missed term work, deferred examinations and special consideration
• Appeals procedures
• Referral to other campus services

Learn more about Academic Advising in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Level 1

POLSCI 1AA3 Government, Politics and Power
POLSCI 1AB3 Politics and Power in a Globalizing World

*Only one course is required for admission to Political Science but both POLSCI 1AA3 and 1AB3 must be completed by the end of Level II.

Level 2

POLSCI 2O06 A/B Political Theory
POLSCI 2C03 Force and Fear, Crime and Punishment
POLSCI 2D03 Canadian Democracy OR POLSCI 2M03 Governance, Representation, and Participation in Democracies
POLSCI 2NN3 Politics by Design

Level 3

POLSCI 3NN3 Statistical Analysis of Primary Data
POLSCI 3CL3 Constitutional and Public Law in Canada
POLSCI 3RF3 The Charter of Rights and Freedoms

9 Units from the Public Law and Judicial Studies Course List
Public Law and Judicial Studies Course List

• LABRST 3C03 Labour and Employment Law
• POLSCI 3C03 Government and Politics of Indigenous People
• POLSCI 3CC3 Political Authority: 20th-Century Political Theory
• POLSCI 3G03 Ethnicity and Multiculturalism: Theory and Practice
• POLSCI 3GG3 Federalism
• POLSCI 3IP3 Intellectual Property
• POLSCI 3JR3 The Rule of Law and Legal and Judicial Reforms in the Developing World
• POLSCI 3K03 Migration and Citizenship: Canadian, Comparative and Global Perspectives
• POLSCI 3KA3 Indigenous Human Rights
• POLSCI 3KK3 Genocide: Sociological and Political Perspectives
• POLSCI 3LP3 Topics in Law and Policy
• POLSCI 3V03 Gender and Politics
• POLSCI 3VV3 Democratic Theory
• POLSCI 3Y03 Democratization and Human Rights

9 units of Level II or III Political Science of which a maximum of 3 units may be from Level II.

Level 4

POLSCI 4JS3 Judicial Studies
POLSCI 4LC3 Research on Law and Courts

6 units of Level 4 Political Science
Students may take a maximum of 12 units of Level IV Political Science and will be removed from any excess units of Level IV Political Science unless permission is granted by the Department. Additional units of Level IV Political Science may not be used as electives.

Enrollment in this program is limited and possession of the published minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Selection is based on academic achievement but requires, as a minimum, completion of any Level I program with a Grade Point Average of at least 5.0 including a grade of C or greater in one of POLSCI 1AA3 or 1AB3 (or a grade of at least C in POLSCI 1G06 A/B). For continuation in the program, see Minimum Requirements for Entering and Continuing in a Program Beyond Level I in the Faculty of Social Sciences Academic Regulations.

Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

All undergraduate students accepted for admission to McMaster University are automatically considered for a McMaster University entrance award. Additional entrance awards, in-course scholarships, bursaries and other forms of financial assistance are available to you at various stages of their undergraduate careers.

Each scholarship, bursary, Government Aid or Work Study Program has its own unique application process and requirements. More information on financial aid visit the Student Affairs Office of the Registrar website.

The Clarke Prizes in Advocacy and Active Citizenship

Established in 2014 by Ryan Clarke (Class of '88) and Leanna Clarke to reward distinguished advocacy demonstrated by students at McMaster University who are - or wish to - advocate for some type of meaningful social and/or political change.

Parliamentary Internship Programs

• Federal Parliamentary Internship
• Ontario Legislative Internship 

Level 1

• POLSCI 1AA3 Government, Politics, and Power
• POLSCI 1AB3 Politics and Power in a Globalizing World
• GLOBALZN 1A03 Global Citizenship

Level 2

• POLSCI 2I03 Global Politics
• POLSCI 2J03 Global Political Economy
• POLSCI 2O06 A/B Political Theory 
• POLSCI 2D03 Canadian Democracy OR POLSCI 2M03 Governance, Representation, and Participation in Democracy 
• POLSCI 2NN3 Politics by Design

Level 3

• POLSCI 3NN3 Statistical Analysis of Primary Data

Level 3 Global Citizenship Experiential Requirement

An important element of the Global Citizenship specialization is experiential engagement with global issues in the third year of your program. You will do this either by studying abroad for one or two terms or undertaking a placement with a group or organisation working on global issues. The two options are outlined below.

1. Term(s) Abroad

Spend either one or two terms abroad studying courses that align with our third year global citizenship course list.

Process:

• Attend an exchange information session in the autumn of your second year.
• Review McMaster's International Student Services Outgoing Exchange website.
• Research programs and universities.
• Make an appointment to discuss your exchange university choices and to develop a study plan with an Academic Advisor in the Faculty of Social Sciences.
• List your top 3 destinations, attend exchange interview.

Financing

• Exchanges are expensive and there is some financial support.
• McCall McBain International Fellowships 
• Exchange Ambassador Awards, Bursaries 
• Killam Fellowships (for studying in US) 

Common Universities

McMaster has a large number of exchange agreements with other universities. Some are open to all universities while others are limited to particular faculties. The universities that our students have most often attended are:

• Australia / New Zealand – University of Adelaide, University of Auckland
• UK – Sheffield, Warwick, Bristol, Durham, Leeds, Newcastle
• Ireland – Limerick, Maynooth
• France – Science Po Lille, Jean Moulin Lyon III
• Netherlands - VU Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam

Other possibilities worth exploring:

• Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Israel)
• Osaka University (Japan)
• University of Trento (Italy)

For students who decide to do a single term exchange, 9 units from the Global Citizenship Level III Course List are required to be completed.

2. Global Citizenship Placement

An alternative to a term abroad is placement with a group or organization working on a global citizenship issue. This could include groups working on development issues, refugees and settlement, peace and security, climate change, international solidarity of various forms. The placement can take a wide variety of forms. It might involve working on a specific project for a local organisation, volunteering for an organisation, an intensive summer course or even an executive role with McMaster’s Model UN. Most placements would involve 40-80 hours of work and a final reflection paper on the experience. Students will receive 3 units of academic credit in POLSCI 3WP3 (Working in Politics) and will be required to complete an additional 15 units from the Global Citizenship Level III Course List. 

This experience is largely self-directed which means that students take a leadership role in identifying a potential partner and placing their experience in the context of the theme of Global Citizenship. Students will receive guidance from the Department and Office of Experiential Education.

Level 4

• POLSCI 4GC3 Advanced Issues in Global Citizenship
• 9 units from the Global Citizenship Level IV Course List

Global Citizenship Level III Course List

• POLSCI 3C03 Government and Politics of Indigenous People
• POLSCI 3CC3 Political Authority: 20th-Century Political Theory
• POLSCI 3EE3 International Relations: North-South
• POLSCI 3G03 Ethnicity and Multiculturalism: Theory and Practice
• POLSCI 3GC3 Politics of a Dying Planet
• POLSCI 3H03 Honours Issues in Comparative Politics
• POLSCI 3K03 Migration and Citizenship: Canadian, Comparative and Global Perspectives
• POLSCI 3KK3 Genocide: Sociological and Political Perspectives 
• POLSCI 3LB3 Globalization and the World Order
• POLSCI 3LC3 Southeast Asian Politics
• POLSCI 3LL3 Development and Public Policy
• POLSCI 3PB3 Politics from Below
• POLSCI 3PG3 Political Geography
• POLSCI 3Q03 The Causes of War
• POLSCI 3RF3 The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• POLSCI 3V03 Gender and Politics
• POLSCI 3VV3 Democratic Theory
• POLSCI 3Y03 Democratization and Human Rights

Global Citizenship Level IV Course List

• POLSCI 4CF3 Canadian Foreign Policy 
• POLSCI 4D06 A/B International Politics
• POLSCI 4GG3 Conceptual Issues in Global Politics
• POLSCI 4HR3 Human Rights
• POLSCI 4JJ3 Cosmopolitanism
• POLSCI 4KB3 Non-Western International Relations
• POLSCI 4KC3 Comparative Democratization 
• POLSCI 4KK3 Advanced Issues in Global Security
• POLSCI 4LA3 Politics in Latin America
• POLSCI 4NN3 Studies in Global Political Economy
• POLSCI 4PE3 Global Political Ecology
• POLSCI 4QQ3 Issues in International Politics
• POLSCI 4UF3 US Foreign Policy
• POLSCI 4Y03 Domination and Decolonization 
• POLSCI 4YR3 Child/Youth Rights and Security in Global Political Perspective
• POLSCI 4Z06 A/B Honours Essay

Enrollment in this program is limited and possession of the published minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Selection is based on academic achievement but requires, as a minimum, completion on any Level I program with a Grade Point average of at least a 5.0 including a grade of C or greater in POLSCI 1AB3 (or 1G06 A/B). Students are strongly encouraged to complete POLSCI 1AA3 and GLOBALZN 1A03 in Level I.

Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

All undergraduate students accepted for admission to McMaster University are automatically considered for a McMaster University entrance award. Additional entrance awards, in-course scholarships, bursaries and other forms of financial assistance are available to you at various stages of their undergraduate careers.

Each scholarship, bursary, Government Aid or Work Study Program has its own unique application process and requirements. For more information on financial aid visit the Student Affairs, Office of the Registrar.

The Clarke Prizes in Advocacy and Active Citizenship

Established in 2014 by Ryan Clarke (Class of '88) and Leanna Clarke to reward distinguished advocacy demonstrated by students at McMaster University who are - or wish to - advocate for some type of meaningful social and/or political change.

Parliamentary Internship Programs

• Federal Parliamentary Internship
• Ontario Legislative Internship

Fall / Winter 2022-2023

Undergraduate Chair 
Dr. Todd Alway
alwayto@mcmaster.ca

Political Science Academic Advisor
Dr. Robert O'Brien
obrienr@mcmaster.ca

Recruitment, Awards & Scholarship Coordinator
Dr. Nibaldo Galleguillos
gallegui@mcmaster.ca

Careers, Experiential & Alumni Coordinator
Dr. Lana Wylie
wyliel@mcmaster.ca

Academic Advising

The Academic Advising office is run through the Office of the Associate Dean in the Faculty of Social Sciences. The primary goal of the Advising Office is to provide all Social Sciences undergraduate students with the information and guidance they need to succeed in their academic careers.

Advisors can help you make the right academic decisions by explaining policies and regulations as well as presenting different options and supports available in your studies.

An academic advisor can assist you with:

• Course requirements, dropping and adding courses
• Program selection, application and changes
• Studying abroad
• Transfer credits
• Petitions for missed term work, deferred examinations and special consideration
• Appeals procedures
• Referral to other campus services

Learn more about Academic Advising in the Social Sciences.

Level 1

POL SCI 1AA3 Government, Politics, and Power
POL SCI 1AB3 Politics and Power in a Globalizing World

*Only one course is required for admission to Political Science but both POLSCI 1AA3 and 1AB3 must be completed by the end of Level II.

Level 2

Up to 15 units of Level 2 Political Science
Second year courses are designed to give students a foundation in our five fields. Some of these courses are prerequisites for third and fourth year classes, so make your choices carefully. Course descriptions are in the current Undergraduate Calendar.

Students must also complete at least one course from the Canadian Politics field of study at the second, third or four year level. 

Level 3

Minimum of 9 units of Level 3 Political Science

Requires completion of any Level I program, with a GPA of at least 3.5 including a grade of C- or greater in one of POLSCI 1AA3 or POLSCI 1AB3 or a grade of at least C- in POLSCI 1G06 A/B.

Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

All undergraduate students accepted for admission to McMaster University are automatically considered for a McMaster University entrance award. Additional entrance awards, in-course scholarships, bursaries and other forms of financial assistance are available to you at various stages of their undergraduate careers.

Each scholarship, bursary, Government Aid or Work Study Program has its own unique application process and requirements. More information on Aids & Awards visit the Student Affairs, Office of the Registrar website.

The Clarke Prizes in Advocacy and Active Citizenship

Established in 2014 by Ryan Clarke (Class of '88) and Leanna Clarke to reward distinguished advocacy demonstrated by students at McMaster University who are - or wish to - advocate for some type of meaningful social and/or political change.

Parliamentary Internship Programs

• Federal Parliamentary Internship
• Ontario Legislative Internship 

Note: Students are responsible for ensuring that any prerequisites for preferred upper-year courses are met in advance.

6 units

• POLSCI 1AA3 Government, Politics, and Power
• POLSCI 1AB3 Politics and Power in a Globalizing World 

6 units

• POLSCI 2D03 Canadian Democracy
• POLSCI 2C03 Force and Fear, Crime and Punishment

6 units

• POLSCI 3CL3 Constitutional and Public Law in Canada
• POLSCI 3RF3 The Charter of Rights and Freedoms

6 units

• from the Multidisciplinary Course List
  (See Note Above)

Multidisciplinary Course List

• ANTHROP 3FA3 Forensic Anthropology
• HLTHAGE 2G03
• HLTHAGE 2GG3 Mental Health and Society
• HLTHAGE 3DD3 Work: Dangerous to your Health?
• INDIGST 3K03 Indigenous Human Rights
• LABRST 2W03 Human Rights and Social Justice
• LABRST 3C03 Labour and Employment Law
• POLSCI 3C03 Government and Politics of Indigenous People
• POLSCI 3CC3 Political Authority: 20th-Century Political Theory
• POLSCI 3G03 Ethnicity and Multiculturalism: Theory and Practice
• POLSCI 3GG3 Federalism
• POLSCI 3K03 Migration and Citizenship: Canadian, Comparative and Global Perspectives
• POLSCI 3KK3 Genocide: Sociological and Political Perspectives
• POLSCI 3V03 Gender and Politics
• POLSCI 3VV3 Democratic Theory
• POLSCI 3Y03 Democratization and Human Rights
• PSYCH 3CC3 Forensic Psychology
• RELIGST 2RD3
• SCAR 2RD3 Religion and Diversity
• SOCWORK 3H03
• SOCIOL 2BB3 Sociology of Deviance
• SOCIOL 2CC3 Constructing Deviance
• SOCIOL 2C06
• SOCIOL 3GG3 Special Topics in the Sociology of Deviance

If you are enrolled in a four- or five-level program (with the exception of the Medical Radiation Sciences program which is a three-level program offered over a four-year period), you are eligible to obtain a Minor in Justice, Law and Order. Please note that in order to declare a Minor in Justice, Law and Order, at least 12 units (above Level I) must be elective to the degree.

Students enrolled in an Honours Political Science Specialization in Public Law & Judicial Studies may not claim a Minor in Justice, Law & Order.

In the final year of a program, to apply for a Minor, students must complete the Minor/Certificate Application in addition to their online Graduation Information Centre (GIC) application. The student’s Faculty will verify that the requirements have been met and, if successful, the transcript will indicate that a Minor has been obtained. Minors cannot be revoked once approved.

Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

All undergraduate students accepted for admission to McMaster University are automatically considered for a McMaster University entrance award. Additional entrance awards, in-course scholarships, bursaries and other forms of financial assistance are available to you at various stages of their undergraduate careers.

Each scholarship, bursary, Government Aid or Work Study Program a(DELETE) has its own unique application process and requirements. For more information on financial aid visit the Student Affairs Office of the Registrar.

The Clarke Prizes in Advocacy and Active Citizenship

Established in 2014 by Ryan Clarke (Class of '88) and Leanna Clarke to reward distinguished advocacy demonstrated by students at McMaster University who are - or wish to - advocate for some type of meaningful social and/or political change.

Parliamentary Internship Programs

• Federal Parliamentary Internship
• Ontario Legislative Internship 

Fall / Winter 2022-2023

Undergraduate Chair 
Dr. Todd Alway
alwayto@mcmaster.ca

Political Science Academic Advisor
Dr. Robert O'Brien
obrienr@mcmaster.ca

Recruitment, Awards & Scholarship Coordinator
Dr. Nibaldo Galleguillos
gallegui@mcmaster.ca

Careers, Experiential & Alumni Coordinator
Dr. Lana Wylie
wyliel@mcmaster.ca

Academic Advising

The Academic Advising office is run through the Office of the Associate Dean. The primary goal of the Advising Office is to provide all Social Sciences undergraduate students with the information and guidance they need to succeed in their academic careers.

Advisors can help you make the right academic decisions by explaining policies and regulations as well as presenting different options and supports available in your studies.

An academic advisor can assist you with:

• Course requirements, dropping and adding courses
• Program selection, application and changes
• Studying abroad
• Transfer credits
• Petitions for missed term work, deferred examinations and special consideration
• Appeals procedures
• Referral to other campus services

Learn more about Academic Advising in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

6 units

Level I Political Science

18 units

Levels II, III Political Science of which up to 12 units may be Level II

If you are enrolled in a four- or five-level program (with the exception of the Medical Radiation Sciences program which is a three-level program offered over a four-year period), you are eligible to obtain a Minor in Political Science, provided that the subject area is not integral to the requirements of your degree program. You should check the calendar requirements statement for your program in the case of Science programs, or check with your Faculty in the case of other programs, for subject areas that are excluded from consideration as a Minor in your program.

In the final year of a program, to apply for a Minor, students must complete the Minor/Certificate Application in addition to their online Graduation Information Centre (GIC) application. The student’s Faculty will verify that the requirements have been met and, if successful, the transcript will indicate that a Minor has been obtained. Minors cannot be revoked once approved.

Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

All undergraduate students accepted for admission to McMaster University are automatically considered for a McMaster University entrance award. Additional entrance awards, in-course scholarships, bursaries and other forms of financial assistance are available to you at various stages of their undergraduate careers.

Each scholarship, bursary, Government Aid or Work Study Program a(DELETE) has its own unique application process and requirements. More information on financial aid visit the Student Affairs Office of the Registrar website.

The Clarke Prizes in Advocacy and Active Citizenship

Established in 2014 by Ryan Clarke (Class of '88) and Leanna Clarke to reward distinguished advocacy demonstrated by students at McMaster University who are - or wish to - advocate for some type of meaningful social and/or political change.

Parliamentary Internship Programs

• Federal Parliamentary Internship
• Ontario Legislative Internship 

Fall / Winter 2022-2023

Undergraduate Chair 
Dr. Todd Alway
alwayto@mcmaster.ca

Political Science Academic Advisor
Dr. Robert O'Brien
obrienr@mcmaster.ca

Recruitment, Awards & Scholarship Coordinator
Dr. Nibaldo Galleguillos
gallegui@mcmaster.ca

Careers, Experiential & Alumni Coordinator
Dr. Lana Wylie
wyliel@mcmaster.ca

Academic Advising

The Academic Advising office is run through the Office of the Associate Dean in the Faculty of Social Sciences. The primary goal of the Advising Office is to provide all Social Sciences undergraduate students with the information and guidance they need to succeed in their academic careers.

Advisors can help you make the right academic decisions by explaining policies and regulations as well as presenting different options and supports available in your studies.

An academic advisor can assist you with:

• Course requirements, dropping and adding courses
• Program selection, application and changes
• Studying abroad
• Transfer credits
• Petitions for missed term work, deferred examinations and special consideration
• Appeals procedures
• Referral to other campus services

Learn more about Academic Advising in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

24 units total

3 Units   Foundations of Public Policy, Public Administration and Public Service

• POL SCI 2U03 - Public Policy and Administration

3 Units Leadership and Leadership Practices

• POL SCI 3FG3 - Public Service Leadership
• SOC SCI 2LC3 – Leadership and Communications for the Not-For-For Profit Sector
• SOC SCI 3EL3 – Leadership Through Experiential Learning

6 Units  Spaces, Places and Needs for Public Leadership

• POL SCI 2F03 - Politics, Power and Influence in Canada
• POL SCI 2H03 - Globalization and the State
• POL SCI 2XX3 - Politics of the Developing World
• POLSCI 3PB3 - Politics from Below
• RELIGST 2ER3
• RELIGST 2VR3
• SCAR 2ER3 - Religion, the Body, and the Machine
• SCAR 2VR3 - Violence and Religion

12 Units  Other Aspects of Leadership

• POL SCI 3BB3 - Political Communication
• POL SCI 3C03 - Government and Politics of Indigenous People
• POL SCI 3EE3 - International Relations: North and South
• POL SCI 3F03 - Contemporary Social Movements and Popular Coalitions
• POL SCI 3G03 - Ethnicity and Multiculturalism
• POL SCI 3J03 – Canadian Politics and Public Policy
• POL SCI 3K03 - Migration and Citizenship
• POL SCI 3LB3 - Globalization and the World Order
• POL SCI 3LL3 - Development and Public Policy
• POL SCI 3V03 - Gender and Politics
• POL SCI 3VV3 - Democratic Theory
• POL SCI 3Y03 - Democratization and Human Rights
• POL SCI 3Z03 - Canadian Public Sector: Implementation of Policies
• POL SCI 4O06 – Canadian Politics
• RELIGST 3CC3
• SCAR 3CC3/POLSCI 3LA3 - Religion and Politics

If you are enrolled in a four- or five-level program (with the exception of the Medical Radiation Sciences program which is a three-level program offered over a four-year period), you are eligible to obtain a Minor in Public Leadership. Please note that in order to declare a Minor in Public Leadership, at least 12 units (above Level I) must be elective to the degree.

In the final year of a program, to apply for a Minor, students must complete the Minor/Certificate Application in addition to their online Graduation Information Centre (GIC) application. The student’s Faculty will verify that the requirements have been met and, if successful, the transcript will indicate that a Minor has been obtained. Minors cannot be revoked once approved.

Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards

All undergraduate students accepted for admission to McMaster University are automatically considered for a McMaster University entrance award. Additional entrance awards, in-course scholarships, bursaries and other forms of financial assistance are available to you at various stages of their undergraduate careers.

Each scholarship, bursary, Government Aid or Work Study Program a(DELETE) has its own unique application process and requirements. More information on financial aid visit the Student Financial Aid & Scholarship (SFAS) Office.

The Clarke Prizes in Advocacy and Active Citizenship

Established in 2014 by Ryan Clarke (Class of '88) and Leanna Clarke to reward distinguished advocacy demonstrated by students at McMaster University who are - or wish to - advocate for some type of meaningful social and/or political change.

Parliamentary Internship Programs

• Federal Parliamentary Internship
• Ontario Legislative Internship 

Fall / Winter 2022-2023

Undergraduate Chair 
Dr. Todd Alway
alwayto@mcmaster.ca

Political Science Academic Advisor
Dr. Robert O'Brien
obrienr@mcmaster.ca

Recruitment, Awards & Scholarship Coordinator
Dr. Nibaldo Galleguillos
gallegui@mcmaster.ca

Careers, Experiential & Alumni Coordinator
Dr. Lana Wylie
wyliel@mcmaster.ca

Academic Advising

The Academic Advising office is run through the Office of the Associate Dean. The primary goal of the Advising Office is to provide all Social Sciences undergraduate students with the information and guidance they need to succeed in their academic careers.

Advisors can help you make the right academic decisions by explaining policies and regulations as well as presenting different options and supports available in your studies.

An academic advisor can assist you with:

• Course requirements, dropping and adding courses
• Program selection, application and changes
• Studying abroad
• Transfer credits
• Petitions for missed term work, deferred examinations and special consideration
• Appeals procedures
• Referral to other campus services

Learn more about Academic Advising in the Social Sciences.

Admission to the M.A. in Political Science degree program requires an average of B+ or better in Honours Political Science degree or a four year major political science degree or similar. The Department offers a regular M.A. 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 M.A. 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. 

A. COURSE WORK WITH MRP

Students in this option are required to complete:

a. 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).

b. One additional graduate course

c. M.A. Colloquium course POLSCI 775

d. Major Research Paper (10,000 words) POLSCI 708

The MRP option is normally a one-year program.

B. COURSE WORK 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 the Fall term (term 1). 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 or similar.

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 1^st), provided they meet the eligibility requirements. For more information, visit the School of Graduate Studies: Awards & Funding

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

• A statement of interest (approximately 250-500 words, single or double-spaced, maximum of 1 page).
• The statement must be uploaded as a PDF attachment only 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.

C.V. / 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 your institution produces official electronic transcripts that can be sent directly to other institutions select this option. The issuing institution must send the official transcript directly to Manuela Dozzi by email at dozzim@mcmaster.ca.
• 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 unless the document shows your full name, student number, the university name (official branding), and contains all courses completed and in progress with final grades.
• If you receive an offer of admission further instructions will be given on how to submit formal official transcripts.

Academic References

• Two (2) confidential academic reference reports from instructors most familiar with your academic work
• All referees are required to complete the e-Reference.
• McMaster University uses an Electronic Referencing System (e-Reference). You will be required to include an email address for each referee. Your referees will receive an email message asking them to complete an e-Reference.
• If you need to change your reference or referee email address after submitting your application, you may do so by navigating back to your application through the Application Status Portal.
• IMPORTANT: The system will send the e-Reference request to your references ONLY AFTER YOU SUBMIT your online application. This means that you will need to have completed AND uploaded your Statement of Interest and CV/Resume to your online application BEFORE you can click the “submit” button. References may require 2-4 weeks to complete the e-Reference reports. Referees MUST complete their reference report BY THE APPLICATION DEADLINE of January 28. Please keep this in mind when you are working on your application.

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: Foreign students wishing to enter Canada on a student visa should also contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate for visa information.

Application Fee

The system will charge a $110 (Canadian) application fee. This fee is non-refundable and payable by credit card only.  If there is an issue with the payment, the application will not submit. When the payment is approved, you will receive an application acknowledgement email confirming that your application has been successfully submitted. Applications will not be considered for admission until an application fee has been paid.

How to Apply:

Each applicant is required to complete the Graduate Studies Online Application which opens October 1^st each year and submit the required application documents listed above to complete the application.

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

If required, send all official documents (official paper copy) to:

Department of Political Science
c/o Manuela Dozzi
Kenneth Taylor Hall 527 (KTH-527)
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8S 4M4

Application Deadline:

• January 28, 2023 (for September 2023 admission)

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

For other graduate programs offered by McMaster University please click here.
Overview of Graduate Studies at McMaster University please click here.

Black Excellence Graduate Scholarship

The Black Excellence Graduate Scholarship is valued at $5,000 and is open to Black graduate students applying for either the MA or PhD programs in the Department of Political Science. Applicants who self-identify as Black, Caribbean, or members of the African diaspora can indicate if they would like to be considered for the scholarship on their application form. 

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 Awards & Funding page.

Students should consult with the Department MA Political Science Advisor or Area Convenors about the courses to be taken in order to satisfactorily complete the program.

Research Clusters 

While the department covers all the main fields in Political Science, we also have research expertise and knowledge in the following research clusters. Visit the following research clusters for more information on the faculty members who teach and conduct research in these specific areas, and the types of projects currently being conducted in the department. 

• Climate and Sustainability 
• Critical International Relations
• Digital Democracy
• Gender and Politics
• Globalization
• Global Political Economy
• Labour Issues
• Politics of Representation
• Radical Political Theory
• Social Policy (including health policy)

Interdisciplinary Networks 

Aside from the different research clusters within the Department of Political Science, our faculty members also lead and/or are actively involved in the following interdisciplinary networks in McMaster University: 

• Austerity Research Group
• Asian Research Working Group
• Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis (CHEPA)
• Ethnic Quota Project
• Globalization and Time
• Institute on Globalization and the Human Condition
• Centre for Research in Empirical Social Sciences (CRESS)

Students in the M.A. in Global Politics are required to complete: 

a) Four (4) international relations courses; one of which must be POLSCI 772 Theories of International Politics

b) One (1) additional graduate course

c) M.A. Colloquium course, POLSCI 775

d) Major Research Paper (10,000 words), POLSCI 708

A. Courses for the M.A. in Global Politics

(Note: not all courses listed are offered each year)

705 Global Public Policy

708 MA Major Research Paper

715 Liberalism and Imperialism

717 Political Violence and Revolution

730 Digital Technology and the Politics of the Information Age

731 Forgetting, Remembering & Finding Actors in IR

734 Marx and Marxisms

756 Politics and Its Others

757 Theories of Political Community

758 Cosmopolitanism and Its Critics

767 Politics of the Global South: An International Relations Perspective

768 Political Economy of Global Climate Change

771 Advanced Concepts in International Relations Theory

772 Theories of International Politics

773 Selected Topics in International Politics

774 Global Political Economy

775 MA Colloquium

776 Advanced Issues in Critical Security Studies

777 Global Governance

778 Methodologies in Critical International Relations

782 Development Theory and Public Administration 

788 From Ottawa to Washington and Beyond: Critical Perspectives on Foreign Policy

789 Global Finance 

796 Research Design and Methods

B. Other courses of interest

(Note: not all courses listed are offered each year)

701 Topics in Globalization Studies I (GLOBALST 701)

704 Global Social Policy (GLOBALST 704)

712 International Trade and Development (GLOBALST 712)

718 Global Actors Beyond the State: Methods and Cases (GLOBALST 718)

740 Theories of Comparative Politics

742 Politics of Developing Areas

757 The British Empire and Global Integration, 1815-1960 (HISTORY 757 / GLOBALST 757)

764 Global Power, Local Cultures: Comparative Colonialism in Africa (HISTORY 764 / GLOBALST 764)

Selecting your courses

When choosing graduate courses MA Global Politics students should consider the broad range of offerings available in the Department of Political Science, other departments and the Institute on Globalization and the Human Condition. Consider combining your IR courses with others into a theme if you wish to learn about a particular area in depth. Below are some themes and combinations to consider. A “*” indicates an IR listed course.

(Note: not all courses listed are offered each year)

Interested in Developing Countries and Development?

712 International Trade and Development (GLOBALST 712)

742 Politics of Developing Areas

767 Politics of the Global South: An International Relations Perspective*

774 Global Political Economy*

782 Development Theory and Administration*

Interested in Theoretical Approaches to International Relations?

718 Global Actors Beyond the State: Methods & Cases (GLOBALST718)

731 Forgetting, Remembering and Finding Actors in IR*

749 Topics in Gender and Politics

756 Politics and Its Others

757 Theory of Political Community

758 Cosmopolitanism and its Critics*

771 Advanced Concepts in International Relations Theory*

772 Theories of International Politics*

776 Advanced Issues in Critical Security Studies*

Interested in the politics of other countries?

702 Contemporary Problems in Anthropology (ANTHRO 702)

715 Globalization and China (GLOBALST 715)

716 Comparative Authoritarianism

740 Theories of Comparative Politics

764 Global Power, Local Cultures: Comparative Colonialisms in Africa (HISTORY 764 / GLOBALST 764)

Interested in Social Policy / Social Issues?

704 Global Social Policy (GLOBALST 704)

705 Global Public Policy*

708 Health & Aging in a Global & International Context (HLTH AGE 708)

730 Work and Democracy in the Global Society (LABRST 730)

749 Topics in Gender and Politics

Interested in Research Design?

796 Research Design and Methods

MA COLLOQUIUM COURSE

775 MA Colloquium

The Colloquium will take place every second week in the Fall and Winter terms under the leadership of the Convenor. It will be a two hour meeting with all of the MA students. It will consist of faculty presentations highlighting their research and professional development sessions on topics such as grant writing, PhD programs and career information. Other sessions will focus upon skills needed for the Major Research paper (choosing a topic and supervisor, preparing an outline etc.)

MAJOR RESEARCH PAPER

708 Major Research Paper

In addition to completing 18 units of graduate level coursework, students enrolled in the M.A. in Global Politics are required to complete a Major Research Paper (MRP). The MRP process will begin in the fall term with brainstorming about the topic, and will be completed in the spring/summer term following their coursework.  The default option is an individual MRP, but the Department also welcomes collaborative MRPs involving two or more students.

The major research paper (MRP) is an opportunity for students to do an extended piece of research on a topic of their choosing. Additional guidance on the MRP will be provided in the MA Colloquium (POLSCI 775).

Students will be assigned a faculty supervisor through a process orchestrated by the MA Colloquium Convenor. Students will be informed of their supervisor near the end of the fall term. 

MRPs are to be no longer than 10,000 words including all front matter, references and bibliography. That normally leaves 8,000 words for the text which is the length of an average scholarly journal article.

Various assignments and expectations of students in the MA Colloquium course are related to the development of the MRP. More details on these are available in the course outline for the MA Colloquium. For convenience, some key deadlines for these are included in this list:

1. Create profile page and initial statement of research interests on Teams site for Pol Sci 775 MA Colloquium due Monday September 19, 11:59 pm
2. Sample research question, due Monday October 24, 2022, 11:59 pm
3. Formal proposal, for presentation to your Colloquium Topic Group, due Monday January 9, 2023, 9 am
4. MRP “First findings” presentation, transcript due Thursday March 9, 2023
5. Update on your MRP research, due Monday April 3, 2023
6. First full MRP Draft, due Monday, May 8, 2023
7. Second Draft, due Monday, June 5, 2023
8. MRP (final version), due Friday, June 30, 2023

Details on expectations and evaluations of items #1-4 in the above list of deadlines are available in the MA Colloquium course outline (POLSCI 708). Some further details about items #5-7, the first, second, and final drafts of the MRP, are here:

First Draft Copy, due Monday, May 8, 2023
Your first draft copy is to be submitted to your Supervisor by this deadline. Comments will be returned to you on or about Monday, May 22, 2023.

Second Draft Copy, due Monday, June 5, 2023
Your revised second draft is to be submitted to your Supervisor by this deadline. Comments will be returned to you by or about Friday, June 16, 2023.

MRP Final Copy, due Friday, June 30, 2023 by 4:00 p.m.
An electronic copy (PDF) of your MRP in finished form must be submitted to the Graduate Administrative Assistant, Manuela Dozzi at dozzim@mcmaster.ca by 4:00 p.m. EST.

Submission of Assignments

An electronic copy in PDF form must be submitted to the Graduate Administrative Assistant, Manuela Dozzi at dozzim@mcmaster.ca by no later than 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday, June 30, 2023.

Your MRP must be prepared with a word processor, double-spaced, set to paper size of 8 1/2 by 11" paper. The MRP must be in either 10 or 12 point Arial font. Top and left margins should be 3.8 cm and the right and bottom margins should be 2.5 cm. All pages are to be numbered EXCEPT the title page and all pages should have header information containing the degree program, author's name, McMaster University and the department, e.g. MA MRP - A. Smith; McMaster University - Political Science.

Sources must be documented according to the conventions of a recognized academic style (MLA, Chicago, etc.).

Grades

Your MRP will be read and marked by your Supervisory and a second reader, normally chosen by your Supervisory and/or MA Colloquium Convenor.

The MRP is marked on a pass/fail basis. Truly outstanding papers may be given a pass with distinction (P+). We will collate comments from both markers and pass them on to the students by August 31, 2023.

MRPs will be graded and grades will be released informally via email on or about Friday, July 21, 2023. The release of final grades with comments from the Supervisor and second reader will be forwarded via email on or about Tuesday, August 15, 2023. A student whose MRP receives a failing grade will normally have the opportunity to revise and resubmit for August 15, 2023.

International Relations Faculty

The Department has many faculty specializing in International Relations. Their names and research interests are:

• Marshall Beier - Critical approaches to security, militarization of childhood, children's rights, childhood and governance, Indigeneity and IR, IR theory
• Stephen McBride - North American Political Economy, Trade and Investment Governance, Labour Issues, Public Policy, Social & Health Policy 
• Peter Nyers - Critical Security Studies, Citizenship, Borders, Refugees, Undocumented Migration
• Robert O'Brien - Global Governance, Global Civil Society, Global Labour Issues, Resource and Environmental Economics
• Tony Porter - Global governance and standard setting, international finance
• Alina Sajed - Globalization and transnationalism, politics of the Global South, political violence
• Lana Wylie - Comparative Foreign Policy, Comparative Politics, Critical International Relations, Gender and Politics, Globalization, IR, Politics of Representation 

In addition several other faculty have an interest in international relations:

• Michelle Dion - Economic globalization
• Catherine Frost - Nationalism, Political Theory, Politics and History
• Ahmed Shafiqul Huque - Development, Policy, Public Policy 
• James Ingram - Cosmopolitanism, Globalization, Political Theory, Postcolonial Theory 

Institute on Globalization and the Human Condition (IGHC)

The Institute on Globalization and the Human Condition (IGHC) is a research Institute which hosts an M.A. in Globalization Studies and supports teaching and research on a wide variety of global studies topics. The Institute runs a working paper series, hosts numerous visiting speakers, awards essay prizes and grants research scholarships. Political Science and International Relations students, with an interest in globalization are welcome to take courses in the Institute and participate in all of its activities.

Admission Requirements:

Admission to the MA program in Global Politics requires a clear B+ average or better in an Honours Political Science Bachelor’s degree, a four year major political science degree or similar.

Drawing on the Department’s research strength in International Relations and the presence of the Institute on Globalization and the Human Condition, this MA offers students the opportunity to take a wide selection of courses.  Students take five courses, one MA Colloquium and write a 10,000 word major research paper over twelve months. 

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 1^st), provided they meet the eligibility requirements. For more information, visit the School of Graduate Studies

Required Application Documents:

Graduate Studies Online Application

Applicants are required to complete the Graduate Studies Online Application which opens October 1^st 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

• A statement of interest (approximately 250-500 words, single or double-spaced, maximum of 1 page).
• The statement must be uploaded as a PDF attachment only 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.

C.V. / 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/index 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 your institution produces official electronic transcripts that can be sent directly to other institutions select this option. The issuing institution must send the official transcript directly to Manuela Dozzi by email at dozzim@mcmaster.ca.
• 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 unless the document shows your full name, student number, the university name (official branding), and contains all courses completed and in progress with final grades.
• If you receive an offer of admission further instructions will be given on how to submit formal official transcripts.

Academic References

• Two (2) confidential academic reference reports from instructors most familiar with your academic work
• All referees are required to complete the e-Reference.
• McMaster University uses an Electronic Referencing System (e-Reference). You will be required to include an address for each referee. Your referees will receive an email message asking them to complete an e-Reference.
• If you need to change your reference or referee email address after submitting your application, you may do so by navigating back to your application through the Application Status Portal
• IMPORTANT: The system will send the e-Reference request to your references ONLY AFTER YOU SUBMIT your online application. This means that you will need to have completed AND uploaded your Statement of Interest and CV/Resume to your online application BEFORE you can click the “submit” button. References may require 2-4 weeks to complete the e-Reference reports. Referees MUST complete their reference report BY THE APPLICATION DEADLINE of January 28. Please keep this in mind when you are working on your application.

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: Foreign students wishing to enter Canada on a student visa should also contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate for visa information.

Application Fee

The system will charge a $110 (Canadian) application fee. This fee is non-refundable and payable by credit card only.  If there is an issue with the payment, the application will not submit. When the payment is approved, you will receive an application acknowledgement email confirming that your application has been successfully submitted. Applications will not be considered for admission until an application fee has been paid.

How to Apply:

Each applicant is required to complete the Graduate Studies Online Application which opens October 1^st each year and submit the required application documents listed above to complete the application.

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

If required, send all official documents (official paper copy) to:

Department of Political Science
c/o Manuela Dozzi
Kenneth Taylor Hall 527 (KTH-527)
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8S 4M4

Application Deadline:

• January 28, 2023 (for September 2023 admission)

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

For other graduate programs offered by McMaster University please click here.
Overview of Graduate Studies at McMaster University please click here.

Black Excellence Graduate Scholarship

The Black Excellence Graduate Scholarship is valued at $5,000 and is open to Black graduate students applying for either the MA or PhD programs in the Department of Political Science. Applicants who self-identify as Black, Caribbean, or members of the African diaspora can indicate if they would like to be considered for the scholarship on their application form. 

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.

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

Students should consult with the Department MA Global Politics Advisor or Area Convenors about the courses to be taken in order to satisfactorily complete the program.

Areas of Research: Critical International Relations, Critical Security Studies,Global Public Policy, Globalization, Global Political Economy, Citizenship, Foreign Policy

Research Clusters 

While the department covers all the main fields in Political Science, we also have research expertise and knowledge in the following research clusters. Visit the following research clusters for more information on the faculty members who teach and conduct research in these specific areas, and the types of projects currently being conducted in the department. 

• Climate and Sustainability 
• Critical International Relations
• Digital Democracy
• Gender and Politics
• Globalization
• Global Political Economy
• Labour Issues
• Politics of Representation
• Radical Political Theory
• Social Policy (including health policy)

Interdisciplinary Networks 

Aside from the different research clusters within the Department of Political Science, our faculty members also lead and/or are actively involved in the following interdisciplinary networks in McMaster University: 

• Austerity Research Group
• Asian Research Working Group
• Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis (CHEPA)
• Ethnic Quota Project
• Globalization and Time
• Institute on Globalization and the Human Condition
• Centre for Research in Empirical Social Sciences (CRESS)

The Comparative Public Policy doctoral program is designed to equip graduates to conduct research and teach at the university level in Comparative Public Policy and one other field chosen from Canadian politics, comparative politics, political theory, or international relations.

Students take six courses, including three required ones. They then prepare comprehensive examinations in their two major fields, which they write in August of their first year and December of their second year. Students also fulfill a language requirement to demonstrate their competency in a language other than English which is relevant to their research. This is normally done before the approval of the thesis proposal.

The remainder of the program involves preparing a thesis proposal, and then completing and defending the dissertation, which must involve a comparison of two political systems, including those at the international and subnational levels.

A thesis proposal will normally be submitted in April of the student's second year. The thesis should normally be no more than 60,000 words long, and it is expected that the thesis will be finished about two years after the proposal is approved. Overall, then, full-time students are expected to take about four years to complete the program. Part-time students may take up to eight years to complete the degree but are encouraged to finish in less time.

Admission Requirements:

Admission to the PhD program will normally require a Master’s degree in political science with an average of at least an A- (A minus).

Applicants are encouraged to contact faculty members in the Department of Political Science regarding potential supervision.

Required Application Documents:

Graduate Studies Online Application

Applicants are required to complete the Graduate Studies Online Application which opens October 1^st 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 500 words, single or double-spaced, maximum of 1 page).
• The statement must be uploaded as a PDF attachment only through the online application system on the Upload Document
• Your statement of interest is a crucial element of the application process. Comparative Public Policy applicants should highlight the comparative nature of their research and policy area which concerns them. International Relations applicants should identify the international, transnational or global elements of their research projects.
• All applicants would benefit from indicating particular faculty members or research clusters that overlap with their projects.

C.V. / Personal Resume

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

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 your institution produces electronic transcripts that can be sent directly to other institutions select this option. The issuing institution must send the official transcript directly to Manuela Dozzi by email at dozzim@mcmaster.ca
• 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 unless the document shows your full name, student number, the university name and contains all courses completed (and in progress) with grades.
• If you receive an offer of admission further instructions will be given on how to submit formal official transcripts.

Academic References

• Three (3) confidential reference reports from instructors most familiar with your academic work
• All referees are required to complete the e-Reference.
• McMaster University uses an Electronic Referencing System (e-Reference). You will be required to indicate an institutional email address for each referee. Your referees will receive an email message asking them to complete an e-Reference.
• If you need to change your reference or referee email address after submitting your application, you will need to contact the Department.
• IMPORTANT: The system will send the e-Reference request to your references ONLY AFTER YOU SUBMIT your online application. This means that you will need to have completed AND uploaded your Statement of Interest and CV/Resume to your online application BEFORE you can click the “submit” button. References may require 2-4 weeks to complete the e-Reference reports. Referees MUST complete their reference report BY THE APPLICATION DEADLINE of January 21st. Please keep this in mind when you are working on your application.
• If for some reason your referee is unable to use the Electronic Referencing System, you can download the Reference Form and send it to your referees for completion. Downloaded reference forms must be sent by the referee DIRECTLY to Manuela Dozzi by e-mail (dozzim@mcmaster.ca) or the mailing address below. 

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: Foreign students wishing to enter Canada on a student visa should also contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate for visa information.

Application Fee

The system will charge a $110 (Canadian) application fee. This fee is non-refundable and payable by credit card only. Once you have paid the application fee, please remember to return to the online application and click the "Submit" button. The application fee will not

How to Apply:

Each applicant is required to complete the Graduate Studies Online Application which opens October 1^st each year and submit the required application documents listed above to complete the application.

Please note that all application supporting documentation must be forwarded to and received by our Department no later than January 21st for September 2022 admission.

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

If required, send all official documents (hard copy) to:

Department of Political Science
c/o Manuela Dozzi
Kenneth Taylor Hall 527 (KTH-527)
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8S 4M4 

Application Deadline:

• January 21, 2022 (for September 2022 admission)

The Black Excellence Graduate Scholarship

The Black Excellence Scholarship is valued at $5,000 and is open to Black graduate students applying for either the MA or PhD programs in the Department of Political Science. Applicants who self-identify as Black, Caribbean, or members of the African diaspora can indicate if they would like to be considered for the scholarship on their application form. 

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.  

The William Coleman Fund

The William Coleman Fund was established in 2011 by Dr. William Coleman. To support Ph.D. students in the Department of Political Science who are conducting field research.

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

Public Policy Faculty

The Department has many faculty specializing in Public Policy. Their names and research interests are:

Katherine Boothe - Comparative Public Policy, Patient involvement in healthcare, Social & Health Policy

Adrienne Davidson - Canadian Public Policy, Child Care & Education, Comparative Public Policy, Federalism & Intergovernmental Relation

Michelle Dion - Comparative Politics, Gender and Politics, Globalization, Public Policy, Social & Health Policy

Peter Graefe - Canadian Politics, Policy, Political Economy, Politics of Representation, Public Policy, Social & Health Policy

Ahmed Shafiqul Huque - Climate, Water & Sustainability, Policy, Public Policy

Stephen McBride - Canadian Politics, Global Political Economy, Globalization, Labour Issues, Public Policy

In addition several other faculty members have an interest in public policy:

Marshall Beier - Childhood Studies, Critical IR, Critical Military Studies, Gender & Politics, Globalization, IR, Political Sociology, Political Subjecthood, Politics of Representation

Karen Bird - Comparative Politics, Gender & Ethnic Relations, Gender & Politics, Politics of Representation, Public Policy

Peter Nyers - Citizenship Studies, Critical IR, Globalization, Immigration

Robert O'Brien - International Political Economy, International Organization, Global Civil Society, Global Labour Issues, Political Economy of Climate Change

Tony Porter - International Relations, International Political Economy, International Institutions, Globalization, Sovereignty

Netina Tan - Elections, Political Parties, Gender and Public Policies in East and Southeast Asia

Lana Wylie - Canadian Foreign Policy

In addition, three associate members of our department specialize in comparative public policy:

Julia Abelson - Public engagement methods and evaluation, value in health policy analysis, politics of health policy

Gail Krantzberg - Public Policy, Great Lakes Science, Policy and Governance

John Lavis - Research Evidence, Citizen Values and Stakeholder Insights in Policy Making, Politics of Health and Social Systems

The International Relations doctoral program is designed to equip graduates to conduct research and teach at the university level in International Relations and one other field chosen from Canadian politics, comparative politics, public policy, or political theory.

Students take six courses, including three required ones. They then prepare comprehensive examinations in their two major fields, which they write in August of their first year and December of their second year. Students also fulfill a language requirement to demonstrate their competency in a language other than English which is relevant to their research. This is normally done before the approval of the thesis proposal.

The remainder of the program involves preparing a thesis proposal, and then completing and defending the dissertation.

A thesis proposal will normally be submitted in April of the student's second year. The thesis should normally be no more than 60,000 words long, and it is expected that the thesis will be finished about two years after the proposal is approved. Overall, then, full-time students are expected to take about four years to complete the program. Part-time students may take up to eight years to complete the degree but are encouraged to finish in less time.

Admission Requirements:

Admission to the PhD program will normally require a Master’s degree in political science with an average of at least an A- (A minus).

Applicants are encouraged to contact faculty members in the Department of Political Science regarding potential supervision.

Required Application Documents:

Graduate Studies Online Application

Applicants are required to complete the Graduate Studies Online Application which opens October 1^st 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 500 words, single or double-spaced, maximum of 1 page).
• The statement must be uploaded as a PDF attachment only through the online application system on the Upload Document
• Your statement of interest is a crucial element of the application process. Comparative Public Policy applicants should highlight the comparative nature of their research and policy area which concerns them. International Relations applicants should identify the international, transnational or global elements of their research projects.
• All applicants would benefit from indicating particular faculty members or research clusters that overlap with their projects.

C.V. / Personal Resume

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

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 your institution produces electronic transcripts that can be sent directly to other institutions select this option. The issuing institution must send the official transcript directly to Manuela Dozzi by email at dozzim@mcmaster.ca
• 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 unless the document shows your full name, student number, the university name and contains all courses completed (and in progress) with grades.
• If you receive an offer of admission further instructions will be given on how to submit formal official transcripts.

Academic Reference

• Three (3) confidential reference reports from instructors most familiar with your academic work.
• All referees are required to complete the e-Reference.
• McMaster University uses an Electronic Referencing System (e-Reference). You will be required to indicate an institutional email address for each referee. Your referees will receive an email message asking them to complete an e-Reference.
• If you need to change your reference or referee email address after submitting your application, you will need to contact the Department.
• IMPORTANT: The system will send the e-Reference request to your references ONLY AFTER YOU SUBMIT your online application. This means that you will need to have completed AND uploaded your Statement of Interest and CV/Resume to your online application BEFORE you can click the “submit” button. References may require 2-4 weeks to complete the e-Reference reports. Referees MUST complete their reference report BY THE APPLICATION DEADLINE of January 21st. Please keep this in mind when you are working on your application.
• If for some reason your referee is unable to use the Electronic Referencing System, you can download the Reference Form and send it to your referees for completion. Downloaded reference forms must be sent by the referee DIRECTLY to Manuela Dozzi by e-mail (dozzim@mcmaster.ca) or the mailing address below. 

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: Foreign students wishing to enter Canada on a student visa should also contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate for visa information

Application Fee

The system will charge a $110 (Canadian) application fee. This fee is non-refundable and payable by credit card only. Once you have paid the application fee, please remember to return to the online application and click the "Submit" button. The application fee will not be

How to Apply:

Each applicant is required to complete the Graduate Studies Online Application which opens October 1^st each year and submit the required application documents listed above to complete the application.

Please note that all application supporting documentation must be forwarded to and received by our Department no later than January 21, 2022 for September admission.

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

If required, send all official documents (hard copy) to:

Department of Political Science
c/o Manuela Dozzi
Kenneth Taylor Hall 527 (KTH-527)
McMaster University
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8S 4M4 

Application Deadline:

• January 21, 2022 (for September 2022 admission)

The Black Excellence Graduate Scholarship

The Black Excellence Scholarship is valued at $5,000 and is open to Black graduate students applying for either the MA or PhD programs in the Department of Political Science. Applicants who self-identify as Black, Caribbean, or members of the African diaspora can indicate if they would like to be considered for the scholarship on their application form. 

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.  

The William Coleman Fund

The William Coleman Fund was established in 2011 by Dr. William Coleman. To support Ph.D. students in the Department of Political Science who are conducting field research.

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

The Department has many faculty specializing in International Relations. Their names and research interests are:

Nathan Andrews - Global governance, international political economy of natural resource extraction, development agendas for Sub-Saharan African countries, foreign aid, Non-Western and Critical IR

Marshall Beier - Critical approaches to security, militarization of childhood, Indigeneity and IR, IR Theory

Stephen McBride - North American Political Economy, Trade and Investment Governance

Peter Nyers - Critical Security Studies, Citizenship, Borders, Refugees, Undocumented Migration

Robert O'Brien - Global Political Economy, labour internationalism, global civil society, climate change, global governance

Tony Porter - Global governance and standard setting, international finance

Alina Sajed – Postcolonial IR, political violence and revolution, global south

Lana Wylie - Canadian and US foreign Policy, alternative diplomacy, Cuba

In addition several other faculty have an interest in international relations:

Michelle Dion – Comparative Politics, Gender and Politics, Globalization, Public Policy, Social and Health Policy

Catherine Frost - Communications, Globalization, Nationalism, Political Theory, Politics and History, Politics of Representation

Ahmed Shafiqul Huque - Climate, Water and Sustainability, Policy, Public Policy

James Ingram - Critical IR, Globalization, Political Theory, Postcolonial Theory

Inder Marwah - Critical IR, Globalization, Political Theory, Politics of Representation