Why Study Political Science?
At McMaster University, our political science program allows students to explore a variety of courses that look at issues such as justice, freedom and democracy and the relationship between individuals and governments. At the international level, students examine the cause of conflicts, the conditions for peace and the impact of regionalization and globalization on individuals and communities.
Whether you are a current or future student at McMaster considering a political science degree or taking only one course for interest, you will find that our department offers an undergraduate curriculum that is both diverse in scope and high in quality.
About First Year
Students entering into the Faculty of Social Sciences in their first year take a general program, Social Sciences I. The direct entry program allows for students to explore other subjects in the Social Sciences and beyond. At the end of your first year, students can then pick political science as their pathway.
Program Overview
Program Type:
Course-based
Program Options:
Full-time, Part-time
Length:
Honours BA programs: 4 years
Honours BA with co-op: 5 years
BA programs: 3 years
Typical Entry:
September
For More Information:
Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Political Science, Undergraduate Program
KTH 527
(905) 525-9140 ext. 24741
Required Credential:
Honours Bachelor of Arts Specialization in Global Citizenship (BA)
- 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).
Honours Bachelor of Arts Specialization in Public Law & Judicial Studies (BA)
- Enrollment in this program is limited and possession of the published minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Selection is based on academic achievement. 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 one of POLSCI 1AA3 or 1AB3 (or 1G06 A/B)
Combined Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Another Subject (BA)
- 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 1G06 A/B)
Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (BA)
- 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 1G06 A/B)
Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Co-op (BA)
- Enrolment in this program option is limited. Admission is by selection and possession of the published minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Selection is based on academic achievement and an interview 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. Students are strongly encouraged to complete POLSCI 1AB3 in Level I.
Bachelor of Arts Political Science (BA)
- Completion of any Level I program, with a Grade Point Average of at least 3.5 including a grade of C- or greater in one of POLSCI 1AA3 or 1AB3 (or 1G06 A/B)
- Minor in Political Science
- Minor in Justice, Law & Order
- Minor in Public Leadership
For More Information:
Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Political Science, Undergraduate Program
KTH 527
(905) 525-9140 ext. 24741
Length:
Minor may be declared when completing convocation information
Required Credential:
Enrolment in an Honours program
Program Type:
Course-based
Program Options:
Full-time, Part-time
Typical Entry:
September, January
Current Deadline:
April
Notes
- Students are responsible for ensuring that course prerequisites are fulfilled.
- A minor in Justice, Law & Order is not available to students enrolled in the Public Law & Judicial Studies Specialization program.
- A minor in Political Science is available to students enrolled in an Honours program in another discipline.
Fall / Winter 2023-2024
Undergraduate Chair
Dr. Todd Alway
alwayto@mcmaster.ca
Political Science Academic Advisor
Dr. Nibaldo Galleguillos
gallegui@mcmaster.ca
Recruitment, Awards & Scholarship Coordinator
Dr. James Ingram
ingramj@mcmaster.ca
Careers, Experiential & Alumni Coordinator
Dr. Geoffrey Cameron
camerg3@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
The Faculty of Social Sciences offers additional advising and support for students. Book an appointment to speak with an Academic Advisor.
Programs (by Degree) and Minors
The below links will take you to the academic calendar for more information.
Minors
The below links will take you to the academic calendar for more information.
Program Information
Undergraduate Courses & Course Outlines
View your undergraduate courses and course outlines to find assignment due dates, assessments and more.
Political Science Course Calendar
The Political Science course calendar is an essential resource for choosing your courses.
Awards & Scholarships
Hundreds of awards and scholarships are available to McMaster students. Discover awards and find out how to apply.
Study Abroad
Through the McMaster Exchange Program, you can gain a global perspective while earning credits and staying on track to meet your goals.
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