Political Science
Understand power, government, and society - excellent preparation for law, policy, and public service.
Political Science studies political institutions, behaviour, and theory at local, national, and international levels. It is one of the most common pre-law pathways in Canada and also feeds into public service, journalism, and international development. Strong analytical writing is the core skill developed.
Admission Average
high 70s to high 80s (Tier 3 (<85%))
Typical High School Prerequisites
- English
- One additional U/M course
- History or Law (recommended)
Skills You'll Build
- Policy Analysis
- Persuasive Writing
- Argumentation & Debate
- Research & Source Evaluation
- Understanding of Government
Program Facts
- Typical length: 4 years
- Co-op available: No
- Graduate school: Not typically required
- Demand outlook: Stable Growth
Top Universities
- Queen's University – Kingston, ON
- University of Toronto – Toronto, ON
- McGill University – Montreal, QC
- University of British Columbia – Vancouver, BC
- University of Ottawa – Ottawa, ON
Political Science Admission Averages by University
- Political Science at McGill University – high 80s
- Political Science at Carleton University – mid 80s
- Political Science at Brock University – mid 80s
- Political Science at University of Windsor – mid-to-high 80s
- Political Science at University of British Columbia – mid-to-high 80s (BC) / high 80s (OOP)
- Political Science at Simon Fraser University – mid-to-high 80s
- Political Science at University of Victoria – mid-to-high 80s
- Political Science at University of Northern BC – mid 80s
- Political Science at Concordia University – mid 80s
- Political Science at Université de Montréal – mid-to-high 80s
- Political Science at Bishop's University – mid 80s
- Political Science at Dalhousie University – mid-to-high 80s
- Political Science at Acadia University – mid-to-high 80s
- Political Science at St. Francis Xavier University – mid-to-high 80s
- Political Science at University of Winnipeg – mid-to-high 80s
- Political Science at University of New Brunswick – mid 80s
- Political Science at Mount Allison University – mid-to-high 80s
- Political Science at Western University – high 70s-80s
- Political Science at University of Ottawa – high 70s-low 80s
- Political Science at Wilfrid Laurier University – high 70s-80s
- Political Science at York University – high 70s
Careers This Major Leads To
- Lawyer – Entry $70,000
- Policy Analyst / Public Servant – Entry $65,000
- Diplomat / Foreign Service Officer – Entry $75,000
- Crown Attorney / Prosecutor – Entry $75,000