Political Science at Carleton: Admission Average
Carleton University · Ottawa, ON
What average do you need for Political Science at Carleton?
Political Science at Carleton University typically admits students with averages in the mid 80s, roughly 82–85%. It ranks #10 of 15 Carleton programs by admission average.
Ideal location for political science - federal government access is real.
How competitive is it?
Of the 21 universities we track that offer it, 1 asks for a higher average and 4 ask for a lower average.
As a rough guide, 85% or higher is above the typical range, 82% up to 85% is inside it, and 78% up to 82% is a reach. Cut-offs move every year, so apply to a mix of schools.
Ontario applicants are assessed on their top six Grade 12 U/M courses, including the program's prerequisites. Work out yours with the Best 6 calculator.
Political Science at other universities
- McGill University – high 80s
- Brock University – mid 80s
- University of Windsor – mid-to-high 80s
- University of British Columbia – mid-to-high 80s (BC) / high 80s (OOP)
- Simon Fraser University – mid-to-high 80s
- University of Victoria – mid-to-high 80s
- University of Northern BC – mid 80s
- Concordia University – mid 80s
- Université de Montréal – mid-to-high 80s
- Bishop's University – mid 80s
- Dalhousie University – mid-to-high 80s
- Acadia University – mid-to-high 80s
- St. Francis Xavier University – mid-to-high 80s
- University of Winnipeg – mid-to-high 80s
- University of New Brunswick – mid 80s
- Mount Allison University – mid-to-high 80s
- Western University – high 70s-80s
- University of Ottawa – high 70s-low 80s
- Wilfrid Laurier University – high 70s-80s
- York University – high 70s
Typical high school prerequisites
- English
- One additional U/M course
- History or Law (recommended)
First-year courses
- Introduction to Politics
- Canadian Government
- Comparative Politics
- Research Methods
- International Relations
These are typical for Political Science programs across Canada. About the Political Science degree
After a Political Science degree
Political Science usually takes 4 years.
- Lawyer – $70,000 to $300,000+
- Policy Analyst / Public Servant – $65,000 to $130,000
- Diplomat / Foreign Service Officer – $75,000 to $160,000
- Crown Attorney / Prosecutor – $75,000 to $160,000
- Political science does not determine law school admission - your GPA and LSAT score are what matter.
- Ottawa and Queen's are particularly strong for students wanting federal government careers.
- Model UN, debate, and student government are the most relevant extracurriculars for this degree.
Applying to Carleton
Carleton University is Ottawa's second major university and is known for exceptional engineering, journalism, public policy, and cybersecurity programs. Its proximity to the federal government and National Capital Region tech sector makes it a genuine advantage for co-op placements. Carleton has an outstanding tunnel system connecting virtually every building on campus - a much-appreciated practical detail in Canadian winters.
Carleton University is in Ottawa, ON, was founded in 1942 and has about 31,000 students. Domestic tuition is about $6,100 a year, co-op is available and first-year residence is guaranteed.
Deadlines: OUAC (Ontario) January 15.
- Carleton's cybersecurity programs have direct connections to the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) and RCMP.
- The co-op program places heavily in federal government, tech firms, and aerospace - an Ottawa advantage that's hard to replicate.
- Carleton's tunnel system connecting all buildings is genuinely useful in harsh Ottawa winters.
Other Carleton programs
- Aerospace Engineering – high 80s-low 90s
- Computer Science – high 80s
- Software Engineering – high 80s
- Electrical Engineering – high 80s
- Mechanical Engineering – high 80s
- Civil Engineering – high 80s
- Computer Systems Engineering – high 80s
- Journalism – mid-to-high 80s
- Public Affairs & Policy Mgmt (BPAPM) – mid-to-high 80s
- Industrial Design – high 80s + portfolio
- Architecture – high 80s + portfolio
- Psychology – mid-to-high 80s
- Law & Legal Studies (BA) – mid-to-high 80s
- Criminology & Criminal Justice – mid 80s