Political Science (BA)
Analyze political systems and their impact on society.
Why choose this program?
AV¾ãÀÖ²¿â€™s Political Science program allows you to study power structures around the world and in your own backyard. You'll be surrounded by Canadian political history — Halifax is home to Canada’s first elected assembly, the country’s oldest legislature building, and is the birthplace of responsible government in the British Empire. Work closely with nationally recognized and award-winning faculty members in a small, interactive setting.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Bachelor of Arts requirements:
Minimum overall average: 70%
Academic English 12
Four additional academic subjects
Minor in Political Science eligibility:
This minor is available to students registered in the following 120 credit hour programs: Bachelor of Applied Computer Science
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Community Design
Bachelor of Computer Science
Bachelor of Informatics
Bachelor of Management
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science (Medical Sciences) program
Financial information
A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you.Ìý
Program options
The department offers courses on a wide range of topics, including globalization, environmental politics, Indigenous politics, gender, race and politics, social media, and the politics of health care, among others.
The following Political Science program options are offered by AV¾ãÀÖ²¿â€™s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:ÌýÌý
Bachelor of Arts, Honours/Combined Honours in Political Science
Bachelor of Arts, Major/Double Major in Political Science
Minor in Political Science, Security Studies, amongst others.
What you will learn
Our courses give you the opportunity to discover and pursue the aspect of political science that most interests you. Whether you’re passionate about Canadian government and local politics, the politicization of social issues, foreign policy, or global conflict, there are courses for you.
First-year courses provide a great overview of Canadian government, international relations, political theory, and history and serve as a solid foundation for more specialization in the upper years. While our professors use their own unique teaching methods, all our courses focus on developing strong research, critical thinking, and writing skills.
Sample courses may include:
Introduction to Government and Politics
Political Worlds: Themes and Concepts
Global Politics and Society
The Federal Dynamics of Canadian Politics.
Municipal Law and City Politics in Canada
Indigenous Politics in CanadaÌý
Foreign Policy in Theory and Practice Ìý
Social Media and Politics
Politics of Health Care
The Politics of Crime
Canada in the Global Economy
Politics of the European Union
Politics of Public Policy
Human Rights: Legal Issues
Queer Theory
Politics of Climate ChangeÌý
Political Science is valuable for individuals who want to know more about the values, laws, institutions, and policy mechanisms that govern their lives, in local, national and global contexts.
Careers
You might find yourself working directly in politics or using the skills you learned in the program as a foundation for a career in law, teaching, public service, journalism, communications, NGOs and charities, consulting, or business.
Future studies could include programs at the graduate level in social sciences, arts, or business administration, or a professional degree in law.
