Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science

McMaster University

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science offers a comprehensive exploration of politics, law, and government on both domestic and international scales, with a less intensive commitment compared to Honours degrees. You can tailor the degree to your interests, either opting for a general focus or specializing in one of five areas: Political Theory, Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, or Public Policy. For those with a keen academic interest and ability, there’s also the option to upgrade to the more intensive Honours BA. The program equips you with essential methodologies, teaching you how to find and use information about political institutions, actors, and events. You’ll explore scholarly literature, assess arguments, and efficiently manage information for effective written and verbal communication. Emphasizing the application of knowledge, the curriculum encourages independent research, critical evaluation of sources, and the development of well-structured arguments. Communication skills are honed through a variety of methods, from writing research essays and book reviews to participating in debates and discussions. This degree also cultivates an ‘awareness of the limits of knowledge’, emphasizing the importance of establishing support for claims and understanding the challenges of assessing the value of different political or social scientific claims. Preparing you for employment, further studies, or community involvement, our program equips you with sophisticated analytical and communication skills valued in government, law, politics, international relations, and business. This degree will equip you with advanced analytical and communication skills that are highly sought after in these fields. It will also nurture behaviours aligned with professional and social responsibilities, encouraging active participation in civic engagement.

Faculty of Social Sciences