Political Science

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Dalhousie University offers students a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of political systems, government institutions, public policy, and international relations. This program is designed to equip students with critical analytical skills, an awareness of global political issues, and the ability to evaluate diverse perspectives within political discourse. Throughout the program, students engage with a wide range of topics including political theory, comparative politics, Canadian politics, international relations, and public administration, preparing them for careers in government, non-governmental organizations, media, or further academic study. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, encouraging students to develop strong research, communication, and problem-solving skills. Students have opportunities to participate in internships, research projects, and study abroad programs, gaining valuable real-world experience and a global perspective. Faculty members are internationally recognized experts who provide mentorship and guidance, fostering an environment of scholarly inquiry and critical thought. The program aims to produce graduates who are well-informed, socially responsible, and capable of contributing thoughtfully to democratic processes and policy debates. Graduates of Dalhousie’s Political Science program are well-prepared to pursue diverse career paths in political analysis, advocacy, policy development, international diplomacy, and beyond. The program’s flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals, with options to specialize in areas such as International Development Studies, Security Studies, or Canadian politics. With a strong foundation in research methods and a commitment to academic excellence, the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Dalhousie University prepares students to make a meaningful impact in their communities and the world.

• Canadian Politics: Themes and Theories
• Comparative Theory
• Approaches to Development
• International Relations Theory 1: Order Conflict and Change
• International Relations Theory 2: Cooperation, Institutions, and Development
• Thesis

Requirements

• MA applicants must have a BA Honours degree in political science, and must have a 3.7 GPA (A-) to be considered for scholarship funding. An Honours degree entails something in the order of 10 full-year classes in political science, in addition to another 10 full-year credits in other disciplines.
• Resume/CV
• Two original transcripts from each attended university. Please ensure that transcripts are sent to the Department of Political Science, not the Registrar's Office. If the transcripts are from an international institution, please ensure that they are sent well before the deadline of January 31st.
• Three letters of reference (at least two academic and third can be from academic, professional or volunteer services. Referees can either use the Dalhousie online reference system or the Dalhousie Reference Form on the Registrar’s Office website)
• Sample of written work (no more than 30 pages please and of an academic nature - undergrad paper, honour's thesis, article, etc.)
• Personal statement telling us about your background
• Statement of research interests
• TOEFL and IELTS scores for all international applicants. Please note: we require a mininum score of 100 on the TOEFL and 7.5 on IELTS.
• Pay $100 application fee
• If you plan to self-fund your studies, please include an original teller stamped or equivalent bank statement showing that you have sufficient funds for your full program fees plus $1200 per month for the full term of your studies.

Scholarships

• Bursaries
• Faculty of Graduate Studies Scholarships
• Phi Kappa Pi Joe Ghiz Memorial Award
• A.S. Mowat Prize
• Nova Scotia Graduate Scholarships

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Dalhousie University offers students a comprehensive understanding of political systems, international relations, public policy, and governmental processes. The program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of complex political issues on both national and global scales. Students have the opportunity to explore various subfields, including Canadian politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. The curriculum incorporates a mix of lectures, seminars, and research projects, enabling students to engage actively with faculty and peers. Dalhousie’s political science department emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to participate in internships, model United Nations, and community-based projects to gain real-world experience. The program also promotes interdisciplinarity, allowing students to combine political science with other disciplines such as history, economics, or environmental studies to broaden their perspectives. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in government, diplomacy, international organizations, journalism, research, or further academic pursuits. The university provides various resources, including access to extensive libraries, research centers, and faculty expertise, supporting students throughout their studies. With flexible scheduling and a supportive academic environment, Dalhousie's Political Science program aims to cultivate informed, engaged citizens capable of contributing thoughtfully to society.