Our Department
Chair's Message
Welcome to the Department of Political Science at the University of Alberta.
As you explore this website you may notice not only the several ways our Department is distinctive, but also the excellent research originating from our faculty members.
The Department of Political Science prides itself for seeking balance between tradition and innovation in both teaching and research. We focus both on appreciating the rich traditional core of our discipline — the fields of Canadian politics, political theory, international relations and comparative politics remain central to our work — but are also actively concerned with new multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary questions, insights and approaches.
We are extremely proud of our award-winning teachers. But, take a moment and you will also see that we have been recognized for our work in such newer areas of political science inquiry as the politics of gender, race, ethnicity, and indigenous peoples. Various colleagues have published front-line work in such areas as citizenship, climate change, globalization and governance, North American politics, European Union studies, the politics of China, contemporary Islamic studies, foreign and public policies, peace and post-conflict studies, the politics of gender and of indigenous peoples. We believe that this Department of Political Science offers a vibrant and exciting academic milieu.
The study of politics involves special attention to power, and the methods and approaches of the discipline aid in understanding the processes, ideas, and institutions through which power is structured and manifested, and how power affects our lives. From Canadian elections to the political economy of the global South, from environmental preservation to peace and security, and from the ethics of war and post-conflict management to theories of justice and citizenship, political scientists in this Department engage the pressing issues that shape our world. The relevance of what we study, in combination with our dedication to an intensive high-quality educational experience for our students, has ensured our programs are not only current, but in high demand.
At the undergraduate level, there are typically over 600 students majoring in Political Science, and over 30 enrolled in the Honors program. With opportunities for scholarships intended for Political Science students, solid support with internship and study abroad programs, smaller class sizes, and a stress on innovations in teaching, this is a great place to consider for your undergraduate education.
Our graduate programs are also popular, featuring close to 40 MA and as many Ph.D. students -- both Canadian and International. Small class sizes, collegiality, and a strong commitment to building the research, teaching and professional skills and ethics of students combine to make Political Science at the University of Alberta an excellent destination for graduate education at the masters or doctoral levels. Our Ph.D. program features a theory and methods course designed for all doctoral students and thoroughly professional supervision through the comprehensive exam process. Throughout, our approach is complemented by support for every aspect of career development.
The Department of Political Science has a long tradition of welcoming recent Ph.D. graduates as well as visiting scholars from other universities on sabbaticals or exchanges (like the Canada-US Fulbright Program). If you are a recent Ph.D., the Department has postdoctoral opportunities. Potential visiting scholars from other Canadian or international universities may direct inquiries to the Chair of the Department.
James Lightbody
Interim Chair
10-19 HM Tory Building
Phone: (780) 492-3429
Email: jim.lightbody@ualberta.ca
Associate Chair, Graduate
Malinda Smith 10-10 HM Tory Building
Phone: (780) 492-0535
Email: Malinda.smith@ualberta.ca
Associate Chair, Undergraduate
Ian Urquhart
12-29 HM Tory Building
Phone: (780) 492-5926
Email: Ian.Urquhart@ualberta.ca
Assistant Chair
Tara Mish
10-12 HM Tory Building
Phone: (780) 492-3771
Email: tara.mish@ualberta.ca