BA Political Science

Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, with a major in Political Science:  

This program allows students to specialize in Political Science (POL S) while receiving a diverse liberal arts education.  

What courses do you need for a BA in Political Science?  

In addition to completing the Faculty’s Basic Requirements for a BA, and any requirements related to one’s minor area of specialization, all students majoring in Political Science must meet the following program requirements:

Political Science majors must complete between 30 and 48 course weights of senior-level Political Science courses (senior-level courses are those at the 200-level and above).

The 30-48 course weights must include the following: 

  • POL S 210 (History of Political Thought)*6
  • POL S 220 (Canadian National Government and Politics)*6
  • At least 6 course weights from the following:
  • POL S 230 (Intro to Comparative Politics: Global North)*3
  • POL S 240 (Intro to Comparative Politics: Global South)*3
  • POL S 260 (International Relations)*6

  • At least 12 course weights at the 300- and 400-level, of which 6 course weights or more must be at the 400-level.

Suggestions for completing a major:

 

First-year students: Take POL S 101. This introductory course is a prerequisite for 200-level courses in political science.

Second-year students: Take one or more of the required 200-level courses. In particular, be sure to take the 200-level courses that interest you most since these "core courses" are the prerequisites for 300- and 400-level courses in their respective subfields.

Third- and fourth-year students: Complete all the requirements outlined above, including ensuring you have enough total course weights for the major.

Note: Students in unique situations—such as transfer students or those who took POL S 221 before declaring a Political Science major—should speak with the Undergraduate Chair for advice about fulfilling the program requirements.

 

Undergraduate Chair:
Dr. Ian Urquhart
12-29 H.M. Tory Bldg
492-5926
Ian.Urquhart@ualberta.ca