Political Science, M.A.

Admission

Admission to the M.A. in Political Science degree program requires an average of B+ or better in Honours Political Science or, with the approval of the Department’s Graduate Chair, in another discipline. The Department offers a regular M.A. in Political Science program in four areas: Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory and Public Policy. Students must indicate the area in which they wish to major in their application.

In the M.A. in Political Science, studies in all areas may take the form of course work and Major Research Paper (MRP), or course work and a thesis.

A. Course Work with MRP

Students in this option are required to complete:

a. Four political science courses; at least two in a ‘major’ field (Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory and Public Policy) and one in a ‘minor field (Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, Public Policy and Global Politics).
b. One additional graduate course
c. M.A. Colloquium course POL SCI 775  
d. Major Research Paper (10,000 words) POL SCI 708  

B. Course Work with Thesis

Five half courses (or equivalent) and a thesis, which must demonstrate independent research skills. Full-time students who wish to write a thesis must submit a thesis proposal for departmental approval by a date to be determined by the Department. If the thesis proposal is not approved, students may continue in the course/MRP option. The thesis option is normally a two-year program.