Political Science
What can I do with a major in Political Science
Political Science is the systematic study of government, politics, and political behaviour. It studies how a society governs itself at all levels and various ideas about how it should be governed in the future. Political Science students will study how political conflict is organized and resolved in the ‘real world.’ Students will look at how rulers are chosen, governmental decisions are taken and how decision-making processes are organized. Students will learn how governments design and implement their laws and policies in Canada and abroad.
The Department of Political Science offers four subfields of study, culminating in a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Arts & Science. These subfields are: Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory. Students may also choose to instead complete a Bachelor of Management, majoring in Political Science. Visit the Political Science Management Website for more information.
Students interested in Political Science can complete:
- Bachelor of Arts (Political Science)
- Bachelor of Arts and Science (Political Science)
- Bachelor of Arts (Political Science)/Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- Bachelor of Arts (Political Science)/Bachelor of Management (BMgt)
The combined degrees leverage synergies with other Bachelor programs and open up additional career opportunities.
Skills
- Compare & Contrast Ideas & Information
- Conceptualize & Implement Projects
- Develop Research Designs & Models
- Influence & Persuade
- Critical Listening Skills
- Make Projections
- Mediate & Negotiate Conflicts
- Meet Deadlines
- Organizational
- Present Ideas & Data Clearly
- Programming & Systems Analysis
- Provide Relevant Perspectives
- Public Speaking
- Research
- Synthesize Complex Information & Ideas
- Utilize Survey Research Methods
Work Environment
Graduates may continue their studies with a Master’s or Ph.D., or use their undergraduate degree as a stepping stone to enter a professional discipline such as law. Political Science graduates may find employment in/with communications companies, consulting firms, academic or research institutions, governmental organizations, international development companies, non-governmental or non-profit organizations, or multimedia companies. Graduates may also find employment with law firms, political parties, and public service organizations.
Key Areas of Specialization:
- Federalism & Canadian Intergovernmental Relations
- Political Parties & Elections
- Digital Politics & Democratic Citizenship
- Comparative Political Regimes
- European Regional Integration
- Political Development & Democratization
- Comparative Political Economies
- Judicial Decision Making
- Political Parties & Voting Behaviour
- Provincial Politics
- Philosophy of Law
- Friendship & Politics
- Liberal Education & Citizenship
- North American Integration & Public Policy
- Structural Policy Change
- Religion & Politics
Career Possibilities
These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate if one is available.
- Client Services Advisor
- Communications & Government Relations Intern
- Corporate Engagement & Grants Specialist
- International Relations Advisor
- International Trips Coordinator
- Market Research Analyst
- Motivational Outreach Speaker
- National Policy Analyst
- Outreach Coordinator
- Parliamentary & Information Assistant
- Policy & Service Development Specialist
- Policy Analyst
- Policy Planner
- Program & Policy Advisor
- Program Coordinator
- Project Assistant
- Project Advisor
- Research Assistant
- Research Coordinator
- Social Policy Analyst
- Transcriber
- Volunteer Coordinator
These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education.
- Activist
- Appeal Referee/Reviewer
- Budget Analyst
- Campaign Manager
- Campaign Worker
- Chief Operating Officer
- City Councillor
- Civil Preparedness Officer
- Civil Servant
- Community Worker
- Compliance Officer
- Consumer Advocate
- Copyright Manager
- Corporate Trainer
- Customs Officer
- Diplomat
- Economic Development Officer
- Election Assistant/ Supervisor
- Foreign Correspondent
- Foreign Service Officer
- Fundraiser
- Government Administrator
- Governmental Program Agent
- Human Resource Specialist
- Human Rights Officer
- Immigration &Revenue Officer
- Intelligence Supervisor
- International Relations Specialist
- Journalist
- Labour Relations Specialist
- Legislative Aide/Assistant
- Legislative Analyst
- Librarian
- Lobbyist
- Mediator
- Member of Parliament
- Ministerial Assistant
- Non-profit Administrator
- Ombudsperson
- Policy Researcher
- Political Commentator/ Columnist
- Political Educator
- Political Organization Manager
- Political Scientist
- Politician
- Population Studies Analyst
- Press Officer
- Print Journalist
- Public Administrator
- Public Affairs Adviser/ Consultant
- Public Opinion Analyst
- Public Policy Analyst
- Public Relations Consultant/Specialist
- Public Speaking Consultant
- Public Works Commissioner
- Researcher
- Social Policy Program Officer
- Social Services Administrator
- Speech Writer
- Survey Poll Analyst
- Teacher
- Technical Writer
- Television &Radio Journalist
- University Professor
- Voting Researcher
On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.
- Author
- Business Administrator
- Career Development Counsellor
- Communications Officer
- Corrections Officer
- Editor
- Event Coordinator
- Executive Assistant
- Financial Planner
- Financial/Business Consultant
- Financial/Economic Analyst
- Health &Social Policy Researcher
- Historical Researcher
- Insurance Licensing Supervisor
- Lawyer
- Media Correspondent
- Paralegal
- Police Officer
- Prosecuting Attorney
- Publisher
- Purchasing Agent/Buyer
- Real-Estate Agent
- Regional/International Development Agent
- Retail Manager
Useful Resources
- Prairie Political Science Association http://prairiepsa.com
- Canadian Political Science Association https://www.cpsa-acsp.ca/
- Canadian Association of Political Consultants http://thecapc.com/
- Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives https://www.policyalternatives.ca
- Association of Canadian Compliance Professionals http://www.complianceprofessionals.ca
- The Council of Canadians http://www.canadians.org
- Canadian Council on Social Development http://www.ccsd.ca
- The Canadian Bar Association http://www.cba.org
- American Political Science Association http://www.apsanet.org
- American Association of Political Consultants http://www.theaapc.org
- American Legislative Exchange Council http://www.alec.org
Add Value to Your Degree
The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.
Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.
Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.
Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.
d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.
Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.
Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.
The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.
Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.
The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.
The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.
The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.
An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.
You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.
The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!
International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).
Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.