Political Science and International Relations in Canada

What these programs study

Political science examines how power, government, institutions and public decisions work — from domestic politics and political theory to the study of countries and political systems. International relations (IR) focuses on how states and global actors interact: diplomacy, security, international organizations, trade and global issues. Public policy and public administration look at how decisions are designed, made and delivered.

At most Canadian universities these are studied through a Bachelor of Arts. Some schools offer a distinct IR or global-studies degree; at others, IR is a stream or specialization within political science. The available structures are set by each department and listed in the academic calendar.

• Political science: government, institutions, political theory, comparative politics
• International relations: diplomacy, security, international organizations, global issues
• Public policy / public administration: how decisions are designed and delivered

Degree structures and specializations

A political science or IR BA is usually available as a general/major or an honours degree, and often as a co-op version with work terms. Within the major you typically choose courses across subfields such as comparative politics, international relations, political theory, Canadian politics, and public policy.

An honours degree adds depth and sometimes a research project or thesis, and is frequently expected if you plan to apply to graduate school or law school. Because subfield offerings and honours rules vary by university, confirm them in the official calendar.

• General/major vs honours BA — honours often expected for grad/law school
• Co-op options at some universities
• Subfields: comparative politics, IR, theory, Canadian politics, public policy

Combining with other subjects

Political science and IR combine well with related disciplines. Common pairings include political science with economics (useful for policy and political economy), with history, with law-and-society or criminology, with communications, or with a language for international work.

These combinations can strengthen applications for specific careers or graduate programs. The available joint and combined majors, and their credit requirements, are defined by the faculty, so review the official program structure when planning.

Where the degree can lead

Graduates pursue a wide range of directions: public service and government, policy analysis and research, work with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international organizations, journalism and communications, and roles in business or advocacy. Some careers in diplomacy or the public service have their own separate, official application and selection processes.

Many students continue to graduate study (a master's or doctoral degree) in political science, public policy, IR or related fields, and others use the degree as preparation for law school. Outcomes depend on your courses, experience and further study — no program guarantees a particular role.

• Public service, policy analysis and government roles
• NGOs and international organizations
• Journalism, communications and advocacy
• Graduate study, or preparation for law school

Note for international students

A political science or IR BA is a standard undergraduate program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). The subject does not change the study-permit framework — what matters is that the school is a DLI and you meet admission requirements.

This is general information, not immigration advice. Study-permit and post-graduation rules change, so verify current requirements on the official Government of Canada (IRCC) website before you act.