Explore the notion of power, the key principles of living together and the differences between political regimes.

Political science examines the State, institutions, collective action, the distribution of resources, conflict resolution, the role of ideas, international relations and globalization on all political levels: local, regional, provincial, national and international. This program offers you solid training on pivotal issues such as citizenship, federalism, minorities, First Nations, political participation, political economy, public policy, globalization, ethics and democracy.

Why choose the School of Political Studies

Just steps from Parliament Hill, in the heart of the nation’s capital, the School benefits from a rich network of contacts developed by its professors and alumni. You get to study next door to the federal public service, which is not only an employer, but also a University partner and the subject of much University research.

Part of your learning experience

Open to many theoretical and methodological approaches, the School of Political Studies focuses on critical reflection and experiential learning both within and outside the classroom.

Program prerequisites and minimum admission average 

Choose your program

4 years120 units
Parliament of Canada in Ottawa in Winter

Honours in Political Science

4 years120 units
FPO

Joint Honours in Philosophy and Political Science

4 years120 units
FPO

Joint Honours in Communication and Political Science

4 years120 units
Arrows around the globe 

Joint Honours in Economics and Political Science

4 years120 units
Parliament of Canada in Ottawa 

Joint Honours in History and Political Science

4 years120 units
Interior view of the Parliament of Canada’s Senate chamber 

Joint Honours in Public Administration and Political Science

4 years120 units
Cubist work of several female faces 

Joint Honours in Feminist and Gender Studies and Political Science

6 years183 units
FPO

Honours in Political Science and Juris Doctor (J.D.)

(Program offered in French only)

Calendar | Course sequence | French immersion

Parliament in Fall

Major in Political Science

Students at uOttawa

Minor in Political Science

Political Studies students in the Senate of Canada, Ottawa

Certificate in Political Science

Bibi Hakim
Student voices

“Studying in the capital and in the heart of government allowed me to strengthen foundational skills in public policy. and to step into the world of diplomacy.”

Bibi Hakim

— Alumna

What to expect

  • The School of Political Studies offers you an extensive choice of courses in four distinct subfields of the discipline:
    • Political thought
    • Canadian and Quebec politics
    • Comparative politics
    • International relations and global politics
  • In light of its bilingual status and its diversity, the school is recognized as one of the most important centres for the meeting of English-and-French-language intellectual traditions in the country and internationally.
Parliament buildings at night

Undergraduate Programs at the Faculty of Social Sciences

Achieve your objectives with our diverse selection of programs aimed at inspiring, empowering, and fostering change.
Discover our undergraduate programs