BA offered by Glendon
Develop a global perspective on power, governance, and society with York University’s Political Science / Science politique program. This bilingual program offers an immersive and interdisciplinary approach to studying political systems, international relations, public policy, and social justice in both English and French. Small class sizes and close mentorship from faculty create an engaging environment for analyzing critical issues such as democracy, human rights, and globalization. You will acquire the tools to think critically, engage in thoughtful debate, and understand complex political challenges. With opportunities for hands-on research, international exchanges, and bilingual skill development, graduates are prepared for careers in government, law, international organizations, and advocacy.
Career Options in Political Science/Science politique
Here are just some of the career options related to this major. As all degrees offer transferable skills, some jobs are more closely linked to this field, than others. Check Canada’s Job Bank for regional requirements.
- Advocacy Coordinator
- Agricultural Policy Analyst
- Artificial Intelligence & Ethics Policy Advisor
- Bilingual Diplomatic Correspondent
- Bilingual Political Speechwriter
- Bilingual Policy Analyst
- Campaign Manager
- Civic Technology Consultant
- Communications Officer
- Community Development Worker
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategist
- Crisis Communications Consultant
- Cybersecurity Policy Advisor
- Data Analyst (Political Trends & Elections)
- Diplomatic Assistant
- Economic Policy Analyst
- Electoral Campaign Assistant
- Electoral Officer
- Environmental Policy Advisor
- Foreign Affairs Analyst
- Gender Policy Analyst
- Government Research Assistant
- Government Transparency & Accountability Advisor
- Human Rights Advocate
- Humanitarian Policy Analyst
- Immigration Officer
- Indigenous Governance Consultant
- Innovation Policy Analyst
- International Aid Worker
- International Compliance Officer
- International Development Officer
- International Election Observer
- International Relations Specialist
- Journalist (Political Affairs)
- Labour Relations Specialist
- Legislative Assistant
- Lobbyist
- Media Relations Coordinator
- Multilateral Affairs Coordinator
- Nonprofit Program Manager
- Political Advisor
- Political Analyst
- Political Campaign Staffer
- Political Consultant
- Political Data Strategist
- Public Diplomacy Officer
- Public Policy Analyst
- Public Relations Specialist
- Refugee Policy Coordinator
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- Research Assistant (Political Science)
- Risk Analyst
- Smart City Policy Analyst
- Social Media Political Strategist
- Social Policy Advisor
- Speechwriter
- Strategic Communications Consultant
- Teacher (Civics or Political Studies, with certification)
- Technology & Politics Researcher
- Think Tank Researcher
- Trade Policy Advisor
- Transparency & Open Government Specialist
- Urban Policy Analyst
- Volunteer Program Manager
- Youth Outreach Coordinator
This bilingual degree qualifies you for roles in bilingual environments or within French and English markets. Many positions in the Federal Government of Canada and other levels of government require proficiency in both official languages: English and French.
Some career choices may require further education, such as graduate studies or professional courses and exams. For detailed career descriptions and specific requirements, please check Canada’s Job Bank.
Entry-Level Positions in Political Science/Science politique
An undergraduate degree is typically sufficient for these positions, though some locations may require additional qualifications. For region-specific information, please check Canada’s Job Bank.
- Advocacy Assistant
- Bilingual Election Coordinator
- Bilingual Public Policy Assistant
- Bilingual Research Assistant
- Campaign Data Analyst (Entry-Level)
- Campaign Staffer
- Civic Engagement Coordinator (Entry-Level)
- Communications Assistant
- Data Analyst (Political Science Focus, Entry-Level)
- Democracy & Human Rights Intern
- Diplomatic Intern
- Electoral Assistant
- Foreign Affairs Research Assistant (Entry-Level)
- Government Policy Assistant
- Lobbyist Assistant
- Media Relations Assistant
- Multilateral Affairs Assistant (Entry-Level)
- Nonprofit Program Assistant
- Parliamentary Intern
- Policy Research Assistant
- Political Data Analyst (Entry-Level)
- Political Risk Analyst (Entry-Level)
- Political Social Media Coordinator
- Public Affairs Assistant
- Public Diplomacy Assistant
- Public Relations Assistant
- Research Assistant (Political Science Focus)
- Social Impact Research Assistant
- Social Policy Researcher (Entry-Level)
- Volunteer Program Coordinator
- Youth Civic Engagement Coordinator (Entry-Level)
For career descriptions, visit Canada’s Job Bank. Some occupations may also be found on Career Cruising; for login information, navigate to the Career Centre’s homepage in Experience York.
Skills Developed through a Degree in Political Science/Science politique
Core Skills
- Policy Analysis: Developing the ability to critically evaluate and create public policies that address political, social, and economic issues.
- Research Methods: Training in qualitative and quantitative political research, including surveys, case studies, and policy evaluations.
- Comparative Political Analysis: Understanding and evaluating political systems, governance, and ideologies across different countries.
- Bilingual Communication: Enhancing the ability to write, present, and debate fluently in both English and French.
- International Relations Analysis: Gaining expertise in global governance, diplomacy, conflict resolution, and international organizations.
- Data Interpretation and Reporting: Learning to analyze political data, trends, and statistics to inform decision-making and policy development.
Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills
- Bilingual Communication: Effectively presenting and debating political ideas, policies, and research in English and French.
- Research and Data Gathering: Collecting information from diverse sources such as government reports, interviews, and case studies.
- Critical Thinking: Evaluating political arguments, policies, and systems to identify patterns and propose informed solutions.
- Analytical Writing: Developing clear, evidence-based reports and policy briefs to communicate findings effectively.
- Organizational Planning: Managing research projects, timelines, and group collaborations with efficiency.
- Debate and Public Speaking: Enhancing persuasive speaking skills through class discussions, presentations, and formal debates.
Management and Teamwork Skills
- Project Management: Planning and executing political research projects, campaigns, or advocacy initiatives.
- Leadership Development: Building skills to lead teams, student organizations, or community-based initiatives.
- Team Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams to analyze political challenges and develop solutions.
- Conflict Resolution: Applying negotiation and mediation techniques to address conflicts in group settings or political contexts.
- Strategic Planning: Developing strategies for policy initiatives, political campaigns, and community outreach.
- Decision-Making: Using critical analysis to make informed, evidence-based decisions in high-pressure environments.
Professional Associations
Professional associations offer valuable insights into qualifications, industry trends, and career opportunities. They provide networking events, workshops, mentorship programs, and internships, as well as job boards and career development resources. Additionally, some associations offer professional licensing and regulatory oversight.
- Canadian Political Science Association (CPSA): Promotes research, teaching, and knowledge dissemination in political science across Canada.
- International Political Science Association (IPSA): A global association fostering the advancement of political science research and scholarship.
- Canadian Association of Programs in Public Administration (CAPPA): Supports education and development in public administration and policy.
- Public Affairs Association of Canada (PAAC): Represents professionals working in government relations, public policy, and advocacy.
- Canadian International Council (CIC): Promotes research and engagement on international relations and Canadian foreign policy.
- Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU): Represents public service workers, including policy analysts and political staffers in Ontario.
- United Nations Association in Canada (UNAC): Engages Canadians on global issues, international relations, and diplomacy