COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA in Political Science requires a structured combination of coursework and independent research, allowing students to choose between a thesis or project-based pathway. Students must complete 9 units of coursework, including POLI505 (Problems of Political Analysis), which focuses on research methods unless an exemption is granted. In addition, students are required to take at least two core field seminars from options such as POLI508 (Comparative Politics), POLI509 (Political Theory), POLI516 (Canadian Politics), or POLI540 (International Relations), ensuring exposure to key areas of political science. The remaining coursework includes additional Political Science graduate courses and 1.5 units of electives, which may be selected from graduate or senior undergraduate courses, directed readings, or approved courses from other departments. After completing coursework, students choose between two program options. In the thesis option, students complete POLI599, a substantial research thesis of up to 100 pages, which must be defended in an oral examination before a supervisory committee and an external examiner. Alternatively, in the project-based option, students complete POLI598, a major research paper of approximately 40–50 pages, along with additional electives. This flexible structure allows students to tailor their academic and research experience according to their career goals and interests.