Major map:
Political Studies
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - View all program options
Learn how to get the most out of your degree and prepare for your future career.
Political Studies examines the use and abuse of power in societal struggles for justice, equality, freedom, and the common good. It deals with issues at the local, national and international levels, relating to government and governance, authority and legitimacy, equity and resource distribution, rights and responsibilities, and peace and conflict.
Not a USask student?
Learn more about studying political studies at USask and apply for admission.
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all major requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
POLS 111.3 | Democratic Citizenship in Canada
POLS 112.3 | Justice and Injustice in Politics and Law
IS 110.3 | Global Issues
You choose
- Two courses (6 cu) from POLS 111.3, POLS 112.3, and IS 110.3
- From a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements
Academic tips
- Hear what students have to say about their experiences in political studies
- Explore information about your major in the course and program catalogue
- Meet with an academic advisor for help choosing your courses and planning your degree
- Visit the student Learning Hub for help developing your academic skills
- Attend the MAJOR Possibilities event held by the College of Arts and Science to choose the program that is right for you
What will I learn?
- Written communication - Employ a structured body and argument in writing; write in an accessible tone; improve writing quality
- Oral communication - Present a topic and position clearly and concisely; make a professional presentation
- Critical thinking - Assess the evidence used to support premises; explain and contrast theoretical perspectives; engage with different viewpoints
- Research - Craft a relevant research question; synthesize information; situate research within theoretical or methodological framework
- Analytic experience - Examine real world events and analyze how they relate to and shape society
Gain relevant experience
- Enroll in a First Year Research Experience (FYRE) course to have a meaningful research, scholarly, or artistic experience
- Consider enrolling in an experiential learning class
- Consider a study abroad experience to earn credit toward your degree
Create local and global connections
- Attend Global Cafés (part of the Global Studies Certificate) which seeks to encourage students to learn actively, think broadly, act ethically, and engage respectfully. These events are open to anyone wishing to attend. Catch up on our 2020-21 speaker events here
- Join the Political Studies Student Society (PSSA) to get involved in department events, connect with upper years students, and network with the broader community
- Visit the USask Community Centre to make connections and build community
- Get involved in your campus community through student groups, campus rec, and USask events
- Before you register in your first-year courses, sign up to be a part of a Learning Community
- Get to know your faculty and their research interests
Get career ready
- Meet with a career educator at Career Services to explore your career possibilities
- Take a career assessment to learn more about your strengths, personality, interests, and values
- Create your résumé and cover letter to take advantage of part-time and summer job opportunities
- Develop your LinkedIn profile to begin building your professional brand
Featured courses
- POLS 112.3 Justice and Injustice in Politics and Law
- POLS 222.3 Indigenous Governance and Politics
- POLS 261.3 Global Politics
- POLS 372.3 Peacebuilding and Political Reconciliation
- POLS 404.3 Canadian Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all major requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
POLS 204.3 | Canadian Political Institutions
POLS 205.3 | Canadian Politics and Society
POLS 222.3 | Indigenous Governance and Politics
POLS 236.3 | History of Political Theory
POLS 237.3 | Modern Political Theory
POLS 261.3 | Global Politics
POLS 262.3 | Global Governance
You choose
- From a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirments based on your selected program
Academic tips
- Check DegreeWorks or meet with an academic advisor to ensure your degree is on track
- Apply for scholarships and bursaries
- Declare your major in the PAWS Arts and Science channel
Add to your major
Choose from a variety of certificates and minors to complement your major.
Gain relevant experience
- Become a peer mentor with the College of Arts and Science, Student Learning Services, or Peer Health
- Sign up for a Student Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
- Get involved in research by applying for a research assistantship
- Register for the Career Internship Course (POLS 383.3) which provides opportunities for students to intern with an organization for one term, giving them work experience relevant to their degree
- Meet with the Study Abroad Coordinator or an ISSAC International Education Officer to explore your study abroad options
- Explore undergraduate research opportunities
Create local and global connections
- Engage with your community through volunteering and Co-Curricular Record activities
- Meet with new people and grow your cultural understanding through Building Bridges and the Global Connections Network
- Consider joining the Arts and Science Students' Union (ASSU), the University of Saskatchewan Students' Union (USSU), and/or the USask Model United Nations Club
Get career ready
- Discover job opportunities, explore career options, and meet professionals at Career Services events and career fairs
- Explore experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills
- Expand your professional network on LinkedIn
- Get a better understanding of your career possibilities through career informational interviews
- Conduct occupational research through Job Bank and LinkedIn
Career readiness competencies
Career Readiness Competencies are transferable skill sets that will prepare you for the world of work and include the top attributes that employers are looking for:
- Career & Self-Development
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Equity & Inclusion
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Technology
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all major requirements.
You choose
- From a variety of courses to fulfill the requirements of your Three-Year B.A., Four-Year B.A., or Honours B.A. program
Academic tips
- Consider applying to graduate programs at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy
- Think about applying to a masters degree in Political Studies
Gain relevant experience
- Get involved in research by applying for a research assistantship
- Consider running for an executive position on the PSSA to enhance your leadership skills and make valuable connections within the department, the university, and the wider community
- Consider running for a leadership position with the Arts and Science Student Union (ASSU) or the USask Students' Union (USSU)
- Apply for an internship with Canadian Political Science Association
Create local and global connections
- Join the USask Alumni and Friends community
- Register with local chapters of politically-focused groups like the Canadian International Council
Get career ready
- Update your résumé, cover letter and CV to apply for jobs
- Meet with Career Services to prepare for your interview
- Explore experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills
- If you are new to Canada, take time to learn about how to search for a job in Canada
Career readiness competencies
Career Readiness Competencies are transferable skill sets that will prepare you for the world of work and include the top attributes that employers are looking for:
- Career & Self-Development
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Equity & Inclusion
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Technology
Possible destinations
People with a political studies degree take their knowledge and skills into many different industries and occupations. Some of the career paths listed here require further education and training.
Career paths
- Ambassador
- Citizenship and Immigration Officer
- City Councilor
- Consumer Advocate
- Diplomat
- Election Officer
- Foreign Affairs Officer
- Government Researcher
- Governmental Program Agent
- Human Rights Officer
- Intelligence Analyst
- Legislative Aide
- Legislator
- Local Government Official
- Military Officer
- Ministerial Assistant
- Political Campaign Officer
- Political Coordinator
- Political Pollster
- Political Researcher
- Political Scientist
- Politician
- Public Policy Consultant
- Public Policy Planner
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- Research Assistant
- Senior Policy Advisor
- Social Scientist
- World Food Program Officer
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has hired several graduates from the political studies program and we have been very impressed with their knowledge of public management and policy. This knowledge has helped them to excel in their work with IRCC and external stakeholders.
—Hiring Manager, IRCC
Where do USask alumni work?
- Canpotex Limited
- City of Saskatoon
- Co.Labs
- eHealth Saskatchewan
- Federated Co-operatives Limited
- Global Gathering Place
- Government of Saskatchewan
- Jim Pattison Broadcast Group
- Johnson Shoyama School of Public Policy
- Liberal Party of Canada
- McDougall Gauley LLP
- Saskatchewan Health Authority
- Saskatchewan New Democratic Party
- Saskatchewan Party
- Saskatchewan Research Council
- Saskatoon Sexual Health
- University of Regina
- University of Saskatchewan
Explore Canadian salaries for various occupations using the Job Bank Career Planning Tool
"The underlying understanding of social and political issues my political studies degree has provided allows me to make informed independent assessments of ongoing major events in Canada and the world. I believe this, as well as the analytical skills the program provides, to be an important asset and something organizations are increasingly looking for."
—Jackson, upper-year political studies honours student
"I gained hands-on experiences through the career internship course (POLS 383). I developed key career competencies such as report building, how to work collaboratively in an organizational setting, and how non-profit organizations can (and do) influence policy."
—Kristen, upper-year political studies student
"One of the most important skills this degree has taught me is the ability to ask questions about my learning and build factually based arguments."
—Carlos, upper-year political studies student