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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.

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 program requirements.

Year 1 courses

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 | Politics Power and Government


You choose

Academic tips


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


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 previous 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

Featured courses

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 program requirements.

Middle year(s) courses

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 244.3 | Politics of Development
POLS 256.3 | Understanding Political Science Research
POLS 261.3 | Global Politics
POLS 262.3 | Global Governance


You choose

Academic tips


Add to your major

Choose from a variety of certificates and minors to complement your major.

Gain relevant experience


Create local and global connections


Get career ready

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 program requirements.

Final year courses
You choose

Apply to graduate

Academic tips


Consider appyling to a graduate program

Political Studies (M.A.)

Find a program

Gain relevant experience


Create local and global connections


Get career ready

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