Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Political Science is the study of power, authority and governance in human affairs. In today’s world, these areas are rapidly changing and becoming more complex, with a range of public, private and non-governmental institutions involved in governing and steering society.

Athabasca University’s Political Science program will help you better understand

• the nature and sources of power and authority
• the impact of globalization on society and government
• how decisions are made within your own and other societies
• how current events fit into broader institutional, political and social contexts

Why take the Bachelor of Arts?

The Bachelor of Arts strengthens critical and creative thinking through a broad range of social, political and cultural studies. The program is designed to

• broaden your perspective on local and global affairs
• encourage community and social involvement
• prepare you for lifelong learning and occupational diversity

By the end of the program, students will be able to

• Apply the intellectual, information literacy, and critical thinking skills required to study politics and government.
• Distinguish between the different concepts and methodologies used in political science and its various sub-disciplines.
• Summarize the major issues and debates that have emerged in these sub-disciplines.
• Analyze the probable causes of political events and the impacts of those events upon subsequent and future political behaviour, especially as concerns conflict, conflict resolution, and conflict management.
• Explain the roles of states, state structures, individuals and societal institutions in political phenomena.
• Combine the methodologies and ideas of political science and other social science and humanities disciplines to investigate and explain political phenomena.
• Evaluate different ideas, theories, explanations and predictions about political phenomena on the basis of reason, evidence and analysis.

Possible career options

• elected official
• campaign manager or pollster
• public servant
• local government administrator
• policy analyst
• research specialist
• lawyer
• journalist
• public relations specialist
• teacher
• academic

• Completion of high school in an English-speaking country.
• Completion of 15 university credits from a recognized English-speaking university, or 1 year at a non-university post-secondary institution with an overall average of 75% (GPA of 3.0).

English is the language of instruction and communication in SCIS graduate programs.

Proficiency in English is an essential requirement for admission to SCIS graduate programs. Although working and studying online requires a different level of English language skills than does the classroom situation, students must nevertheless be able to communicate effectively with faculty, administration, and with other students.

For more information on the English Language Prociency Requirements for Graduate Studies please refer to the AU graduate calendar.

• Minimum score of 6 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• Minimum score of 60% on the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL).
• Minimum score of 80 on the Michigan English Language Battery (MELAB) test.
• Minimum score of 59 on the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
• Minimum score of 213 on the computer- or paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), with 4.5 on the Test of Written English (TWE).
• Minimum score of 80 with an essay score of 20 on the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT).
• Successful completion of AU’s English Language Proficiency Program with an overall average of 75% (GPA of 3.0).
• See the English Language Proficiency Requirements Policy for further details.

How to apply

You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.

• How to enrol in an undergraduate program

Make sure we get your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.