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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Political Science

Program details

Faculty
Social Science and Humanities

Degree
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Experiential learning
Experiential work term
Internship
Practicum
Research study
Undergraduate thesis

Delivery method
In-class

Location
Ontario Tech University, Downtown Oshawa

Start dates
September

Length
Four years

Program load
Full-time

OUAC code
DAO

Overview

Students in class. Implement strategies for creating sustainable community development policies, which target improved quality of life and address important community justice and planning issues.

What is your passion? This program explores a wide range of issues related to understanding and reimagining the world:

  • Climate change and environmental sustainability
  • Community building and rebuilding
  • Economics and politics
  • International and local development
  • Policy creation and implementation
  • Social justice and poverty
  • War, peace and protest

This program is unique in that it addresses policy and social justice issues, with a focus on the interrelations of communities including nations, regions, cities, towns and social movements. It emphasizes strategies for creating sustainable policies for community and international development, improved quality of life and social justice and community planning.

This interdisciplinary major draws on faculty strengths in political science, sociology, public policy, history, communication and digital media studies, philosophy, legal studies and economics to give you an integrated multidisciplinary background.

Students also have the opportunity to complete a double major in Legal Studies and Political Science. This double major enables students to receive degrees in both Legal Studies and Political Science in four years. The two programs are especially complementary given law and politics are deeply intertwined. Students learn to navigate how legal systems affect governance, and how power impacts lawmaking and legal decision-making. You will acquire knowledge and skills that especially equip you to enter into the legal profession, including law school. 


My internship has impacted my life in the most positive and significant way possible. Being in the industry and working hands-on, provided me with the opportunity to test out my desired field, while also networking with individuals who assisted me with finding a career after graduation. Put yourself out there—you won’t regret the time spent getting hands-on work experience! Francis White Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science Class of 2021


Admissions

Admissions


Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M courses, including English (ENG4U).

Note: Admission is competitive. The specific average or standing required for admission varies from year to year. Students are selected by taking into consideration a wide range of criteria including school marks, distribution of subjects taken, and performance in subjects relevant to the academic program. Possession of the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Preference will be given to applicants with the best qualifications.


Last year's cut-off70 per cent
Expected cut-offLow 70s

Program details

Faculty
Social Science and Humanities

Degree
Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Experiential learning
Experiential work term
Internship
Practicum
Research study
Undergraduate thesis

Delivery method
In-class

Location
Ontario Tech University, Downtown Oshawa

Start dates
September

Length
Four years

Program load
Full-time

OUAC code
DAO

Contact information

Career opportunities

  • Community organizing and outreach
  • Foreign service and diplomacy
  • Government administration and public service 
  • Graduate studies in political science, sociology, policy studies or related disciplines 
  • Human rights and humanitarian aid work
  • Law 
  • Policy analysis in business, government or non-profit organizations
  • Research with government, community or charitable organizations 

Experiential learning

A limited number of fourth-year students are granted an opportunity to participate in a learning experience with a community organization. The practicum is an experiential learning tool that provides students with opportunities to acquire workplace skills and knowledge, confront the relationship between theory and practice, and cultivate a sense of personal and professional development. The practicum course consists of 100 hours of fieldwork with a community organization, several in-class seminars and a set of academic assignments.


Did you know?

organizations provide placement opportunities
of students are employed within six months of graduation
  • Sample courses
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