Program overview
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
Routes and options
The Bachelor of Arts, Political Science Major is an online 4-year degree program. There are no set start dates – you can enrol at any time and register for courses right away.
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science Major (4-year online degree)
- A 4-year degree fully prepares students for most graduate programs.
- The 4-year BA program allows you to pursue either a double major or a minor.
- Double majors must meet the requirements for both majors, which may restrict course selection or require additional credits above the 120 required for the BA.
- You should talk to an academic advisor about your program and courses if you’re considering a double major.
- To earn a minor you must complete 30 credits in that subject area.
- List of minors
- Anthropology
- Canadian Studies
- English
- French
- Global Studies
- History
- Humanities
- Inclusive Education
- Labour Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Economy
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Women's and Gender Studies
- AU does not offer an Honours BA.
Completion times
Finish this program in as little as 4 years of full-time study, or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion.
Admission requirements
There are no formal admission requirements for the 4-year program. All you need is to be 16 or older. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education.
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.
Make sure we get your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.
Transfer and advanced credit
If you have previous post-secondary education or significant life and work experience that relates to this program, you may be eligible for transfer credit or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This could mean fewer courses to get your AU degree. If you transfer credit, you must complete a minimum of 30 credits at AU.
Program requirements
To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Bachelor of Arts, plus those specific to your major or minor.
Our program plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you’ll take them in. If you’re feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.
Required courses
Detailed information about courses in this program can be accessed using the following links:
Tuition and fees
Once you have paid the initial application fee, tuition is pay-as-you-go for each course registration. Course fees vary depending on your location and other factors.
You can estimate your total program cost by multiplying the cost of a 3-credit course by the number of courses you need to take for the program. Remember that tuition costs may increase each year.
Program learning outcomes
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
Continuing education
At Athabasca University:
At other educational institutions*
- Political science (MA and PhD)
- Public administration and governance (MA, MPA, MPP and Phd)
- Education (bachelor/master)
- Law (LLB or JD)
- Journalism (BA or MA)
* Some universities will not accept a 3-year degree for admittance into a graduate program. An additional year of study may be required. Entrance requirements vary among educational institutions. It is the students’ responsibility to research the entrance requirements of other universities.