Admissions - Graduate Studies

The normal requirement for admission to the M.A. program is an honours degree or combined honours degree in political science, or an honours degree in a related discipline, such as international relations or public administration, with a “B+” (77%) or better average in undergraduate political science courses. Applicants must also submit with their application:

• a copy of an undergraduate essay that reflects the quality of their research and writing abilities (usually a paper from a senior course);
  
• at least two letters of reference; and
  
• an optional statement of intent.

Honours graduates in other fields will be considered on the basis of their academic background and standing. Those who lack a sufficient background in political science or whose undergraduate GPA is below the usual acceptance level may be admitted on a conditional basis. The terms of a conditional offer vary but they can include being asked to take additional senior level undergraduate classes before moving on to graduate classes.

Each application is reviewed by at least three faculty members before a recommendation is made. The formal decision on each file is made by the Faculty of Graduate Studies based on the departmental recommendation.

The final deadline for receipt of applications is July 1 for students wishing to start the program in September. The department, however, strongly encourages early applications. The department reviews and makes offers on applications as they are received. It may be the case, therefore, that the program becomes full in advance of the July 1 deadline or that the financial resources are distributed before this date.

Applicants for the Joint Initiative with the University of Michigan at Dearborn do not require a separate application. Interested students should apply to the Political Science M.A. program and indicate their interest in the joint initiative. Students can also apply and be considered for this initiative during their M.A. degree. The department’s graduate committee will make recommendations for acceptance into the joint initiative based on a review of a student’s performance in the graduate coursework.

Click here to apply online.