Dr. Cheryl Collier explains the advantages of studying political science and international relations at the University of Windsor.
The Department of Political Science offers several major degree programs, as well as certificate and minor programs - Undergraduate Calendar.
Read more about our specific programs:
Honours Political Science with French Specialization
Honours Law and Politics Specialization
Honours International Relations and Development Studies
Combined Honour Programs (Double Majors)
Concurrent General Bachelor of Arts (Political Science)/Bachelor of Education
Certificate in Public Administration
Certificate in Law and Politics
Bachelor of Arts and Science - Major and Minor Concentrations
Visit the current university undergraduate course calendar, which provides information on courses required for each of the programs above, as well as programs and courses in other departments.
Why UWindsor?
In our undergraduate programs, faculty members who are active scholars and passionate instructors draw on a wealth of practical and academic experience to offer students a comprehensive approach to the study of politics. In upper year seminars, students learn about the nature of power in small discussion-based courses, and develop research techniques, critical thinking and writing abilities, and argumentation and presentation skills. Many of our students also take advantage of the university's numerous International Exchange programs, especially those geared more directly toward political science and IR majors.
A full list of our available programs, including detailed information on required and elective courses.
Programs offered through Windsor's Department of Political Science provide students with a firm grounding in the theories, methods, and content of contemporary political science and international relations, while also offering flexibility and choice in course selection so that students can pursue their academic interests. Course offerings and program structure in our Political Science and International Relations degree programs ensure that all students receive exposure to the fields of political theory, Canadian politics, comparative politics, law and politics, and international relations.
Our honours and general degree programs in Political Science are complemented by two honours programs tailored to students with more specific interests in law and French. The first, in Law and Politics, helps students prepare for the study of law and legal systems. The Law and Politics degree program attracts elite students from across Ontario, Canada and beyond. It is one of the few select Canadian undergraduate degrees that emphasize legal studies while honing skills students require to pursue further studies in law school.
"I believe Law and Politics uniquely prepared me for law school. I am currently in my first year at Osgoode Hall Law School, and the skills I learned in Law and Politics are definitely helping me succeed in my courses. I strongly recommend the Law and Politics program for any student interested in law school."
Trevor Fairlie, 2015 graduate of the Law and Politics program
Political Science with Bilingual Specialization allows students to enhance their French language skills by taking several University of Windsor political science courses in French and completing one semester of courses in French at the University of Ottawa. This unique program helps prepare students for careers in the public sector and in business, professional, and academic environments where bilingual reading, writing, and speaking skills are a must.
Our International Relations and Development Studies program affords students the opportunity to pursue a rigorous interdisciplinary degree focused on a core of political science courses and the choice of several different concentrations to tailor their degree to their interests, including History, Economics, Gender Studies, Geography and Globalization, Middle East and Islamic Studies, or a foreign language.
Learn more about UWindsor's International Exchange Programs
Careers
Our degrees launch careers in law, government, business, and much more. A degree in Political Science or International Relations has clear advantages for those who wish to become involved in politics, and for those planning a career in public service through employment with government or international organisations. Our graduates have found that the degree provides an excellent background for the study of law, and many have used their political science training as a basis for successful careers in teaching, journalism, and business. Check out our Students and Alumni page to read more about what our current students are doing with their programs, or see what some of our recent graduates have gone on to do with with a Windsor degree in Political Science and International Relations.