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May 06, 2026
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2026-2027 Undergraduate Academic Calendar
Political Science
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General information
One of the most common words used to describe human society in the early 21st century is crisis. Economic systems are in a state of decline and threatened collapse, our natural environment is being pushed beyond its ability to sustain us, more people live in poverty than ever and, for the first time in history, the current generation can expect to have a lower standard of living than their parents. The Political Science program is designed to equip future professionals and citizens with tools to address these and other vital issues. Since the problems we face result directly from the type of society we have designed, students in this program will develop the ability to explore ways in which economies, laws, political systems and cultures can be re-imagined. This dynamic and innovative program draws from the strengths of an interdisciplinary faculty with expertise in areas such as community development, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, public policy, culture, politics, economics, environment and social movements. With their guidance, students will come to understand the ways in which communities can be mobilized and policies designed to yield economic prosperity, environmental sustainability and social justice. The Political Science program offers optional specializations in Business and Society, Economics and Global Studies, as well as a minor in Political Science. In addition, the program offers a minor in Global Studies and a diploma in Public Policy. Business and Society specialization
This interdisciplinary specialization combines core political science concepts and theories with those found in other social scientific disciplines. It critically examines the impact of business on both society and the environment and provides students with the skills to evaluate important economic processes and relations. As part of their course requirements, students will also be asked to consider and develop sustainable business practices. Economics specialization
Through its interdisciplinary scope and socially engaged curriculum, the Economics specialization aims to equip students with the critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills required to understand and influence the economic systems and policies shaping contemporary society. The Economics program specialization will provide students with foundational training in key areas of economic theory and help them to develop practical competencies relevant to the design and implementation of socially responsible economic policies. Graduates will therefore be well positioned for careers in public policy, economic research, financial services, international development, and further academic study in economics, political economy, or related fields. Global Studies specialization
This interdisciplinary specialization combines core political science concepts and theories with those found in other social scientific disciplines to provide a deep examination of events and processes across the globe. Students will examine major political, ecological, economic, cultural, and social issues of a global scope. Admission requirements
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. Current Ontario secondary school students must complete the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U or 4M credits including English (ENG4U). All other applicants should refer to admissions for the requirements for their specific category of admission. Practicum
A limited number of fourth-year students are granted an opportunity to participate in a learning experience with a community organization. The Practicum course consists of 100 hours of fieldwork, in-class seminars, and a set of academic assignments. As part of the pre-practicum process, students will be required to acquire a Vulnerable Sector check. For additional information, please refer to the course description for SSCI 4098U . Internship
This program offers students who have successfully completed three years of study with a cumulative 2.7 GPA an opportunity to engage in a work-integrated learning partnership with organizations locally and globally. The internship program not only gives students an opportunity to apply classroom concepts to the challenges of organizational life, but also helps them to gain valuable and relevant work experience to promote networking and life-long career success. The internship program placement equates to a minimum of 280 hours of paid or unpaid field experience. The intern’s wages, where applicable, are paid by the sponsoring organization over a contracted period. The faculty may provide links to various internship placement opportunities or a student may secure an internship opportunity that meets the criteria as prescribed by the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities. Successful work placement completion and written final project will result in the intern receiving a mark and three credits toward the Honours Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. Admission to the internship program is competitive. While students are participating in an internship program, they may enrol in up to two additional courses (six credits) per semester. These courses must not interfere with the internship schedule outlined by the employer. For additional information, please refer to the course description for SSCI 4103W . Co-operative Education in the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities
Co-operative education is one experiential learning option offered in FSSH in selected programs. All undergraduate FSSH students participating in the Co-op program are governed by the FSSH Co-operative Education Policy. Students in the co-op program who successfully complete at least three work terms will graduate with the Co-operative Education designation on their degree parchments. The FSSH co-op education model has been designed to conform to the Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL). Full-time students apply to the co-op program directly from high school and must successfully complete their first year at Ontario Tech University in clear standing. They should meet the following criteria to apply for the Co-operative Education Program: - Have completed first year with a minimum cGPA of 2.7.
- Be returning to full-time studies after completing the co-op work term.
- No hold on their account with the university.
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada.
Information on the application process and administrative fees are available from the Co-op office. Double majors
Students registered in a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) program within the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities at the university have the opportunity, in most cases, to combine two majors within the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities concurrently as a double major (note - some restrictions apply). Double major program maps have been approved by the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities and are available through the Academic Advising Office. Students undertaking a double major within the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities will, in most cases, be required to complete more than 120 credit hours. Students wishing to declare a double major must consult with the Academic Advising office. The Faculty of Social Science and Humanities offers a double major in Legal Studies and Political Science and Legal Studies and Forensic Psychology that are 120 credit hours to complete. Degree and major requirements
To be eligible for the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Political Science, students must meet both the degree requirements and requirements of the major as outlined below for a total of 120 credits. Each year prior to course registration, the order and timing of course offerings will be released by the faculty and communicated to students. Required first-year courses for Bachelor of Arts students in Political Science [18 credit hours]
Political Science major core courses [78 credit hours]
Additional required courses
The remaining 24 credit hours are selected based on the student’s choice to pursue the political science major, or the political science major with a specialization. Political Science major [24 credit hours]
Political Science major with Business and Society specialization [24 credit hours]
- COMM 1100U – Introduction to Communication and Digital Media Studies
- LGLS 1000U – Foundations of Legal Studies
- LGLS 2940U – Legal Research Methods
One of: - COMM 2220U – The Media, Creativity and Culture in Canada or
- COMM 2311U – The Creative Industries: Ideas, Art, Tech, Money, Power or
- COMM 2530U – Advertising as Social Communication or
- LGLS 2200U – Legal Theory or
- POSC 2800U – Introduction to Business, Economy and Society or
- SSCI 2101U – Making a Difference: An Introduction to Social Entrepreneurship
One of: - COMM 3510U – Work in the Creative and Tech Industries or
- CRMN 3301U – Green Criminology and Eco-Justice or
- LGLS 3410U – Labour and Employment Law or
- LGLS 3530U – Intellectual Property or
- LGLS 3700U – Law and Power
One of: - COMM 4261U – Online Creator-Entrepreneurs: YouTubers, Influencers, and Streamers or
- COMM 4420U – Political Communication, Digital Media and Democracy or
- CRMN 4020U – Corporate Crime or
- CRMN 4021U – Cybercrime
- Two general electives*
It is recommended that students take one of SSCI 2900U – Research Methods , SSCI 2910U – Data Analysis or SSCI 2920U – Qualitative Research Methods . Students are also strongly encouraged to take the following POSC courses as part of their general program requirements:
- POSC 3100U – Political Economy of Global Development
- POSC 3101U – Inequality, Environment and Development
- POSC 3300U – Building Sustainable Communities
- POSC 3302U – Environment and Globalization
- POSC 3305U – Energy Policy: Canada in a Transitioning World
- POSC 3602U – Labour in the Global Economy
Note: It is the student’s responsibility to check carefully for prerequisites, co-requisites and enrolment restrictions. Students should note that not all courses listed are available each year and all courses have enrolment capacities. Students are strongly encouraged to seek guidance from their Faculty Advisor or the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities to ensure they are meeting all enrolment requirements.
Political Science major with Economics specialization [24 credit hours]
In addition to the courses required to complete the Political Science major, Economics students are required to take the following: Political Science major with Global Studies specialization [24 credit hours]
Students taking a specialization in Global Studies will examine political, ecological, economic, cultural, and social issues of a global scope. The program draws on political science theories and methodologies as well as a range of other disciplinary perspectives in providing a deep examination of major events and processes across the globe. Students will study trends in international development, democratic governance, international criminal justice, international law, and economic globalization. In addition, the specialization focuses on climate change and biodiversity loss as well as the impact of new telecommunication technologies. As part of their course requirements, students will also be asked to consider and develop sustainable solutions to urgent international problems. *POSC approved electives
Students must be aware of and plan appropriately for elective prerequisites. - COMM 3310U – Communication for Social Change, Community and Development
- COMM 3350U – Environmental Communication: Media and Tech for Sustainability
- COMM 3510U – Work in the Creative and Tech Industries
- COMM 3710U – Media, Identity and Intercultural Communication
- COMM 3720U – Knowing Your Audience: Audience Studies for Media Professionals and Creators
- COMM 4261U – Online Creator-Entrepreneurs: YouTubers, Influencers, and Streamers
- COMM 4420U – Political Communication, Digital Media and Democracy
- COMM 4610U – The Struggle is Real: Transformation for Communication, Conflict, and Peace
- COMM 4710U – Global Media, the Internet and International Relations
- CRMN 3040U – Restorative Justice
- CRMN 3050U – Police and Society
- CRMN 3056U – Race-ing Justice
- CRMN 3301U – Green Criminology and Eco-Justice
- CRMN 4020U – Corporate Crime
- CRMN 4021U – Cybercrime
- HLSC 4803U – Global Health
- LGLS 2940U – Legal Research Methods
- LGLS 3230U – Law and Globalization
- LGLS 3300U – Disability and the Law
- LGLS 3310U – Indigenous Peoples, Law and the State in Canada
- LGLS 3320U – Race, Ethnicity and the Law
- LGLS 3410U – Labour and Employment Law
- LGLS 3520U – Law and Technology
- LGLS 3530U – Intellectual Property
- LGLS 3620U – Human Rights Mediation
- LGLS 3700U – Law and Power
- LGLS 4040U – Law and the Environment
- LGLS 4070U – Public Governance through Law
- LGLS 4200U – Law and Social Change
- POSC 2800U – Introduction to Business, Economy and Society
- SSCI 2900U – Research Methods
- SSCI 2910U – Data Analysis
- SSCI 2920U – Qualitative Research Methods
- SSCI 3910U – Advanced Data Analysis
- SSCI 3920U – Advanced Qualitative Methods
- SSCI 4020U – Leadership and Administration
Note:
Not all Political Science electives will be offered every year. **General electives
General electives can be taken at/or adjoining their year level, where permission has been granted and prerequisites have been fulfilled. For students not pursuing a specialization, a minimum of three elective courses must be offered by the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities but outside of major and at the 2000-level or higher. ALSU 1101U or LGLS 1000U recommended as a general elective in first year. ***MSPI 5000-level elective
Master of Arts in Social Practice and Innovation (MSPI) 5000-level courses accepting exceptional undergraduate students. Students who will have completed 105 credits in their program (typically in the seventh semester for full-time students) and who have a GPA of 3.7 (A-minus) or higher can apply to take a graduate-level course in the Master of Arts in Social Practice and Innovation (MSPI) program. Students who successfully complete a MSPI course will have it count toward their undergraduate degree, and if they apply for and are accepted into the MSPI program, will also receive transfer credit for this course. Two of the following courses are typically offered every Winter term: - MSPI 5040G Advocacy, Change and Social Practices (3 credits)
- MSPI 5050G Communicating Law and Politics in Everyday Life (3 credits)
- MSPI 5060G Information, Power, and Democracy (3 credits)
- MSPI 5070G Special Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies (3 credits)
These courses are taught as seminars, with a maximum of 12 students. As this cap includes graduate students enrolled in the MSPI program, space for undergraduate students is limited. Interested students should contact the FSSH Graduate Program Assistant at SSHGrad@ontariotechu.ca. SSCI 4101U and SSCI 4102U Honours Thesis I and II
In order to be considered for the Honours Thesis I , students must apply during their sixth semester to begin their Honours Thesis I in semester seven. The course application must include a detailed statement of intent outlining the methodology, theoretical significance and the projected timelines for completion of the project. To proceed to Honours Thesis II , a student must have successfully completed Honours Thesis I with a minimum A-minus and prepare a written statement outlining the projected timelines for completion of the project. Please note: only a limited number of applicants will be admitted to the Honours Thesis. Consent is required from both the instructor and the dean. Program learning outcomes
The following outcomes outline the knowledge and skills students will have achieved upon completion of the program. |
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