Program Description
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Political Science (Thesis) offered by the Department of Political Science in the Faculty of Arts is offered by the Department of Political Science in the Faculty of Arts is a research-intensive program that emphasizes innovative and targeted learning opportunities. The program's objective is to equip students with skills in visionary thinking, literature synthesis, and critical reflection to either continue their studies or pursue professional opportunities.
In addition to the primary program, it is possible to take one of the following options:
Gender and Women's Studies (GWS) option: provides graduate students with a cross-disciplinary specialization in feminist, women's, and gender studies. The thesis or MA non-thesis project must be on a topic that significantly engages with issues of gender and/or women and/or feminism. For more information about GWS, visit the IGSF website.
Development Studies option: gives graduate students a multi-disciplinary background in development studies. The thesis or research paper must be written with a multi-disciplinary approach. Students take an interdisciplinary seminar (INTD 657) that introduces them to the study of development as well as a variety of graduate level courses on international development issues. The thesis must be focused on a topic in development studies.
Keywords: Canadian politics, Comparative politics, International Relations, Political Theory, methodology, qualitative research, quantitative research, institutions, government, power, political behaviour.
Unique Program Features
- Students in the program may specialize in Canadian Government and Politics, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, or International Relations;
- Faculty members are affiliated with various research centers and programs such as the Network on Peaceful Change, the Research Group on Constitutional Studies, and the Center for Peace and Security Studies;
- Students in the Development Studies option will develop a unique set of tools to prepare them for the next chapter, whether it is working with development organizations or government agencies, or pursuing either a disciplinary-based or multi-disciplinary doctoral degree;
- The Department of Political Science is a pioneer in the study of politics in North America (founded in 1901).
University-Level Admission Requirements
- An eligible Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA out of a possible 4.0 GPA
- English-language proficiency
Each program has specific admission requirements including required application documents. Please visit the program website for more details.
Visit our Educational credentials and grade equivalencies and English language proficiency webpages for additional information.
Program Website
MA in Political Science website
Department Contact
Graduate Program graduate.polisci [at] mcgill.ca (subject: MA%20in%20Political%20Science) (email)
Available Intakes
Fall
Application Deadlines
| Intake | Applications Open | Application Deadline - International | Application Deadline - Domestic (Canadian, Permanent Resident of Canada) |
|---|---|---|---|
| FALL | September 15 | January 15 | January 15 |
| WINTER | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| SUMMER | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Note: Application deadlines are subject to change without notice. Please check the application portal for the most up-to-date information.