Degree Maps : Faculty Humanities and Social Sciences : Memorial University

2024 - 2025

POLITICAL SCIENCE

Upcoming Courses | Calendar | Department | Advice | My Degree Tracker

Political science is the systemic study of politics through examinations of the structures and operations of government, public opinion, political parties, elections, the ways in which governments interact and how that shapes policies. At Memorial, political science teaching and research is its strongest in public policy, European politics and international politics. Students may choose to pursue a concentration in either Canadian government or global studies; co-operative education is also an option.

See the "My Degree Tracker" link above, for a suggested pattern of course sequencing for this major.

	Year One	Year Two	Year Three	Year Four and Beyond
STUDIES	To earn a Bachelor of Arts you must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours including the following degree components: core requirements, major or honours program, minor or second major, and electives. Work towards the completion of the BA's core requirements. Record your progress in the degree tracker. Ideally you should declare your major program by the end of the winter semester. Before you do, meet with an HSS academic advisor to review your intended degree requirements. Students who are not declared in an HSS major program (by the last day of exams for the winter semester) will not be eligible for the HSS Dean's List or HSS scholarships.	Finalize the BA core requirements (CRW, LS, and QR). Declare your second required program (minor or second major). Consult Undergraduate Program Directors and the Calendar, including the general undergraduate academic regulations and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences regulations. Meet with an HSS academic advisor to review progress in your degree program. Why not consider: applying for admission to an honours program or Co-op (if available). supplementing your degree with a certificate or diploma. Request an official degree audit when you complete 60 credit hours of course work.	Cross-check your degree advice with the University Calendar regulations, contact your department for information about honours program regulations/requirements. Check your Departmental web page for ongoing research. Meet with an HSS academic advisor to review progress in your degree program. If interested in pursuing a Masters program, discuss this with your department. Request an official degree audit when you complete 90 credit hours of course work.	Ensure all BA core requirements have been fulfilled. Meet with an HSS academic advisor to review progress in your degree program. When completing your final courses you must apply to graduate as per the steps to graduate web page. Make sure you apply before the deadlines posted on this web page. If you plan to attend convocation, keep an eye on the Convocation FAQ web page for information on registering for convocation (requesting tickets, booking academic dress, etc.).
STUDY TIPS	Begin your degree workplan with the Academic Advising Centre Be an active student; carefully examine your course syllabus, attend class, participate, ask questions, and visit instructors during office hours Improve your writing skills, avoid plagiarism, and maintain academic integrity with the help of the Writing Centre in SN 2053 Study tips, individual, and group counselling are available at the Student Wellness and Counselling Centre Seek support for disabilities, illness, mental health, and injuries through Accessibility Services The Academic Success Centre is a resources hub created to help students succeed Explore the study tips for years two through four - any tip is always helpful	Update your degree workplan with your academic advisor Complement your degree with certificate and diploma programs Explore scholarships and funding Understand rules through the Student Code of Conduct Do you have more than 60 credit hours? Get an official degree audit Have questions about your official degree audit? Follow up with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Assistant Registrar at arts_registrar@mun.ca Avoid plagiarism and maintain academic integrity Submit your work to Mapping Politics Journal - a peer review student-led journal at MUN	Request a final official degree audit after winter semester to ensure you are on track for graduation Have questions about your official degree audit? Follow up with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Assistant Registrar at arts_registrar@mun.ca Seek advice from instructors about graduate or professional schools Consider grants for graduate or professional studies in the fall Be mindful of application deadlines for professional and graduate schools everywhere and apply early Approach your instructors for academic references for future academic and professional endeavors	In September - if you have not had an audit within the last 3 semesters, request one now. The audit will ensure you are on track for graduation Finalize applications and academic references for professional or graduate school Graduation process: Apply to graduate before the deadlines posted in the graduation menu of your Self-service account
CAREER	Pondering your future career interest? Student Life offers career advice. Consultations with an experienced career advisor as well as professional development events are available. Current students can book a Career advising appointment through Navigate. Explore career interests with Career Cruising Learn how to build a professional resume/CV Gain experience by getting involved on campus and in the community.	Learn about the career versatility of the BA through BA Professional: A Career Conversation Series. Watch episodes on demand to hear from Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences alumni on how to build a successful career.es alumni and get key info about how to forge your own unique career path Explore on-campus and summer jobs through MUCEP, ISWEP, and SWASP for exposure to research and administration Attend fall Career and Graduate School Fair and Summer Job Fair Meet up for career conversations, gain a better understanding of what careers are available with your degree and develop your networking and communications skills, in-person or online through the Meet Employers sessions.	Explore career interests related to your major(s). Seek opportunities to network in your community. Attend employer networking events such as Coffee and Connect Contact Student Life for Career planning advice. Ask about the Externship program. Get tips for your interview, or book a mock interview through Student Life. Check out the Peter Gzowski Internship Apply for a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement - micro-placements program (5 or 10 days) available to all full-time and part-time undergraduate students at Memorial.	Prepare for life after graduation. Attend the Career and Graduate School Fair in the fall semester. Have your resume/CV critiqued by a Career Advisor. Check out the Graduate Transition to Employment Program (GTEP). Utilize the various Career Resources available through Student Life. Student Life is also available to alumni. Review the Graduating Student Handbook.
INVOLVEMENT	Register and attend the HSS welcome event Join the Political Science student society Attend departmental and society events Explore on- and off-campus volunteer opportunities through the Student Volunteer Bureau Attend the Get Involved and Volunteer Expo (GIVE) in the Fall Record your involvement in Memorial’s Online Record of Experience (MORE), an experiential tracking tool that provides students with the ability to record and capture their various co-curricular experiences	Attend departmental and HSS events Register for the VIP (Volunteer Incentive Program) Explore MUNSU services and resource centres Join clubs and societies Explore leadership programs through Student Life Join the HSS online communities on X, Facebook, and Instagram	Continue with previous involvement opportunities Seek opportunities to attend academic conferences through the department or the Canadian Political Science Association (CPSA) Create your own club or society through MUNSU ratification Consider running in MUNSU general elections	Think globally about your academic involvement through the International Association for Political Science Students (IAPSS) Complete your Volunteer Incentive Program through the Student Volunteer Bureau Finalize your Memorial’s Online Record of Experience (MORE)
GO ABROAD	Consider Learning Abroad and develop a plan with the go abroad coordinator Explore Harlow Campus opportunities Attend the Global Opportunities Fair in the fall or winter to explore study/work/volunteer opportunities Discuss funding options for academic travels with the go abroad coordinator Explore international exchange programs	Review your plan with the go abroad coordinator Meet with department advisor to ensure you are academically on track to study abroad Know application deadlines and apply early	Prepare for departure with the go abroad coordinator Attend pre-departure orientation Complete pre-departure checklist and reflection Make the most of your travel experience; become a Memorial student leader	Unpack your go abroad experience Attend go abroad debrief and participate in a reflection Add international experience to your resume/CV Seek additional opportunities to work, volunteer and/or study abroad
WELL BEING	Well-being is integral to long-term student success. At Memorial we offer resources designed to maintain your health and equilibrium, and promote academic success. If you're in distress or crisis reach out for help • Become aware of supports available through the MUN Safe app - it is your direct line to a safer Memorial University. If you need a doctor, go to Student Wellness and Counselling Centre • Health and Dental insurance is offered through MUNSU • Foster well-being through online and in-person supports • Open the conversation about sexual harassment • Be a money smart student - know your finances, if you are in need, emergency loans and the campus food bank are available • The Works offers scheduled fitness programs and workout facilities • Living on-campus? Check out residence life • Living off-campus? Check out Off-Campus housing • Be safe with safedrive • Visit Wellness and Chaplaincy during exams • Still have questions? Checkout the wellness videos or talk to a counsellor.

Melissa Royle graduated from Memorial with a BA (Hons) in political science and studied law at the University of Toronto. She currently practices at the firm Benson Buffett, focusing on commercial and civil litigation. Melissa is also currently actively involved with the St. John’s Board of Trade and the Canadian Bar Association, and is a political commentator on CBC radio.

What would your undergraduate self think of your current job?
I think I would be proud of my position, and curious as to whether I enjoy it (I do!).

What was your biggest challenge when arriving at university and how did you address this?
I knew I wanted to study political science, but was not entirely sure what I wanted to do afterwards – law, academia, journalism. I spoke to as many people in each field as I could, participated in many relevant extra-curricular activities at Memorial and decided to pursue law.

What resources did you use while at Memorial?
I did MUCEPs (on campus student part-time jobs) to gain experience and earn money, applied for every scholarship I could, and participated in many informal aspects of my degree –- attending lectures, debates and social functions.

Did you ever meet with advisors, faculty or staff while a student?
Yes. I found my political science professors extremely helpful when discussing opportunities and career paths. I also met with faculty advisors to ensure I enrolled in the most relevant courses.

How did your extracurricular activities (on and off campus) influence your success?
Enormously. Besides aiding in my admission to law school, they prepared me for my further education and career. Networking, multitasking, confidence in professional settings were skills I developed through the Political Science Society, Global Vision, MUNSU (as Legal Aid Coordinator) and other organizations.

Was there an experience you had during your university years that influenced or put you on a path to your current career?
Studying constitutional law in political science affirmed my interest in law, since it was taught through legislation and case law. My Canadian politics courses and extra-curricular involvement assured me I wanted to maintain some involvement with local politics after university. Practicing law, like many careers, rewards hard work and dedication, and often has delayed gratification for your efforts. These skills are especially developed in the honours program, and become important in your professional life.

Did you participate in a study abroad program?
I participated in the Harlow political science program in 2006. I learned about British and EU politics, and traveled a fair bit, too.

What advice do you have for undergraduate students?
Find the balance between studying something you’re interested in (so you’ll do well now), and something leading to a fulfilling career (so you’ll do well later). Take advantage of as many extra-curricular activities as you can, since you’ll develop skills and meet people who will help you make decisions and ensure success in your future.

Make sure that you are preparing for your future but do it in a way that you get to study things that genuinely interest you.

by Sophie St. Croix - BA ’09, Classics (Memorial), Juris Doctor 2013, Schulich School of Law (Dalhousie), currently an associate at Roebothan McKay Marshall (St. John's)