Political Science - Master of Arts (MA) at University of Waterloo

Programme overview

Foster a deeper understanding of politics across the world at multiple scales (domestic, regional and global) while also developing the analytical and professional skills needed for success in the job market with the Master of Arts in Political Science. In this innovative and research-focused program, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside internationally and nationally renowned scholars in political science, with training in the major fields of the discipline including Canadian politics, international relations, and many more captivating areas of research. You’ll be prepared for further study at the PhD level or to pursue a successful career in the private, public, or non-profit sectors with roles like political consultant, international relations officer, and political risk analyst.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts | Department: Political Science | Duration: 12 months (full-time) | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall (September - December); application deadlines: February 1 (for admission in September) | Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

What you will study

Study option(s): Master's Research Paper.

Career pathways

You’ll be prepared for further study at the PhD level or to pursue a successful career in the private, public, or non-profit sectors with roles like political consultant, international relations officer, and political risk analyst.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

An honours bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Political Science with at least a 78% overall standing. Statement of Research. Students with an Honours BA in a related discipline will be considered for admission but may be required to complete further work in Political Science before proceeding. Students with a General Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Political Science may be admitted to a qualifying program, and then apply for admission to the Master of Arts (MA) program after completion of that program. Probationary students admitted to the program must achieve at least 75% in 2 predetermined courses in order to continue in the Winter term. Normally a student will not continue on probationary status for more than two terms. Transitional students admitted are normally required to complete additional predetermined undergraduate or graduate courses and achieve at least a 75% average.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Terms run fall (September to December), winter (January to April) and spring (May to August). Programmes are currently accepting applications for fall 2027; intake terms vary by programme.

Graduate applications are made online through the Graduate Studies Application and the non-refundable application fee is $150 CAD per program, paid in the applicant portal. Deadlines are set by each programme (for example MDSAI part-time: fall January 15, winter July 1). Apply two to four weeks ahead of the programme deadline.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.apply.uwaterloo.ca/apply/

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