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Program Details
Our location in Ottawa puts you at the centre of the political action in Canada. Students have access to unparalleled opportunities to enhance their education and propel their future careers.
Investigate complex global and domestic issues such as international conflict and diplomacy; populism, representation and democracy; climate change governance; and the contemporary challenges of human migration. Explore international relations, political philosophy and public policy. Hone your critical-thinking and communication skills.
Specialized seminars focus on electoral reform, new forms of political activism and international conflicts.
Concentrations
You can enhance your studies by choosing one of three concentrations: Canadian Politics and Public Policy, International Relations and World Politics, and Power and Political Ideas.
Capital Advantage
There is no better place to study politics than in Ottawa, the nation’s capital. Our connections within the national capital region means that you will learn from and work with experts and experienced practitioners in the real world of Canadian and international politics, as well as a diverse faculty of internationally renowned scholars. Our professors, instructors and classroom visitors share their expertise from careers in national and international arenas.
Work Experience
Students have opportunities for international exchanges, internships, co-op placements and research assistant opportunities. Students can also participate in an internship with the Washington Center.
Get started in Carleton360 to receive tailored information on our programs, student services and community.
Career Outcomes
Explore your passions, refine new skills and discover the career that’s right for you.
Knowledge and understanding of government and politics, and skills in critical thinking, writing and communicating, prepare our graduates to be global citizens and succeed in almost any career.
Graduates of our program have gone on to careers as diplomats and ambassadors, ministers and deputy ministers, policy analysts, information and communications officers, journalists, lawyers, pollsters, lobbyists and consultants. They are employed in the public service at the federal, provincial and municipal level; non-governmental and international organizations; think tanks and consultancies and private sector firms.
Sample Careers
- Administration
- Civil Service
- Consulting
- Diplomacy
- Elected Representative or Political Staff
- Foreign Service
- Government
- Humanitarian Aid
- International Relations
- Journalism
- Lobbying
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- Policy Analysis
- Politics
- Polling
- Polling Research
- Public Affairs
- Public Relations
- Research
Sample Courses
PSCI 1200 - Politics in the World
Compares politics in selected states and world regions, including political institutions and cultures, development, public policy making, and gender. Global issues and international relations among states, international organizations, and other actors. Basic research and academic writing skills.
PSCI 4206 - Indigenous Politics of North America
Issues of governance regarding the original peoples of Canada, Mexico and the United States since the European invasion. Contemporary movements for restoration of cultural, political, socio-economic, land and self-governance rights, emphasizing domestic and international strategies.
Visit the Undergraduate Calendar to view a comprehensive list of course offerings for this program and discover the exciting things Carleton students are learning in the classroom!
From great professors to engaging lectures to a vibrant academic community, Carleton has proven be a great place to pursue my studies. In addition to my coursework, one of my most cherished experiences has been Carleton Model Parliament, an event held at the Senate of Canada by Carleton’s Political Science Society. Carleton is the place to be if you wish to study politics!
