Why Hire U of T Political Science Graduates?

The University of Toronto Political Science department was placed in the forefront, both nationally and internationally, during the 1960s. Today, in one of the largest political science departments in the Western world, our students are provided with enormous scholarly variety. With over ninety courses offered annually, this diverse research-oriented faculty employs a wide range of approaches to teaching, including sociological, economic, historical, and psychological types of analysis.

The study of political science at U of T affords the opportunity to specialize in Canadian politics, political theory, international relations, and comparative politics. With numerous opportunities to learn from interdisciplinary programs, students gain valuable knowledge of disciplines such as economics, public policy, and public administration.

Political science graduates are prepared for work in government, with political organizations, non-governmental groups such as lobby groups or community structures, international organizations, and the media. An undergraduate degree in political science provides graduates with a foundation for further education in law, community planning, and urban and environment studies.

Related Co-op Programs

International Studies and Public Policy

Students enrolled in the U of T Scarborough co-op programs in international studies and public policy gain valuable experience through the completion of two 4-month paid work terms after their second year of study. Working in government, research institutions, and non-governmental and international organizations, students gain valuable experience and insights into a variety of work opportunities.

International Development Studies

The Co-operative Specialist program in International Development Studies at the University of Scarborough combines academic study in the social and environmental sciences and humanities with a  work experience in a developing country lasting ten to twelve months. Close to two hundred students have spent their co-op work year with Canadian or local agencies or universities in more than fifty different countries.

Expertise Developed

• Critical thinking
• Communicate precisely and effectively
• Research and present summarized information
• Express ideas clearly
• Public speaking
• Analyze and interpret policies
• Negotiate and resolve conflicts
• Influence and persuade others
• Identify complex problems
• Interpret data, issues, theories, and apply them in practice

Notable Alumni

• James Orbinski – Nobel Peace Prize winner; former president of Médecins sans frontières
• James Fraser – co-founder and director of Dignitas International; associate researcher at U of T's Centre for International Health
• Ceta Ramkhawansingh – equal opportunity manager, City of Toronto
• Janice Fukakusa – executive VP, Personal Banking, Royal Bank of Canada
• Rudyard Griffiths – co-founder, governor, and executive director, Dominion Institute

Jobs for Which Our Graduates Are Ready