Political Science

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Examine how government affects our lives, and gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shape law, society, the economy and politics.

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Degree

Bachelor

Length

4 years

Faculty/School

Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Why study Political Science at UBC Okanagan?

Get your UBC degree in political science and develop an in-depth understanding of political systems, issues and trends. This program explores democratic and non-democratic systems of governance, placing Canadian public affairs in a comparative and international context.

Gain a deeper understanding of the forces that shape law, society, the economy, and politics. You will develop in-depth knowledge of political systems while you learn to conduct research, present arguments, and work and lead effectively.

Degree Options

At UBC Okanagan, you can complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree with a major or minor in political science.

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Sample Courses

These are examples of courses you can enrol in during your studies. To plan your academic journey, please visit undergraduate academic planning.

POLI 101 - The Government of Canada
POLI 240 - Currents of Political Thought
ENGL 112 - Studies in Composition
HIST 111 - Modern United States History
HIST 115 - World History from First to Second World War

POLI 221 - International Politics
POLI 223 - Introduction to Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
POLI 220 - Introduction to Comparative Politics
HIST 211 - The United States to 1865
HIST 224 - Introduction to the History of Modern Japan and Korea, 1800 to Present

POLI 317 - Politics of sub-Saharan Africa
POLI 319 - Issues in South American Politics
POLI 358 - Politics and Religion
POLI 311 - Topics in Middle East Politics
POLI 323 - South Asian Government and Politics

POLI 464 - Problems in International Relations: Seminar
POLI 462 - International Relations Theory
POLI 435 - International Politics on Film
POLI 402 - Law and Politics of the Canadian Constitution

Plan your academic journey by exploring the undergraduate academic planning guide designed for Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences students.

Explore customized Program Plans designed to support your journey to graduation and beyond.

Careers and Outcomes

UBC degrees are respected by employers around the globe. Program graduates will have the skills to pursue a career in a variety of fields like,

  • Campaign/elections officer
  • Political aide
  • Market researcher/analyst
  • Ombudsperson
  • Business administrator
  • Diplomat/embassy officer
  • Legislative/Parliamentary assistant
  • Journalist
  • Financial planner/advisor
  • Human resources worker
  • Foreign aid worker
  • Public opinion analyst
  • Human rights officer
  • Labour relations mediator
  • Lobbyist/activist
  • Intelligence agent
  • Media analyst/researcher
  • Policy advisor/researcher
  • Speech writer
  • Labour organizer/negotiator
  • Public relations/communications officer
  • Immigration officer
  • International projects leader
  • Public affairs manager
  • Financial/economic analyst
  • Social policy program officer
  • Customs officer
  • Economic development officer
  • Budget analyst
  • Human resources specialist
  • Market analyst
  • Public opinion analyst

Admission, Fees, Applying

You could soon be studying at one of the world’s top universities. Be sure to review the content below to prepare for attending UBC Okanagan.

Experiential Learning

Expand your horizons while studying abroad, conducting meaningful research, or working in the community with your UBC colleagues.

Learn more about Co-op, Go Global, Undergraduate Research Awards and other opportunities at Experiential Education.

Global and Close-Knit

At UBC Okanagan, you gain all the benefits of attending a globally ranked, top 5% university while studying in a close-knit learning community. 50% of graduates, from all across the globe, choose to stay in the region.

Discover the Okanagan

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards, orchards and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan is an inspirational landscape perfect for those seeking leisure or outdoor adventure.

UBC's Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people— the fourth fastest-growing population in Canada.