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Political Science

What can I do with my degree in Political Science?

About the program

Concordia’s Political Science students learn about the ways that history, ideas, systems and structures give rise to power and authority. By learning to think critically about relationships of power, you’ll be well-placed to contribute to the public life of your country and the world. Political Science is one of the most popular degree choices at Concordia and the Department of Political Science is a research-oriented community of scholars dedicated to the pursuit of the highest standards of academic and scholarly excellence.

Our graduates have proceeded to work in such areas as public administration, law, human rights, journalism, and political campaigning. Some have entered competitive politics, and others have found satisfying work with non-governmental organizations or with corporations. The possibilities are wide open, and it is our job to give you the intellectual background to take advantage of them. For the latest information on programs, visit the Department of Political Science.

Skills developed

As a student in Political Science, you will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills listed below. Your transferrable skills can be applied to many different jobs and situations that go beyond your field of study.

  • Interpret social, economic and political data and develop systematic procedures for investigating political problems and generating solutions
  • Define political issues by applying concepts of political theory
  • Sensitivity to Community Needs
  • Computer and Statistics Skills
  • Interact with diverse populations
  • Research skills; collecting, processing, synthesizing and interpreting data to understand issues, forecast trends and develop policies.

  • Communicate ideas clearly by listening carefully and responding comprehensively
  • Read critically and write reports and essays
  • Explain complex concepts and ideas to others effectively
  • Interact with others and build professional relationships

  • Manage tasks and meet deadlines
  • Work under pressure
  • Influence and persuade
  • Make decisions and use sound judgement

  • Delegate
  • Manage conflict
  • Give and receive feedback
  • Lead and follow
  • Negotiate

  • Observe and interpret data
  • Analyze and evaluate conflicting information to make a good judgement or conclusion
  • Understand complex problems and identify solutions

Potential work settings

Below are examples of work settings where you can gain experience and develop your skills in your field of study. 

  • Canadian Relief Agencies
  • Community Service Agencies
  • Consular Offices
  • Consulting Firms
  • Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)
  • Government (Federal, Provincial and Municipal)
  • Financial Institutions
  • Human Rights Organizations
  • Insurance Companies
  • Interest Groups
  • International Organizations
  • Investment Companies
  • Labor Relations
  • Law Enforcement Agencies
  • Law firms
  • Military
  • Newspapers / Magazines
  • Non-Governmental Organizations
  • Nonprofit Organizations
  • Parliament Hill
  • Pharmaceutical Corporations
  • Political Parties
  • Polling Organizations
  • Publishing Companies
  • TV and Radio Stations
  • Research Institutes

What jobs can a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science lead to?

Please note that many positions listed below may require related extra-curricular activities, volunteer or work experience.

For details on these job titles, main duties and employment requirements visit Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).

  • Advocacy Program Coordinator
  • Agency Intern
  • Campaign Worker
  • Volunteers Coordinator
  • Human Rights Officer
  • Policy Analyst
  • Policy Intern
  • Political Advisor
  • Political Coordinator
  • Political Organizer
  • Public Affairs Assistant
  • Public Policy Analyst
  • Public Relations Officer
  • Women's Issues Lobbyist

  • Activist
  • Community Worker
  • Coordinator of Volunteers
  • Development Officer
  • International Development Agent
  • Lobbyist, Advocate, Mediator
  • Program Planner
  • Youth Program Intern

  • Contractual Researcher
  • Educational Tour Guide
  • Multiculturalism Educator
  • Program Coordinator
  • Research Analyst
  • Research Assistant
  • Research Associate
  • Undergraduate Program Assistant

  • Aboriginal Relations Officer
  • Customs Officer
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Human Rights Officer
  • Immigration Officer
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • Junior Auditor and Evaluator
  • Legislative Assistant
  • Political / Economic Development Policies Intern
  • Program Evaluator
  • Project Officer
  • Public administrator
  • Public Opinion Researcher
  • Public Policy Analyst / Advisor / Consultant

  • Blogger
  • Communications Officer
  • Editorial Assistant
  • Grant Writing Specialist
  • Guide Interpreter
  • Podcast Developer
  • Reporter / Correspondent
  • Web Developer / Producer
  • Writer / Columnist

  • Executive Assistant
  • Insurance Agent
  • Market Researcher
  • Marketing Representative
  • Retail Manager

Jobs and career possibilities with a Master's and PhD in Political Science

The job titles listed below are examples of careers requiring further education such as an MA or PhD degree, a second bachelor degree, a certificate or a graduate diploma and relevant work experience.

For details on these job titles, main duties and employment requirements visit Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC).

  • Assistant Deputy Minister
  • Campaign Manager
  • Campaign Staffer
  • City Counsellor
  • City Manager / Administrator
  • College Teacher
  • Community Relations Director
  • Deputy Clerk of the House of Commons
  • Deputy Minister
  • Development Director
  • Diplomat
  • Director of Public Policy
  • Environmental Policy Analyst
  • Foreign Correspondent
  • Government Intelligence Analyst
  • Government Program Agent
  • Health Policy Researcher
  • House of Commons Officer
  • International Relations Director
  • Journalist
  • Labor Organizer
  • Lobbyist
  • Management Analyst
  • Marketing Director
  • Media Analyst
  • Member of Parliament
  • Political Analyst
  • Political Columnist / Commentator/Reporter
  • Political Scientist
  • Public Opinion Interviewer
  • Public Recreation Director
  • Regional Development Agent
  • Strategic Planning and Policy Officer
  • Survey Poll Analyst
  • University Professor

Start your job search

Explore career options

Explore the types of jobs for each industry and find out about required skills, education level and salary ranges in Canada:

Occupation - Government of Canada Job Bank: Find out about job prospects, wages and skills for specific job titles. You can use the job titles listed in the Career Possibilities – Bachelor degree and Career Possibilities – Beyond the bachelor degree for your search.

Field of study – Government of Canada Job Bank : Find out about employment rates, wages and the types of jobs related to a specific field of study.

Search job titles or companies - LinkedIn: Search by job title or field of study. You can also find out what type of positions individuals with the same degree as you have occupied.

Career Cruising

Explore your interests, learn about careers and find jobs on the Career Cruising website. Find the link and login information in the Student Hub's My CU Account.

Search for jobs

Browse the websites below to find jobs available in Quebec and Canada related to your field of study. You can also search the CAPS online job bank or find employers in Canada that hire new graduates in your field.

Book an appointment 

Want job search tips tailored to your goals and needs? Book an appointment with one of our Career Counsellors or Career Advisors by calling 514-848-2424, ext. 7345.*

*Only current Concordia students and recent alumni can access this service

Networking and professional associations

Connect with professionals in the field and professional associations to find out what a day in your career of choice looks like. Professional associations websites also provide useful career descriptions and job hunting tips, and sometimes list job openings and potential employers. You can also attend one of our career workshops, career fairs or career panels to get a head start.

Here are a few recommended sites:

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