Political Science
Political Science focuses on how societies choose to organize themselves, why they choose those formations, and what the implications of those choices are. It examines and investigates the nature of citizenship, power, justice, community, law, and freedom.
Political Science at STU
Our Political Science program covers four traditional subfields of the discipline:
- Canadian Politics and Government
- Comparative Politics
- International Relations
- History of Political Thought
Students gain exposure to and knowledge of each of these areas and develop an understanding of the institutional and philosophical dimensions of political life. They become attuned to the trends and shocks that alter the forces and issues affecting us at home and abroad.
“To live fruitfully in the world requires that we understand it. This is what the study of politics is all about.”
Dr. Tom Bateman
What sets STU’s Political Science Program Apart?
- Small, engaging classes that emphasize personal interaction, discussion, and debate.
- Lectures and seminars are always taught by professors—not teaching assistants—which means students learn from experts in the field.
- Courses address current issues and controversies against the backdrop of fundamental political questions, which creates a classroom experience grounded in collaborative learning.
- For-credit and extracurricular experiential learning opportunities are offered that connect with students’ academic and career ambitions.
- Students benefit from faculty expertise in International political economy, Canadian foreign policy, Canadian Constitutional Rights, law and politics, social movements, political philosophy, and more.
Where the Study of Political Science can Take You
Students in Political Science develop skills in critical thinking, reading, writing, analysis, and research. They learn to examine arguments, identify trends, test theories, and explain developments, while gaining experience in public policy analysis, project management, and leadership.
This prepares graduates for meaningful careers in fields like:
- Government
- Law
- International Organizations
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- Public Relations
- Corporate Management and Consulting
- Business
- Education
- Journalism
“I bring up STU with as many people as I can. Five years and a cross-country move after graduating, I continue to apply the many lessons I learned at STU. It truly provided the foundation for all my future successes.”
Sam Titus, BA ’17, Political Science and History
Canada-US Relations at Global Affairs Canada
Gain Experience and Build Your Resume
STU’s Internship Program connects the study of Political Science with professional experience through opportunities with organizations like:
- Child Youth and Advocate Office of New Brunswick
- City of Fredericton
- Conservation Council of New Brunswick
- Dialogue NB
- NB Student Alliance
- Planet Hatch
The Political Science program offers a Model United Nations course that prepares students to represent their assigned country at the Harvard Model United Nations in Boston, Massachusetts.
This gives students:
- a deeper understanding of the United Nations and its procedures
- exposure to policy writing and research
- opportunities to refine skills in communication and public speaking
- experience preparing working papers, motions, and conference strategies
Students can further their learning by helping to run the John Peters Humphrey Model United Nations, which is hosted at STU every year for high school students.
There is also an opportunity for students in Political Science to participate in a for-credit New Brunswick Public Service Internship, which places them in a government department where they work on policy files under the direction of a senior public servant.
You might be interested in studying Political Science if…
- You are interested in understanding how human choices affect how the world is organized.
- You want to know more about the major current events that shape our social and cultural environment.
- You want to better understand what is happening in the world and what may be done to achieve justice and stability.
Featured Courses
Law Power and Politics
The Canadian Constitution: The Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Media and Politics in Canada
The United Nations
Fields that Enhance Your Learning in Political Science
The study of politics and government incorporate diverse and sometimes conflicting perspectives. It’s important for students of Political Science to be familiar with an array of topics that are deeply understood by taking courses in other subject areas like History, Human Rights, Criminology, Economics, Great Books, Environment and Society, Philosophy, and Law, Politics, and Society.