Counselling and Therapy

Delivery Services

Emergency and Fire Services

Library Services

Religion

Shipping and Transit

Social Services

Surveying and Mapping

The sub sector for early childhood education and care

Early Childhood Education and Care

Careers in Information and Archive Services

Information and Archive Services

Government and Social Policy

Community & Support Services

Legislators

To work as a financial analyst in B.C., you may choose to earn a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) designation. You can earn the designation by completing the CFA® Program and acceptable work experience requirements. 

Employment as a senior manager in financial, communications, and other business services may additionally require several years of related work experience. 

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

This career is eligible for Red Seal endorsement. When all levels of your trades training are complete, you can write an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. A successful result demonstrates you have met the national standard for your trade in Canada will allow you to practice your trade outside of B.C. in provinces and territories covered by the Red Seal certification.

Senior government managers and officials

To work as an administrative professional in B.C., you may choose to earn the Canadian Certified Administrative Professional designation. The designation is earned by completing the Canadian Certified Administrative Professional (CCAP) program, for which you must be a member of the Association of Administrative Professionals (AAP).

Employment as an executive assistant may additionally require related work experience.

Executive assistants

Statistical officers and related research support occupations

Government managers in health policy development and program administration

Government managers in social policy development and program administration

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

If entering this career from a law background, you may need to have been admitted to the B.C. Bar. Following completion of a Juris Doctor program, articling period at law firm, and the Law Society B.C. Professional Legal Training Course, you can take the Qualification Examinations to gain admission to the B.C. Bar and begin practicing as a lawyer.

Employment as a manager in public administration may require several years of related work experience.

Other managers in public administration

Social policy researchers and program officers

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To practice as an immigration and citizenship consultant in B.C., you must be a member of the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants. Eligibility is achieved through completing a recognized educational program.

Immigration consultants

Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.

To work as an educational policy researcher in B.C., you may need a Certificate of Qualification in Teaching. Eligibility is achieved through meeting requisite education requirements, including a teacher education program.

Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers

This instructional program class comprises any general program that focuses on the systematic study of political institutions and behaviour. These programs include courses in political philosophy, political theory, comparative government and politics, political parties and interest groups, public opinion, political research methods, studies of the government and politics of specific countries, and studies of specific political institutions and processes.

Political science and government, general

Political scientists

Political Science Master's Degrees

Political Science Bachelor's Degrees

Legislators participate in the activities of a federal, provincial, territorial or local government legislative body or executive council, band council or school board as elected or appointed members.

Senior government managers and officials plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate, through middle managers, the major activities of municipal or regional governments or of provincial, territorial or federal departments, boards, agencies or commissions. They establish the direction to be taken by these organizations in accordance with legislation and policies made by elected representatives or legislative bodies.

Executive assistants coordinate administrative procedures, public relations activities and research and analysis functions for members of legislative assemblies, ministers, deputy ministers, corporate officials and executives, committees and boards of directors. They are employed by governments, corporations and associations.

Statistical officers and workers in related research support occupations provide statistical and research support services to a wide range of businesses and organizations. These workers conduct statistical routines, monitor trends, compile data and prepare charts, graphs, summaries and reports in support of organizational information needs and research activities. They are employed throughout the public and private sectors. Statistical officers who are also supervisors are included in this unit group.

Government managers in health and social policy development and program administration plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the development and administration of health care policies, social policies and related programs designed to protect and promote the health and social welfare of individuals and communities. They are employed by all levels of government.

Other managers in public administration plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the development of policies and programs which govern the daily operations of legislatures and other activities unique to government such as intergovernmental affairs and elections. They are employed by all levels of government.

Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers conduct research, develop policy and implement or administer programs in areas such as consumer affairs, employment, home economics, immigration, law enforcement, corrections, human rights, housing, labour, family services, foreign aid and international development. They are employed by government departments and agencies, hospitals, educational institutions, consulting establishments, professional associations, research institutes, non-government organizations and international organizations or they may be self-employed.

Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers conduct research, produce reports and administer elementary, secondary and post-secondary education policies and programs. They are employed by government departments, school boards, research institutes, professional associations and educational and other organizations throughout the public and private sectors, or they may be self-employed.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) Major in Political Science offers the chance to explore the political world through an innovative suite of offerings that combines a solid foundation in scholarship with 'hands-on' learning opportunities in debate, diplomacy, and policy. The Bachelor of Arts Major in Political Science is designed with a special focus on emerging power dynamics at the national, trans-national, and global levels, and is therefore an ideal choice for those with a serious interest in engaging with the many dimensions of power in the modern world. 

You will begin your studies with a broad range of introductory courses that expose you to the key sub-fields within the discipline (Canadian and comparative politics, international relations, and political thought), before gradually transitioning to more specialized courses in the second- and third-year levels, and advanced-level seminar work in the fourth year of study. You will also take at least one 'experiential' course instilling hands-on skills in debate, diplomacy, and policy, as well as one upper-level course on emerging trans-national sites of power.

Political Science: Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science is about a broad and deep understanding of the complex forces that shape law and policies, dominant ideologies, the economy and international relations, and learn how to make a positive impact in Canada and around the globe. You'll have the option to take part in co-op and internship programs, and upon graduation you may find employment in careers such as law, policy analysis, consulting, government lobbying, data analytics, journalism, non-profit organizations, business administration and all levels of government.

The Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics draws together three of the most important fields in understanding our society and our world. Philosophy teaches logic, ethics and how to question critically. Politics considers the interests and institutions that form public policies and the rules by which we are governed. Economics which encompasses how we make decisions as individuals and groups in our increasingly global world market. Placed into context with each other, these fields allow you to form a critical and informed basis to understand and interpret the world. You can participate in co-op education placements to broad your skills and gain hands-on experience in your field of study.

Philosophy, Politics, and Economics: Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA) - UBCO

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science provides a broad understanding of political systems, issues, and trends. You will learn to conduct research, present arguments, and work and lead effectively. Graduates will leave with the knowledge and skills neded to make meaningful contributions to local, national, and global endeavours. You can participate in co-op education placements to broad your skills and gain hands-on experience in your field of study.

Political Science: Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA) - UBCO

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science focuses on how to understand, interpret, explain, and critically assess events, patterns, and structures of politics and government and generate observations of relevance to policy makers, their fellow citizens, and global communities. Examples of issues you'll study include the nature of power, the causes of conflict, the tensions of Canadian federalism, security in the post-Cold War international system, globalization, critiques of liberal democracy, feminist analysis, democratization, and the rise of Asia. You'll have the opportunity to partake in Co-op and study abroad experiences before graduating.

Political Science: Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA) - UBCV

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Planning is the foundation in four fields of political science: Canadian Government, Comparative Politics, International Relations and Political Philosophy. You'll systematically investigate citizenship and diplomacy in local, national and international communities. Upon graduation, you'll be prepared for careers in government, law, the non-governmental sector, media, and business.

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science is designed to provide you with skills in writing, communications, critical thinking, research, problem solving, and more. You'll learn foundational skills in political science history and theory, statistical analysis, and research methodology. Later, you'll investigate relevant special topics and issues such as international relations, human rights, and public policy. Upon graduation, you may work with political parties, government organizations, journalism, law, policy, public administration, and more.

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science allows you to explore how power and authority produce or reduce conflicts within and between societies. You'll study issues including democracy, war and peace, and the rule of law. Develop your problem-solving and communication abilities. You will gain skills that are essential to careers in the public, private, non-profit and business sectors.

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Studies will teach you how politics and policy work and affect people's daily lives in Canada and around the world. The program offers a wide variety of classes in democracy, international affairs, Canadian politics, leadership, public administration and
public policy. You'll graduate with the knowledge and skills to help build a safe, fair and sustainable world.

Educational Path

Political Science Bachelor's Degrees

Programs

Careers