This MA program in political science at UNBC offers strengths in comparative politics, Canadian politics, Aboriginal self-governance, Northern studies, and local government. Students can choose between a thesis, research project, or course-based option. Financial support is available through teaching and research assistantships, scholarships, and government programs. The program provides a personalized education and supportive environment for students to work closely with supervisors and faculty.

2. Our MA program offers supervision in most
areas of political science, with strengths in:
 comparative politics
 Canadian politics
 Aboriginal self-governance
 Northern studies
 local government
 political philosophy, ancient to modern

3.  a four year BA or equivalent, usually in
Political Science
 “B” average or better over final two years of
the BA
 three letters of reference
 availability of an appropriate supervisor

5. Dr. Boris DeWiel
Ancient to Modern Political Philosophy,
History of Ideas, Canadian Politics, Public
Policy.
Dr. Tracy Summerville
Canadian Government, Political Philosophy,
Canadian Culture and Identity, Resource
Policy and Politics, Northern Communities.
Dr. Natalia Loukacheva
International and Comparative
Constitutional Law and Politics, the Arctic,
Indigenous people’s rights.
Dr. Gary Wilson
Comparative Politics, Northern
Development, Comparative Federalism and
Intergovernmental Relations, Russian and
European Politics.
Dr. Michael Murphy
Contemporary Political Philosophy,
Citizenship and Diversity, Nationalism and
Self-Determination, Democratic Theory,
Indigenous Rights and Self-Government.
Dr. John Young
Comparative Politics, Community and
Municipal Politics, Russian Politics, Political
Transitions, Civil Society, Religious
Pluralism, Church-State Relations.
Students’ thesis work must be in an area of specialization of a faculty
member:

6. Students may choose from one of the following
options:
 Four courses and thesis
 Five courses and research project
 Eight courses

7. The requirements for the Thesis option are:
 Four graduate courses, including one in
research methods
 A written thesis
 An oral thesis defense

8. The requirements for the Project option are:
 Five graduate courses, including one in
research methods
 A major research project

9. The requirements for the Course-based option
are:
 Eight graduate courses, including one in
research methods
 A major research paper completed in the
final graduate course

10. Financial support is available on a competitive
basis, including:
 teaching and research assistantships
 UNBC scholarships
 outside scholarships and bursaries
 government funding programs and grants
For additional information about financial support
Contact UNBC Awards and Financial Aid
www.unbc.ca/financial-aid

11. We offer graduate students a personalized program of studies and
a collegial, supportive working environment. You will work closely
with a supervisor and a team of professors who will help you
develop your talents and ideas. Our graduate students have gone
on to thrive in careers in politics, higher education, the civil
service, NGOs and the private sector, throughout Canada and
abroad.
At UNBC, you will never be lost in a crowd. We will help you learn
who and what you can be.
Contact Information:
Department Chair: Dr. Boris DeWiel
Administrative Assistant: Selina Ross
Website: www.unbc.ca/political-science
Phone: 250-960-6668
Email: politicalscience@unbc.ca