POLITICAL STUDIES Major Map
BACHELOR OF ARTS HONOURS (MAJOR) │ BACHELOR OF ARTS HONOURS (MEDIAL) │ BACHELOR OF ARTS/SCIENCE (MINOR)
Get the
Courses
You Need
1st Year
2nd Year
3rd Year
Final Year
Take POLS 110.
Take POLS 250. If planning
Take POLS 384 and 385.
Take your 4th year
For details on plan
to go on exchange in third Consider writing an
seminars and/or Honours
requirements or
year, consider taking POLS
Honours Undergraduate
Thesis. Complete POLS
thresholds, see the Arts
384 or 385 this year.
Thesis next year. In May,
384 and 385 if you have
and Science website.
Review prerequisites for
submit preferences for
not yet done so already.
Speak with an academic
taking 300 and 400-level
400-level courses for next
counselor at the Arts and
courses.
year.
Science Office or the
Find more information on
Undergraduate Chair for
plan requirements here.
Apply to graduate on
SOLUS.
help.
Get
Relevant
Experience
Join teams or clubs on campus
such as the Queen’s Model
UN Team and the Queen's
Debating Union (QDU).
Look into summer jobs by
talking to the department or
Career Services about work
through SWEP.
Stay during the summer as an
assistant to a faculty member
or apply for an external
research opportunity.
Investigate full-time jobs or
other opportunities related to
careers of interest. Assess
what experience you’re
1st Year
Consider joining an oncampus political party
(Conservative, Liberal, NDP,
Green).
Apply to be a 1st year intern
with the AMS or ASUS.
2nd Year
Take more responsibility
within different clubs or
extracurriculars. Consider
applying to positions in
student services or the Alma
Mater Society.
Write an article for
publications related to politics
such as POLITICUS or
Inquire.
Get
Connected
with Your
Community
Volunteer on or off campus
with different community
organizations, such as the
Queen's International Affairs
Association (QIAA).
Get involved with the
Departmental
Student Council (DSC).
Participate in events such as
Queen's Model Parliament
(QMP), Queen's Model UN
(QMUN) and Queen's Model
Court (QMC).
Continue volunteering at clubs
and extracurriculars. Consider
contributing to University
affairs by applying to serve on
Arts and Science Faculty and
University Senate
Committees.
Volunteer with The Journal,
Queen's student-run
newspaper.
Attend the Queen's Media and
Journalism Conference
(QMJC).
3rd Year
Final Year
Consider applying for an
Undergraduate Student
Summer Research Fellowship
(USSRF).
lacking and fill in gaps with
volunteering, clubs, or
internships.
Consider running for office in
student government (ASUS,
AMS).
If interested, apply to
positions in local and
provincial government and
internship programs with nongovernmental organizations.
Do targeted networking with
people working in careers of
interest (with alumni, using
LinkedIn, Ten Thousand
Coffees, etc.).
Consider joining professional
associations like Canadian
Institute of International
Affairs and Canadian Public
Relations Society.
Connect with professors at
events or workshops hosted by
the DSC.
Attend talks in departmental
speaker series. Help organize
QMP, QMUN, QMC or
QMJC.
Page | 2
© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
Get
Thinking
Globally
Get Ready
for Life
After
Graduation
1st Year
2nd Year
3rd Year
Final Year
The Queen’s University
International Centre will be
your first stop to
internationalizing your degree.
Speak to a QUIC advisor or
get involved in their many
programs, events and training
opportunities.
Is an exchange in your future?
Start thinking about where
you would like to study
abroad. Apply in January for a
3rd year exchange through the
International Programs Office.
Build your intercultural
competence by getting
involved with other cultures or
by practicing or improving
your language skills. Stop by
QUIC for ideas to go abroad,
volunteer at QUIC or attend
one of their events.
Prepare yourself to work in a
multi-cultural
environment by taking
QUIC’s Intercultural
Competency Certificate, and
start thinking about work or
further studies abroad.
Explore different careers of
interest by reading books in
the Career Services
Information Area, such as
Careers in International
Affairs, talking to people
whose careers interest you, or
connecting with alumni on
LinkedIn.
Start focusing on areas of
interest. Learn about the
requirements for careers of
interest– do they need
additional schooling? If so,
prepare to take the required
tests (such as the LSAT or
GRE). Attend Grad School
workshops at Career Services
if interested.
Apply to jobs or future
education, or make plans for
other adventures. Prepare
reference letters if you’re
applying to graduate school.
Consider taking a language
course as an elective.
Grappling with program
decisions? – go to different
Major Nights by the
departments or various Career
Fairs during the year. Get
some help deciding by visiting
Career Services.
Make an appointment with
Career Services for help with
future plans.
Caution: *This map is meant as a guide to provide suggestions throughout your university career. The activities, resources, and careers mentioned are possibilities – you are not
restricted to them and you don’t have to follow this exact timeline. Every person (including you!) will find their own unique path through their degree at Queen’s and beyond.
Page | 3
© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
Where could I go after graduation?
Advertising
Banking
Broadcasting
Business administration and management
Campaign management
Communications
Consumer services
Diplomatic service
Editing
Education
Entertainment
Environmental management
Events and festival management
Foreign affairs
Fundraising
Government
Human resources
Page | 4
© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
Intelligence analysis
International development
International trade
Journalism
Law
Marketing and communications
Media – electronic and print
Media analysis
Policy development
Public affairs
Public health
Public policy, administration and service
Public relations
Research
Social work
Speech writing
Urban and regional planning
*some careers may require additional training
Page | 5
© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
Political Studies at Queen’s
Why study Political Studies?
The department of Political Studies offers you the opportunity to study power, conflict, and decision-making in a variety of contexts,
from Canadian legislatures and courts to the UN and international relations. You might explore the principles of liberalism and
democracy, the causes of conflict in the Middle East, the incentives created by different electoral systems, or the effects of welfare
reform on single mothers. You will develop critical thinking and writing skills, which are useful for many pursuits after graduation,
and crucial for citizenship in a democracy.
What program options are there?

Major (Arts) – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Medial in Political Studies – Bachelor of Arts (Honours)

Minor in Political Studies with Bachelor of Arts or Science
See the department website for course requirements: queensu.ca/politics
Getting what you need to succeed in the workplace
What do employers want?
In a recent survey from the Canadian Council of Chief Executives the top 6 skills sought by employers were:
1 People skills
2 Communication skills
3 Problem-solving skills
4 Analytical abilities
5 Leadership skills
6 Industry-specific Knowledge
How do I get the skills I need?
Page | 6
© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
It is important to develop a balanced skill set – many of which you will develop during your studies. To stand out from the crowd,
gain experience outside the classroom through the multitude of clubs and activities in and around Queen’s. Check out ideas in the
Get Relevant Experience section of this map.
What can I learn studying Political Studies at Queen’s?






Knowledge - identify patterns in current affairs based on understanding of different political systems and cultures
Oral and written communication - write clear, succinct briefing notes and reports, and give engaging, effective presentations
Research - use knowledge of different research domains in politics to find reliable sources of information and to organize the
investigation of a problem
Problem solving – apply different theoretical perspectives (qualitative and quantitative) to reveal multiple dimensions of an issue
Resource and time management – manage multiple long-term projects
Logical reasoning – analyze concepts and assess arguments used in debates about law and policy
What makes ME special?
You have a unique set of skills and experiences. Take the time to think about the skills you have personally developed at Queen’s.
Explaining your strengths with compelling examples will be important for applications to employers and further education. For
help, check out the Career Services skills workshop.
Page | 7
© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
Political Studies Major Map
How to use this map
• Got
questions about careers and classes?
• Feeling a little lost or overwhelmed by choices?
• Wondering what you are “supposed” to be doing?
Use this map to plan for success in five overlapping areas of career and academic life. Each map helps you explore possibilities, set
goals and track accomplishments. To make your own custom map, use the My Major Map tool.
Don’t stress if you haven’t done all of the suggested activities. The map is not a prescription – it’s a tool for finding your own way at
Queen’s.
Page | 8
© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
Support for Student Success
Aspect of Student Health
Personal and Physical Health
Socio-Cultural and Spiritual Health
Career and Professional Health
Academic and Intellectual Health
Emotional and Mental Health
Social and Interpersonal Health
Resources
Athletics and Recreation
Health Counselling and
Disability Services
Aboriginal Student Centre
International Centre
Chaplain
Outreach Counsellor
Cross-Cultural Counsellor
Town-Gown
Career Services
AMS
International Centre
Student Academic Success
Services: Learning
Strategies and the Writing Centre
Academic Advising
Adaptive Technologies
Learning Commons
Health Counselling and
Disability Services
Peer Support Centre
AMS
Rector
Residence Life
Student Experience Office
Queen’s Legal Aid
See queensu.ca/studentaffairs for details
Page | 9
© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015
Department of Political Studies
Faculty of Arts and Science
Mackintosh-Corry Hall, Room C321,
68 University Ave
613.533.6230
queensu.ca/politics
Page | 10
© Career Services, Queen’s University, 2014-2015