The civic and political life of Canadians is rapidly becoming more diverse and more global. New opportunities are open to those who are equipped to meet the challenges of a changing Canada and changing world. Political science helps students to be a part of those new opportunities, by providing them the intellectual tools needed to understand and analyze real world problems, conduct research, and be more informed participants in public affairs.
Vancouver Island University offers a Major and Minor in Political Studies to students studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree. Members of the department also participate in teaching the Global Studies and Policy Studies Major and Minor programs. While many of our students have gone on to achieve success in graduate programs in political science, courses in this discipline-encompassing provincial, national, comparative and international politics as well as political thought, law and politics and public policy---are also useful preparation for students who wish to pursue careers in business, public service, education, law or communications.
Political Studies is pleased to announce the new Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, Dr. Michael MacKenzie.