Political Science Co-op Information for Employers
Adding Value to Your Team
A political science education provides students with the conceptual foundations of political theory and an understanding of concepts of power and the state, civil society, development, justice and governance issues. Our program ensures that students acquire both a domestic and international breadth of knowledge and develop their ability to critically analyze political phenomena. Students expand their awareness of global contexts and can choose to specialize their study in specific areas of the world, while acquiring strong analytic and communication skills demonstrated through research papers, policy memos, case briefs and simulated negotiations.
University of Guelph Advantage
Guelph’s Political Science program provides an excellent preparation for a management career in government, non-profit organizations and business, and provides students with a concentrated academic foundation. Prior to their first work term, students have studied Canadian government and politics, research methods, and have completed electives from amongst comparative politics, international politics, law, public administration, gender and politics, international development, and political philosophy.
At the University of Guelph, the Political Science program has a broad focus, with students applying theory to multiple areas including:
- Political thought
- Canadian politics
- Public policy, governance and law
- Comparative politics
- International relations and global studies Our co-op process responds to your needs.
Employers can post, hire and interview throughout the semester and our students are available for 4 or 8-month work terms. The Experience Guelph hiring tool makes hiring Guelph co-op students easy!
Student Strengths
Critical Thinking
Excellent critical thinking and analytical skills, developed as students complete extensive research projects.
Leadership
Strong leadership and communication skills, which students develop through their education and work experiences.
Application
Thorough knowledge of statistical procedures.
Knowledge
The ability to handle and gather accurate economic data relevant to a research problem, and a comprehensive understanding of economic problems as they apply to a variety of industries.
Political Science Work Term Schedule
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Off |
| TWO | Academic | Academic | Work |
| THREE | Work | Academic | Academic |
| FOUR | Academic | Work | Off |
| FIVE | Academic |
Political Science Course Sequencing
Based on the 2023/24 undergraduate calendar. Please see the current undergraduate calendar for more information.
Fall
- Understanding Politics
- 4 Electives
Winter
- 5 Electives
Fall
- Introduction to Co-operative Education
Fall or Winter
- Canadian Government and Politics
- Political Inquiry and Research Methods
- One Of: Key Concepts in Political Philosophy or Political Theory
- One Of: The Development Landscape: Actors and Institutions or Comparative Politics or International Relations
- One Of: Gender and Politics or Public Administration and Governance or Law From a Political Science Perspective or Public Policy
- 5 General Electives
Summer
Work Term One
Fall
Work Term TwoWinter
- Quantitative Methods of Data Analysis
- 3 Political Science Electives
- 1 Elective
Summer
- 2 Political Science Electives
- 3 General Electives
Fall (Year 4 and 5)
Option A:
- 3 Political Science Courses At The 4000 Level
- 3 Political Science Electives
- 4 Electives
Option B:
- 4 Political Science Courses At The 4000 Level
- 2 Political Science Electives
- 4 General Electives
Winter
Work Term ThreeSummer
Off
Fall (Year 4 and 5)
Option A:
- 3 Political Science Courses At The 4000 Level
- 3 Political Science Electives
- 4 Electives
Option B:
- 4 Political Science Courses At The 4000 Level
- 2 Political Science Electives
- 4 General Electives
Winter
Off
About Us
The Experiential Learning Hub is home to experiential learning opportunities on and off-campus, co-op, career education and community engaged learning.