College Pathways

Pathways to Political Science (BA) at Laurier

Throughout your Political Science degree, you will take courses in topics such as modern politics, research in practice, asking questions in political science and public policy analysis.

Once you have accepted your offer, please consult Academic Advising and our Course Registration Guide to determine where you are with your program requirements, the specific courses you'll need to complete and the length of your academic journey at Laurier.

General Arts and Science College Diplomas

Students who have successfully completed a General Arts and Science Diploma at an Ontario college may be eligible for admission into the Political Science (BA) program at Laurier's Waterloo campus via this block transfer agreement.

• Required final average from this diploma: 75%+
• Other admission requirements: 60%+ in a 4U English (or equivalent) and proof of graduation 
• Number of transfer credits granted: 6.0 
• Number of Laurier credits required to graduate: 14.0

Anticipated Transfer Credits

Below comprises of a list of transfer credits you will receive in your offer letter if you are admitted into this specific pathway:

• EN190: Introduction to Academic Writing
• GS101: Introduction to Global Studies
• HI118: Topics in North American History from the 1860s
• PO101: Politics Within Borders
• SY101: Introduction to Sociology I: Critical Foundations
• 0.5 credit: Interdisciplinary (100 level)
• 0.5 credit: English (200 level)
• 0.5 credit: History (200 level)
• 0.5 credit: Political Science (200 level)
• 1.5 credits: Interdisciplinary (200 level) 

2 or 3 Year College Diplomas

Students who have successfully completed a 2 or 3 Year College Diploma at an Ontario college may be eligible for admission into the Political Science (BA) program at Laurier's Waterloo campus via this block transfer agreement.

• Required final average from an approved program: 75%+
• Other admission requirements: 60%+ in a 4U English (or equivalent) & proof of graduation
• Number of transfer credits granted: 6.0 (2-year diploma) OR 7.5 (3-year diploma)*
• Number of Laurier credits required to graduate: 12.5 to 14.0

*Your exact transfer credits will be determined based on your unique academic journey and outlined in a transfer credit assessment as part of your offer package.

Pursuing an “In Combination” Degree

Transfer students do also have the option of completing a degree in Political Science in combination with another honours BA program. This secondary major can be declared at the end of your first year at Laurier. The details of this combined degree and its unique requirements should be discussed with an academic advisor prior to registering for courses.

Pursuing a Management Option

As a transfer student, you can also apply to add a Management Option (offered by the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics) to your honours BA degree. You can apply to this option on your initial application to transfer into Laurier’s Faculty of Arts. Throughout the management option, you will take courses in topics such as business environment, financial accounting, marketing management and human resource management.

Details of this option and its eligibility requirements (including minimum grades for course progression) should be discussed with an academic advisor.

Learn More About Transferring to Laurier

If you have additional questions about your transition to Laurier, financial aid for transfer students or transfer credit evaluation, visit our transfer students website. If you are interested in transferring into this program with an academic history different than what is outlined above, apply using the undergraduate application form and your transfer credits will be assessed on an individual basis and reported to you, along with your offer letter, upon admission to Laurier.

Note: Not all program requirements are reflected in these pathway descriptions. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all academic program and course requirements have been met. Refer to regulations in the academic calendar and connect with an academic advisor once you have accepted your offer.