Power, people, and how change happens.
At CMU, exploring political studies means investigating the systems and institutions that shape our world, and how people work within and against them to create change. You'll think critically about who holds power, how decisions are made and what alternatives are possible.
Whether you're interested in government, advocacy, law, or just want to understand politics better, political studies helps you become a more informed, thoughtful, and responsible citizen.
You'll look at how ideas, history, and structures shape people's lives. You'll learn how to analyze political institutions, talk across differences, and connect your learning to the issues that matter most to you.
Why Study Politics at CMU?
You'll learn how power works.
Explore how political systems, ideas, and institutions shape people's lives locally and globally. Ask questions like: Who benefits? Who's left out? What could change?
You'll build confidence in dialogue.
You'll learn how to talk to people who think differently than you, and how to hold space for disagreement. These are important skills for life, work, and citizenship.
You'll connect politics to real life.
From current events to social movements to everyday decisions, political studies helps you understand how politics affects everything and how you can make a difference.
You'll gain hands-on experience.
Through work-integrated learning, you will gain experience in advocacy, policy, or electoral politics. CMU grads are also preferred candidates for the Manitoba Legislative Internship Program.
You'll become a thoughtful changemaker.
Political studies helps you develop civic literacy, critical thinking, and the ability to listen, reflect, and act with purpose.
What Makes Political Studies at CMU Distinct?
Political learning grounded in care.
At CMU, we believe we’re responsible to one another, and that being a good citizen means asking hard questions, listening well, and engaging with humility.
No pressure to have all the answers.
You don’t need to know everything. You don’t need to pick a side. What matters is being open to learning, growing, and engaging with difference.
Big ideals, real conversations.
Classes include discussion, debate, and reflection on history, identity, institutions, and the kind of world you want to build.
Professors who support your growth.
CMU faculty are here to help you ask better questions make connections and find your voice in both writing, conversation, and action.
Interdisciplinary and flexible.
You’ll learn from areas like history, media, sociology and ethics, because understanding the world and how politics work takes more than one lens.
Careers in Political Studies
Where can political studies take you? Anywhere people care about justice, the community, and the future. Majoring in political studies helps you think clearly, speak confidently, and engage with purpose, whether you want to work in government, education, media, or the not-for-profit world.
Here are just a few ways you can make a difference with a major in political studies:
Shape policy and decisions.
Work in government or public service as a policy analyst, legislative assistant, or public affairs advisor.
Promote equity and justice.
Join a not-for-profit or grassroots movement working on issues like housing, human rights, or climate justice.
Improve public systems.
Help governments, schools, or organizations work better through planning, research, and advocacy.
Walk alongside young people on their faith journeys.
Lead youth or engage in campus ministry, helping students and young adults explore identity, community, and spirituality.
Communicate ideas that matter.
Use your voice in journalism, political commentary, or social media to explain issues and influence public dialogue.
Support leaders and changemakers.
Work behind the scenes in electoral politics, helping campaigns, elected officials, or advocacy organizations.
Help people understand the world.
Teach, research, or write about politics in society in ways that spark learning and conversation.
Take your education further.
A major in political studies provides a strong foundation for law school, graduate school, or other professional programs in public policy, education, or international relations.
Note: Some careers may require further training or graduate studies.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)
CMU is committed to providing all students with the opportunity to learn through experience. All students complete an experiential learning placement, and Political Studies students have great options, such as:
- Working with a government office, MLA, or MP
- Doing advocacy or research with a not-for-profit or community group
- Supporting political campaigns or voter engagement network
- Assisting with media or communications for a cause you care about
These placements help you explore your interests, build your résumé, and explore how your learning connects with broader world change.
Our Mission and Vision
Mission
Political Studies at CMU equips students to understand power, engage in difference, and participate thoughtfully in public life. Through critical thinking, dialogue, and hands-on learning, students learn how political systems shape the world, and how they can help build a more just and compassionate society.
Vision
We envision a world where reflective, responsible citizens are prepared to lead, listen, and act with courage in a complex and ever-changing world.
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As CMU is a member of Universities Canada, students can be assured that the program will meet the highest regulatory requirements for work in a range of contexts across Canada.
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