Bachelor of Arts, Major in Policy Studies
Description
The Bachelor of Arts, Major in Policy Studies (“POST”) is an interdisciplinary applied degree that integrates concepts from economics, geography, environmental protection, philosophy, political science, law, Indigenous studies, and psychology. Students will learn how public policy can be used to achieve sustainability goals and apply their skills to projects with community partners within and beyond Surrey.
The Major includes core courses that present key elements of public policy and critical sustainability theory and issues. Additionally, students take applied seminars where they can use their research and analytical skills to develop solutions to contemporary challenges such as climate justice, inclusive and affordable housing, and biodiversity. Supplementary multidisciplinary courses strengthen the foundation and increase the depth of student knowledge by introducing diverse skills, methodologies, and practices.
Over the course of a Policy Studies degree, students will develop strong analytical, writing, and critical thinking skills, a deep understanding of the complex sustainability issues facing society today, and knowledge of how to advance societal change.
Students are encouraged to complete a complementary minor such as philosophy, economics, geography, Indigenous studies, or political science in addition to the major in Policy Studies. Please meet with an Arts Degree Advisor to talk about what courses fit your interests to complete your Bachelor’s degree.
Faculty's website: kpu.ca/arts
Department's website: kpu.ca/arts/policy-studies
Admission Requirements
Students pursuing a major in Policy Studies must be admitted to the Faculty of Arts.
Declaration Requirements
Students intending to graduate with this Faculty of Arts Bachelor’s degree must declare the credential by the time they complete 60 credits of undergraduate coursework. At the time of declaration, the student must satisfy all of the following requirements:
- In good academic standing with the University
- Completion of a minimum of 18 credits of undergraduate coursework, including the following with a minimum grade of “C”:
- 3 credits of ENGL at the 1100 level or higher
- 6 credits at the 1100 level or higher in the Major area
Curricular Requirements
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree must complete all requirements in the Bachelor of Arts Framework in addition to their major or minor program requirements.
Policy Studies Major
The Policy Studies Major requires completion of fifty-one (51) area-specific credits, including twenty-seven (27) lower level credits and twenty-four (24) upper level credits:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1100 and 2000 Level | ||
| ECON 1101 | Foundations of Economics | 3 |
| or ECON 1110 | Making Economic Sense of Life | |
| ENVI 1121 | Environmental Issues | 3 |
| POST 1100 | Sustainability and Ethics | 3 |
| or PHIL 1111 | Sustainability and Ethics | |
| POST 2200 | Collective Power: Taking Action on Public Issues | 3 |
| SOCI 2260 | Research Methods in Sociology | 3 |
| Select 6 credits from courses in PHIL at the 1100- or 2000-level (except PHIL 1111) | 6 | |
| Select 6 credits from courses in POLI at the 1100- or 2000-level | 6 | |
| 3000 and 4000 Level 1 | ||
| CMNS 3100 | Technical Report Writing | 3 |
| or CMNS 3250 | Digital Media Communication | |
| PHIL 3118 | Ethics and Public Policy | 3 |
| or PHIL 4117 | Topics in Social and Political Philosophy | |
| POST 3110 | Applied Sustainability Seminar | 3 |
| POST 3300 | Sustainability Challenges: Public Policy and the Common Good | 3 |
| POST 4110 | Applied Public Policy Seminar | 3 |
| or POLI 4110 | Applied Public Policy Seminar | |
| POST 4150 | Psychology and Sustainability: Attitudes and Behaviour | 3 |
| or PSYC 4150 | Psychology and Sustainability: Attitudes and Behaviour | |
| POLI 3500 | Public Debates in Politics | 3 |
| or POLI 4420 | Current Issues in Public Policy and Administration | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Agroecology as a Global Movement | ||
| Urban Planning and Politics | ||
| Environment and Resources | ||
| Climate Change | ||
| Environment and Society in East Asia | ||
| Earth & Air / Fire & Water: An Introduction to Eco-Activist Movements | ||
| North American Environmental History | ||
| Radicalism, Resistance, and Revolution | ||
| Canadian Social History: Order & Disorder | ||
| Social Policy in Context | ||
| Total Credits | 51 | |
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Note: As an interdisciplinary major, some choices of upper-level courses will require lower-level course prerequisites in the relevant subject(s). Please plan your degree accordingly and consult an Arts Degree Advisor as needed.
Credential Awarded
Upon successful completion of the major program students are eligible to receive a Bachelor of Arts. Transcripts will indicate a Major in Policy Studies.
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