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:

1100 and 2000 Level
ECON 1101Foundations of Economics3
or ECON 1110 Making Economic Sense of Life
ENVI 1121Environmental Issues3
POST 1100Sustainability and Ethics3
or PHIL 1111 Sustainability and Ethics
POST 2200Collective Power: Taking Action on Public Issues3
SOCI 2260Research Methods in Sociology3
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-level6
3000 and 4000 Level 1
CMNS 3100Technical Report Writing3
or CMNS 3250 Digital Media Communication
PHIL 3118Ethics and Public Policy3
or PHIL 4117 Topics in Social and Political Philosophy
POST 3110Applied Sustainability Seminar3
POST 3300Sustainability Challenges: Public Policy and the Common Good3
POST 4110Applied Public Policy Seminar3
or POLI 4110 Applied Public Policy Seminar
POST 4150Psychology and Sustainability: Attitudes and Behaviour3
or PSYC 4150 Psychology and Sustainability: Attitudes and Behaviour
POLI 3500Public Debates in Politics3
or POLI 4420 Current Issues in Public Policy and Administration
Select one of the following:3
World Trends in Agriculture
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 Credits51
1

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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