- About
- Undergraduate
- Graduate
- Research
- Community
- News
MA in Applied Legal Studies Program
The master of arts in Applied Legal Studies program is primarily for students intending to practice as Notaries Public* in the Province of British Columbia. It may also be of interest to existing Notaries who wish to obtain a graduate degree focused upon their area of professional practice. Completion of the degree is a prerequisite for membership in the Society of Notaries Public.
Please note, for the 2024/2025 admissions period (for students applying to enter the program in Fall 2025) applicants will be required to write the Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT) and to submit their LSAT score in connection with their application.
LSAT Contact Information for Canadian Registrants: Canadian registrants can contact LSAT via their website or by email, telephone, fax, or mail.
*Please be aware that the Society of Notaries Public has its own additional requirements (in addition to graduation from the SFU MA ALS program) that must be met in order to be admitted into the Society. Students intending to practice as a Notary Public are strongly advised to contact the Society about those requirements. Admission to the Society of Notaries Public is essential in order to practice as a Notary Public in British Columbia.
About the program
Graduation from the MA ALS program is the first prerequisite for admission to the Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia. Graduates who wish to be admitted to the Society and practice as a Notary in British Columbia must satisfy all additional requirements prescribed by the Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia and by provincial legislation. Information about those requirements may be obtained from the Society.
The number of individuals entering practice in British Columbia is ultimately governed by the Society of Notaries Public. Conferral of the degree is no guarantee of a position in the Society’s post-degree professional training programs or in professional practice. Visit the Society of Notaries Public website to learn more about becoming a Notary and working as a Notary, and includes information on what you need to pursue a career as a Notary Public.
Contact
Please direct questions about the MA in Applied Legal Studies to:
Dr. Margaret Hall, Director
Email: margaret_hall@sfu.ca
The Fall 2024 intake is now complete.
Applications for the Fall 2025 intake will be accepted November 1st, 2024 to February 1st, 2025.
Success stories
Read about MA ALS alumnus Franca Muraca's rewarding path to Notary practice here.
Read about MA ALS alumnus Natalya Hanna's natural choice to become a Notary here.
Read about MA ALS alumnus Rajesh Ahuja’s unique approach to a Notary practice here.