Please note:
To view the Fall 2024 Academic Calendar, go to www.sfu.ca/students/calendar/2024/fall.html.
Public Policy
The master of public policy (MPP) program offers the skills, insights and analytical frameworks that public sector and non-profit policy analysts and managers require. It focuses on the political and economic contexts of public policy analysis and offers specialized study. Designed to develop the strategic and global perspective required of tomorrow's senior policy analysts and managers, the program uses a cohort model which encourages student interaction and co-operation.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the University admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. Students with non-Canadian undergraduate or graduate degrees are required to complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Direct admission is only permitted into the Project Option.
Program Requirements
This program consists of course work, an internship, and either a major research project or an applied project option for a minimum of 70 units.
Students must complete all of
An introduction to the basic principles and techniques of public policy analysis and examination of current policy issues.
An examination of the basic operation of a market economy and introduction to key economic concepts and techniques.
Application of economic concepts and techniques to a variety of public policy issues.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 |
Marc Lee |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Thu, 9:00–11:50 a.m.
|
Vancouver |
Examines the political foundations of Canadian public policy. It will examine the institutional and societal landscape that sets the stage for the decisions Canadian governments make. Topics discussed include the machinery of government, federalism, and the Canadian economic and social context.
Overview of social science research appropriate to public policy, including research philosophy and epistemology, and methodologies for data collection, analysis, and program evaluation.
Develops key analytical and practical skills that include use of programs such as Excel and SPSS. Identifies and frames public policy problems and structure effective research questions and study designs. Introduces to methodologies for interviews, focus groups, case studies, surveys, and how to incorporate these data sources into policy research.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 |
Alexandre Rivard |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 9:00–11:50 a.m.
|
Vancouver |
Introduces the basic principles and techniques of policy analysis and examination of current public policy issues. A continuation of MPP 800. Prerequisite: PLCY 800 or MPP 800, or permission of the instructor.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 |
Kennedy Stewart |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Mon, 9:00–11:50 a.m.
|
Vancouver |
Overview of aboriginal and First Nations policy issues and policy choices in BC and Canada. Examines demographic trends, social and economic data, and development issues. Rights and title, accommodation and infringement, treaty and self government issues and policies are a focus as well as socio-economic issues and problems, including those of urban people.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 |
Natahnee Winder |
Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Tue, 9:00–11:50 a.m.
|
Vancouver |
and a Co-op
Students who do not have prior work experience in public policy are placed in a public or private organization connected to public policy. The work they undertake must be of sufficient depth and breadth to allow the student the opportunity to demonstrate his or her acquired knowledge and skills. Students will be required to produce a work report that will be an appraisal of the student's work experience. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.
and the requirements from either the major research project or applied project option.
Major Research Project Option
Students complete
Covers advanced policy analysis techniques that are applied by students to individual projects on current public policy issues. This course will constitute the Capstone project component of the program. Prerequisite: Open only to students enrolled in the MPP program.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 | TBD |
and three elective PLCY graduate courses*
Applied Project Option
Students complete
The purpose is to enable students to undertake an extended policy analysis of a topic. While original research is not expected, the analysis will state a problem, review and analyze relevant literature and data, describe potential policy options and evaluate them with appropriate criteria. The policy research paper does not need to be submitted to the library. Prerequisite: PLCY 802, PLCY 804, PLCY 806, PLCY 807 and approval of the department.
| Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| G100 | TBD |
and four elective PLCY graduate courses*
* The program director, in consultation with the student, selects appropriate graduate courses offered by PLCY, affiliated programs and departments.
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program requirements in six terms (2 years). The maximum course load for this program is four courses per term.
Other Information
Applied Project Option
Permission of the program director is required for enrollment in the applied project option.
Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.