Community, Public Affairs and Policy Studies (BA)

Why study Community, Public Affairs and Policy Studies?

When you study public policy, policy advocacy and community economic development, you’ll graduate ready to jump into the policy-making process in private, public and community sectors.

Our bilingual program is energized by our students, who bring a diverse range of backgrounds and a broad spectrum of community experience to each class. You study in small, congenial groups and are encouraged to pursue another Arts or Science program at the same time.

Combining academics with activism strengthens your experience. You’ll hone your sensitivity to social, economic and political factors influencing the public policy process and explore such values as:

• Social and economic justice
• Equity
• Participatory citizenship and democracy
• Cultural pluralism

You integrate the theoretical with the practical. You can do an internship, and we ground our work through close relationships with community organizations, public and private institutions, and unions.

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements

• Quebec CEGEP: 24
  • Additional information for CEGEP applicants
• High School: B-
  • ACT or SAT is NOT required
  • Canadian curricula course requirements
  • Accepted international qualifications
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 27
• International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (CP): 4.5/7
  • Additional Career-related Programme (CP) course requirements
• Baccalauréat français: 12
• British system of education (GCE):
  • A-levels: At least two A-level exams CD or
  • AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
  • BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
  • Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
• University Transfers (internal/external): B-

Additional requirements for admission

Interviews are conducted by phone, Zoom or in person. Please email Perry Calce, Coordinator Academic Programs and Curriculum Development at [email protected] for an appointment.

Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.

After your degree

There are many job opportunities for graduates with our combination of academic and practical experience in public affairs. Demand is strong, particularly if you are able to express yourself in both French and English. Depending upon your choice of discipline, you can expect to pursue such diverse occupations as:

• Public affairs specialists in corporations
• Civil servants at the local, provincial, national or international level
• Public policy analysts and advisors to community and other organizations
• Community group leaders and political organizers