Program Overview
The Major Program in Public Policy equips students with the analytical and methodological skills they will need to secure employment as policy analysts in government, business, and non-governmental sectors, or to continue to graduate training in public policy. Public Policy courses examine the context, institutions, and processes of policy-making and implementation, as well as concepts and criteria for policy evaluation. Students will learn how to address theories of how policy is made and the influence of key actors and institutions.
Complementary Programs: City Studies, International Development Studies, Health Studies-Health Policy, Economics for Management Studies, Environmental Studies, Minor in Applied Statistics.
Check out future career opportunities and skills acquired from completing this program:
Competencies & Skills - Critical thinking and evaluation
- Ability to design and execute research projects
- Analyze quantitative and qualitative data
- Knowledge about the context
- institutions
- and processes of policy-making and implementation
- Ability to apply concepts and theories about policy-making
- Ability to analyze policy issues in a variety of formats
- including policy briefs and policy recommendations
Careers for Graduates - Economic Advisor in Government
- Legislative Aide in Government
- City Planning Assistant in Government
- Policy Research Associate in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO)
- Foreign Service Officer in Government
- Researcher in Think Tanks
- Policy Analyst in Corporations
Further Education - Political Science
- Policy (many varieties)
- Public Administration/Service
- Business Administration
- Law
- Paralegal
- Public Relations
- Community Service Management
- Economics
Program Pathway
Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4
Year 1
Choose Your Courses Wisely
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1.0 credit (A- or B-level) in ANT, CIT, GGR, IDS, POL or SOC (at least 0.5 A-level in Political Science recommended).
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Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
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LEAD program to build confidence, selfesteem, resiliency
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Plan for Your Future Career
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
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Join one of DSL’s
Community Action Projects and take action for social change through opportunities in the Scarborough Community.
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Gain valuable international experience by studying at an international university through the
Student Exchange Program; visit
ISC for details.
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Plan for Your Future Career
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
- Build on your skills and knowledge by attending relevant events on and off campus.
- Help to organize on-campus events related to policy issues, such as election leadership debates, or information sessions on topics such as the environment, poverty, or education.
- Run for a seat on UTSC Campus Council to contribute to important issues.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
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Seek out volunteer or job opportunities in organizations related to public policy, such as with a local community organization, your local MP/MPP’s office, a political party, or a corporation’s public affairs office.
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Explore summer internships or job opportunities in Public Policy.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
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Participate in the AA&CC’s
Partners in Leadership program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
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Consider joining the
Public Policy Forum; volunteer for their events and get to know people in your industry of interest.
Plan for Your Future Career
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Attend the AA&CC’s
Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
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Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the
AA&CC.