Major Program in Public Policy | Academic Advising & Career Centre

Admissions Category: Social Sciences & Humanities

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

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).
1.0 credit in Economics for Public Policy [MGEA01H3 and MGEA05H3] or [MGEA02H3 and MGEA06H3].
Use Degree Explorer and UTSC Calendar to plan your degree.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Learn how to read and write academic texts and do your own research; seek support from your professors and TA’s.
Book an appointment with your program librarian for in-depth research assistance with your assignments, and get writing support at the CTL Writing Centre.

Apply Theory to Practice

Join the Political Science Students Association (PSSA) and attend their events; also check out other student clubs on campus.
Start building your Co-Curricular Record (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.
Consider enrolling in the Public Policy Co-op Program.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Participate in Department of Student Life’s (DSL) programs:

LEAD program to build confidence, selfesteem, resiliency
Imani Academic Mentorship program for black youth in the community
Alternative Reading Week: learning through service, leadership, & community development
Indigenous Learning Circles.

Plan for Your Future Career

Volunteer with organizations in industries and organizations related to your program of study; check listings on the Career & Co-curricular Learning Network (CLNx) (>Jobs & Recruitment).
Attend the UTSC Get Experience Fair in September and/or register with SCSU’s Volunteer Network Program.

Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely

1.0 credit in Canadian Politics: POLB56H3 and POLB57H3
0.5 credits from PPGB66H3
0.5 credits from Statistics: MGEB11H3, PPGB11H3, STAB22H3, STAB23H3, STAB57H3
Use Degree Explorer and consult with your Program Advisor to ensure you meet your degree and program requirements.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Enter the Fraser Institute Essay competition and showcase your ideas on public policy and the role of markets.
Using key concepts from MGEA01H3/MGEA02H3 and MGEA05H3/MGEA06H3, compete in the Progressive Economics Essay contest by entering a paper on economic policy.

Apply Theory to Practice

Consider attending the University of Toronto Model Parliament (UTMP) annual conference to better understand the political processes, government policy and law.
If you are interested in global issues, join the University of Toronto Model United Nations (UTMUN).

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

Join one of DSL’s Community Action Projects and take action for social change through opportunities in the Scarborough Community.
Gain valuable international experience by studying at an international university through the Student Exchange Program; visit ISC for details.
Consider doing the ISC’s Global Citizenship Certificate.

Plan for Your Future Career

Apply for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via CLNx (>Jobs & Recruitment).
Speak to professors and program advisors about Graduate School.
Explore careers through the AA&CC’s Job Shadowing and In The Field programs.
Sign up for the ALL-IN Leadership Program via DSL.

Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely

0.5 credits from: PPGC67H3.
0.5 credits in Methods: GGRA30H3, POLC11H3, POLC78H3
Start working towards completing 3.0 credits for the Applications of Public Policy requirement (see Calendar for the full list of courses). Keep in mind that of these 3.0 credits, 2.0 credits must be at the C- or D-level and an additional 0.5 credits at the D-level.
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track with your degree.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Develop research skills by entering to win the UTSC Library Undergraduate Research Prize or Poster Forum.
Conduct a 12-24 week research project at a university overseas through the Mitacs Globalink Research Award; or apply for the Summer Research Exchange Program to research at an international partner university; visit ISC for details.

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)

Volunteer to be a First Year Peer Advisor in DSL’s First Year Experience Program.
Interested in working in an Embassy? Consider applying for a Foreign National Student Internship.
Intern with an NGO in Ghana, Malawi, Sri Lanka or Tanzania with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship; visit the ISC.

Plan for Your Future Career

Plan a career path with a staff member at the AA&CC.
Check CLNx for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
Attend the Graduate & Professional School Fair in September.

Year 4
Choose Your Courses Wisely

Complete any remaining credits you have towards the required 3.0 credits for the Applications of Public Policy requirement (see Calendar for the full list of courses). Keep in mind that of these 3.0 credits, 2.0 credits must be at the C- or D-level and an additional 0.5 credits at the D-level.
Ensure you fulfill the depth requirements by taking appropriate number of C- and D-level courses for your degree.
Make sure you have fulfilled your breadth requirements.
Use Degree Explorer to ensure you are on track to graduate.
Register your “Intent to Graduate” on ACORN by the deadline.

Develop Your Academic & Research Skills

Talk to professors from C- or D-level courses in which you did well to explore research assistantships.
Check the Research Catalogue on CLNx for possible research opportunities.
Develop your own research project by enrolling in POLD95 Supervised Research course.

Apply Theory to Practice

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.
Explore summer internships or job opportunities in Public Policy.

Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)

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.
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

After you graduate, apply for the Ontario Legislature Internship Program to build a career in government, business, journalism, law, or academic life.
Attend the AA&CC’s Get Hired job search conference in April/May.
Attend a Jobs for Grads orientation for a job search “crash course.”
Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the AA&CC.

Glossary

AACC - Academic Advising and Career Centre (www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc)
CCR - Co-Curricular Record (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/ccr/overview.htm)
CLNx - Career Co-Curricular Learning Network (https://clnx.utoronto.ca/home.htm)
CTL - Centre for Teaching and Learning (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ctl)
DSL - Department of Student Life (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/studentlife)
ISC - International Student Centre (https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/utscinternational)
LSOU - Law Society of UTSC (https://lawsocietyutsc.ca)
NGO - Non-Governmental Organization (https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/corporate/transparency/briefing-materials/corporate-book/non-governmental-organizations.html)
SCSU - Scarborough Campus Students Union (https://www.scsu.ca)
UTMP - University of Toronto Model Parliament (https://www.flickr.com/people/utmpfashion)
UTMUN - University of Toronto Model United Nations (https://www.utmun.org)