Program in Public Policy Major (HBA)
Admissions Category: Social Sciences & Humanities
Program Overview
The 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:
, , , , , .
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
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
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)
Plan for Your Future Career
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
Apply Theory to Practice
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
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Plan for Your Future Career
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 [ and ] or [and ].
- Use and 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鈥檚.
- Book an appointment with your for in-depth research assistance with your assignments, and get writing support at the .
Apply Theory to Practice
- Join the (PSSA) and attend their events; also check out other on campus.
- Start building your (CCR) and search for Experiential Learning opportunities.
- Consider enrolling in the .
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
Participate in Department of Student Life鈥檚 (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
- I.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Volunteer with organizations in industries and organizations related to your program of study; check listings on the (CLNx) (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Attend the in September and/or register with .
Year 2
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 1.0 credit in Canadian Politics: and
- 0.5 credits from
- 0.5 credits from Statistics: , , ,
- Use and consult with your Program Advisor to ensure you meet your degree and program requirements.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Enter the and showcase your ideas on public policy and the role of markets.
- Using key concepts from MGEA01H3/MGEA02H3 and MGEA05H3/MGEA06H3, compete in the by entering a paper on economic policy.
Apply Theory to Practice
- Consider attending the (UTMP) annual conference to better understand the political processes, government policy and law.
- If you are interested in global issues, join the (UTMUN).
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Join one of DSL鈥檚 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鈥檚 Global Citizenship Certificate.
Plan for Your Future Career
- Apply for a summer, part-time or Work Study position via (>Jobs & Recruitment).
- Speak to professors and program advisors about Graduate School.
- Explore careers through the AA&CC鈥檚 and programs.
- Sign up for the ALL-IN Leadership Program via DSL.
Year 3
Choose Your Courses Wisely
- 0.5 credits from: .
- 0.5 credits in Methods: , POLB40H3, , , ,
- Start working towards completing 3.0 credits for the Applications of Public Policy requirement (). 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 to ensure you are on track with your degree.
Develop Your Academic & Research Skills
- Develop research skills by entering to win the UTSC Library or .
- Conduct a 12-24 week research project at a university overseas through the ; 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 to contribute to important issues.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Volunteer to be a First Year Peer Advisor in DSL鈥檚 First Year Experience Program.
- Interested in working in an Embassy? Consider applying for a .
- 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 .
- Check for networking events and employer information sessions to attend.
- Attend the 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 (). 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 to ensure you are on track to graduate.
- Register your 鈥淚ntent to Graduate鈥 on 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 for possible research opportunities.
- Develop your own research project by enrolling in 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鈥檚 office, a political party, or a corporation鈥檚 public affairs office.
- Explore summer internships or job opportunities in Public Policy.
Become an Engaged Citizen (Locally & Globally)
- Participate in the AA&CC鈥檚 program to learn and network with an alumni mentor about transitioning to work or further education.
- Consider joining the ; 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 to build a career in government, business, journalism, law, or academic life.
- Attend the AA&CC鈥檚 job search conference in April/May.
- Attend a orientation for a job search 鈥渃rash course.鈥
- Get your Personal Statement reviewed in the .
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 (/ctl)
- DSL - Department of Student Life (/studentlife)
- ISC - International Student Centre (/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)
Contacts
Program Coordinator
Marishka Pereira
E-mail: pol-advisor@utsc.utoronto.ca
Public Policy Librarian
Sarah Fedko
E-mail: sarah.fedko@utoronto.caLocation: ARC main floor
Phone: 416-208-4881
Academic Advising & Career Centre
Phone: 416-287-7561
Department of Student Life
Phone: 416-208-4760
Political Science Student Association (PSSA)
Did You Know?
There is a Public Policy co-op program which students can take advantage of to gain real-world experience.