Policy Studies
Discover how to make social change happen through the exciting field of public policy! With a focus on critical sustainability issues - from the climate emergency to affordable housing, decolonization and racial justice - the Policy Studies program at KPU equips you with the knowledge, insights and skills to make a difference in your community and beyond.
During your studies, Policy Studies courses provide real-world situations for you to develop applied skills. In the Applied seminar, and the optional Practicum and CityLab courses, you will work with sustainability practitioners on community-based projects. At the same time, you will learn about sustainability from the perspective of environmental studies, philosophy, political science, psychology, public policy, and law, leading to a strong and integrated skill set for graduates.
Successful Policy Studies students are looking for a program of study that challenges them to address critical sustainability issues, such as affordable housing, racial justice, sustainable urbanization, the biodiversity crisis and the climate emergency. POST students develop the critical and ethical skills necessary to successfully engage in societal change.
Program Options
In addition, the Department of Policy Studies is proud to offer all its courses as Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) courses.
Bachelor of Arts, Major in Policy Studies
The Bachelor of Arts, Major in Policy Studies ("POST") is an interdisciplinary applied degree that integrates concepts from economics, geography and the environments, philosophy, political science, law, and Indigenous studies. Students develop a deep understanding of the complex sustainability issues facing society today, applying their knowledge and skills to advance societal change across a wide range of careers.
Minor in Policy Studies
Students pursuing a Minor in Policy Studies will develop a deeper understanding of current sustainability challenges, collective policy solutions, and how to advance societal change. The skills and knowledge learned in a Policy Studies Minor complement a wide array of other programs, from criminology to entrepreneurial leadership, leading to strong graduate school and career outcomes.
Experiential and applied learning
Our Applied Seminars and CityLab courses provide students with unique, experiential learning opportunities.
Zero Textbook Cost
The Department of Policy Studies is proud to offer all its courses as Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) courses. This policy ensures that students have access to necessary course materials without additional textbook expenses.
Policy Studies has launched the KPU Climate+ Challenge!
The Climate+ Challenge is a KPU-wide initiative that engages students and instructors in learning about climate change, through an empathetic and solutions-oriented lens.
Career Opportunities
Some career outcomes from studying Policy Studies includes:
- Policy or planning analyst in municipal government
- Federal or provincial policy advisor
- Political Advisor
- Non-profit policy analyst or advisor
- Communications specialist
- Program coordinator
- Strategist
Students & Alumni
Brandon Fleming
I am an aspiring urban planner, eager to begin my Master of Urban Studies at Simon Fraser University this fall. As a Policy Studies student at KPU, I developed a strong understanding of how policies…
Ekamjot K. Cheema
As a child with a wild imagination, I pretended to be of various professions every day of the week: and, as an undergraduate, I felt directionless. However, for as long as I can remember, I have…
Shewit Kidane
Shewit Kidane knows what it means to work hard. Holding multiple jobs at once throughout his time at KPU, he’s found ways to give back, create opportunities, and make a difference for others.
“Maybe…