The Policy Studies degree examines sustainability from several angles, leading to a strong and integrated skill set for graduates. Students develop their analytical, writing and critical thinking skills while gaining a deep understanding of the complex sustainability issues facing society today.
During their Policy Studies courses, students develop the following skills:
- Evaluate societal values and sustainability goals
- Delineate moral and ethical issues in sustainability challenges
- Analyze, interpret and compare evidence
- Identify and perform stakeholder analysis
- Apply an equity lens to policy options
- Conduct rapid research
- Identify and evaluate public policy tools for societal change
- Develop advocacy and leadership skills
- Collaborate in teams
- Produce professional materials, such as briefs, report and presentations
Careers
A career in public policy and sustainability includes work as a policy analyst, researcher, advisor, consultant, policy writer, program coordinator, lobbyist, communications &/or social media coordinator, program director, project manager or entrepreneur.
Public policy and sustainability experts work in local government, provincial government, the federal civil service, Indigenous government, social justice and environmental NGOs (non-profits), post-secondary administration, the private sector, market research firms and consulting firms.
Policy Studies graduates may continue their studies and career development through graduate school or professional programs, such as Public Policy, Public Administration, Community Planning or Law.
