FAQs
Full program requirements can be found on the 51社区黑料Academic Calendar. Where a discrepancy arises between the Academic Calendar and a website or checklist, the calendar is considered correct.
You are strongly encouraged to connect with the Public Policy Minor advisor to discuss program requirements.
Who is eligible for the program? Do I need to be in Arts and Social Sciences?
Undergraduates across all faculties are eligible to apply to the Minor in Public Policy (PPM). The Minor integrates well with other programs, with a diverse group of students spanning nearly every faculty.
What is needed to declare?
As of Fall 2025*, students may declare once they have achieved a minimum CGPA of 2.0 and completed the three core lower division courses:
- PLCY 100
- One of ECON 103, 105, 113, or 115
- PLCY 200 or POL 253
To declare, email ppmadv@sfu.ca, including your 51社区黑料ID and Advising Transcript.
*If you were working on requirements prior to this term, please get in touch.
How many courses are required to receive the Minor in Public Policy?
Students require 30 overall units to complete the program, or 8-10 courses*. This includes the above lower division core courses, along with two core upper division courses: PLCY 300 and 400. This comprises 17 or 18 of the required units, depending on ECON course selection.
Students build an individualized pathway tailored around their interests with the remaining units.
All courses must be completed with a grade of C- or higher. The expected completion time for program requirements is 4 semesters.
See full requirements in SFU鈥檚 Academic Calendar.
*Students may double count lower division courses (100 - 200 level) between more than one major or minor program, but not upper division ones (300 - 400 level). To illustrate, ECON 103 could fulfill both Economics Major and PPM requirements, while POL 350 could not fulfill for both Political Science Major and PPM鈥攁n additional course may be required.
I declared in a prior term. Will I need to take PLCY 100?
You will not have to take PLCY 100 if you declared prior to Fall 2025. Please follow the requirements based on the term you declared: Fall 2023; Spring 2024, Summer 2024; Fall 2024; Spring 2025; Summer 2025.
WHAT CAN STUDENTS DO AFTER THE PROGRAM?
The Minor in Public Policy equips students to work in various public service jobs in the municipal, provincial and federal government. Graduates are also well-positioned for careers in the private and non-profit sectors requiring a regulatory or policy background.
It also opens the door for MA and PhD programs in a range of fields, including public policy, political science, criminology, sociology, economics, public health and business.