The Policy Studies major in the Bachelor of Arts four year program is designed to provide students with a solid academic foundation in policy theory, political science, and economics, as well as a semester of work experience. With these two key components, this degree will prepare graduates to embark on further study and/or challenging policy careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

With the Bachelor of Arts, Major in Policy Studies, Mount Royal joins a small number of universities in Canada who offer policy studies at the undergraduate level. The Department of Economics, Justice and Policy Studies at Mount Royal encompasses the disciplines of economics and political science in addition to policy studies. Consequently it was able to build an integrated curriculum with a much better balance between economics and political science than is usually found. Students who graduate from the Bachelor of Arts, Major in Policy Studies program will have the theoretical background and practical skills - quantitative, computer analysis, writing and presentation - to understand the evolving relationships between business, governments, non-governmental organizations and interest groups, (policy communities). Graduates will be able to apply their skills to research, develop and evaluate policy proposals and will be qualified for positions such as management and communications assistants, planning and co-ordination officers and policy and economic analysts in private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

Students will have the opportunity to put theory into practice with a semester-long paid Internship, which is normally taken during the third year of the degree program. Given the increased demand for policy professionals in Alberta and indeed throughout Canada, Mount Royal’s innovative BA in Policy Studies makes an exceptionally relevant fit with today’s economic, social and political challenges. Graduates of this degree program not only are keenly aware of the challenges our economy and society face; they also possess the knowledge to help address these challenges.

The six principal Policy Studies degree outcomes are as follows:

1. Comprehending policy contexts,
2. Applying analytical and research skills,
3. Behaving professionally,
4. Utilizing policy expertise,
5. Communicating effectively, and
6. Applying theory.

Specific Graduation Requirements - Major in Policy Studies

All students must meet the general graduation requirements for the Bachelor of Arts with a Major, as indicated in the General Graduation Requirements - Bachelor of Arts with a Major section of this calendar. In addition, Policy Studies Major students must meet the following graduation requirements.