FAQs
Full program requirements can be found on the SFU 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 Public Policy Minor (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 with a minimum grade of C-
- PLCY 100
- One of ECON 103, 105, 113, or 115
- PLCY 200 or POL 253
To declare, email ppmadv@sfu.ca, including your SFU ID and Advising Transcript.
*If you were working on requirements prior to this term, please get in touch.
How many courses are required?
Students require 30 overall units to complete the PPM, or 8-10 courses*. This includes the above lower division core courses, along with two 4-unit core upper division courses: PLCY 300W 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 12-13 units, of which 8+ must be upper division (300-400 level).
*You may double count lower division units between more than one Major or Minor program, but not upper division ones. To illustrate, ECON 103 could fulfill both Economics Major and PPM requirements, while POL 350 could not fulfill both a POL Major and PPM. You may however apply upper division units towards both a Certificate and a Major or Minor, e.g. PHIL 329 can be used towards both the Ethics Certificate and the PPM, but not towards both the PHIL Minor and PPM.
**PLCY 401 may be used in lieu; if taking both PLCY 400 and 401, 401 may count as 4/8 of the remaining upper division units for the program.
| Requirements Summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Course | # of Units | Prerequisites |
| 1. PLCY 100 | 3 | None |
| 2. One of PLCY 200 or POL 253 | 3 | None |
| 3. One of ECON 103, 105, 113, or 115 | 3 or 4 | None |
| 4. PLCY 300W | 4 | 45 units |
| 5. One of PLCY 400 or 401 | 4 | PLCY 300 & 60 units, or PLCY 200 & 300 |
| 6. Two or three upper division courses from list (may include PLCY 401 if also taking 400) |
Min. 8 | Generally minimal |
| 7. One or two courses at any level from list (may double count at lower division) |
Min. 4 or 5 | Minimal to none |
| = 8-10 courses | = Min. 30 total | N/A |
Please note, all courses must be passed with a grade of C- or higher.
See full requirements in SFU’s Academic Calendar.
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. Get in touch with ppmadv@sfu.ca if unsure.
*You may, however, take it towards the 30 required program units.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PLCY 300 AND 300W?
PLCY 300 and 300W are the same course. The Writing-designation was added to reflect the writing-intensive nature of the course.
I have a course I feel should be part of the program. Can I count it towards program requirements?
If you think a course not listed on the PPM Calendar should count toward program requirements, inquire with the Academic Advisor at ppmadv@sfu.ca, including the course's syllabus. Please note there will be processing time and it is not guaranteed.
WHAT CAN STUDENTS DO AFTER THE PROGRAM?
The PPM 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.