Simon Fraser University - Graduate Studies

Public Policy (MPP)

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Program Information

School:Simon Fraser University - Graduate Studies
Faculty:Arts and Social Sciences
Degree:Master; Co-op
Field of Study:Public Policy Analysis
Description:Our program is founded on an educational model that is academically rigorous, cross disciplinary and professionally relevant. We emphasize practical application of principles and analysis from the social science disciplines. Students will be expected to master a core set of skills in policy analysis, politics, economics, and qualitative and quantitative research methods. Whereas other programs emphasize technical and applied skills of immediate application to the work place, MPP students also receive a solid foundation in economics and political science at an advanced level, thus ensuring they are well grounded in the two key disciplines for policy studies and analyses.



A combination of group and individual projects, assignments and presentations fosters an environment that is collegial, engaging and informative, dealing with important and topical public policy issues. The summer Co-op term provides students with a mid-course reality check, practical experience and an introduction to future employers. Key elements of the MPP program are specialized field courses and the capstone research project that addresses a public policy problem and analysis of potential solutions.

URL:Public Policy (MPP) at Simon Fraser University - Graduate Studies
Length:2 Year(s)
Careers:LegislatorsNatural and Applied Science Policy Researchers, Consultants and Program Officers

Admission Requirements

Prerequisites:*These courses are intended as guidelines. Speak to your guidance counsellor to see what courses are offered at your school.
    A prospective MPP student must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university, normally in an Arts or Social Sciences discipline. Students admitted with other credentials or those with Arts degrees who in the judgement of the Program Director are without adequate foundation in the social sciences, may be required to make up any deficiency without graduate credit. The normal minimum undergraduate grade point average required for admission is 3.0 (or equivalent), although the Admissions Committee and Program Director may take relevant work experience into account in determining eligibility for admission to the program.



    You should ideally apply to co-op within your first three weeks at SFU (later may be possible, please see the co-op office to discuss). The short length of this degree requires that you get involved in co-op as soon as you come to campus. Masters students must be willing and able to commit to 1-2 Co-op work terms ending on a study semester. Graduate students must have permission from their department prior to being accepted to the co-op program. You must have a CGPA of 2.75 to apply to co-op. Anyone who applies with a CGPA below 2.75 will be denied for now, and encouraged to re-apply to co-op once their CPGA increases to 2.75 or above. New students who don't yet have an SFU CGPA may apply, but please note that ALL students have to have a CGPA of 2.75 in order to do a co-op job search.

    Test Scores:
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (Paper Based) [min. 580] or Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet Based) [min. 93] or Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet Based) [min. 93]
    Application Notes : Applicants with a degree from an accredited University outside of Canada will have to submit GRE scores. Applicants who have received their degrees from non-English speaking Universities are required to submit TOEFL/IELTS scores.

    The minimum graduate program admission requirements for test scores: Internet-based TOEFL - 93 with minimum of 20 in each category; Paper-based TOEFL - 580 and TWE 5; and IELTS (academic) overall band score of 7.0 of the academic (NOT general) test with a minimum of 6.5 in each section.

    Additional Admission Requirements:
    • Letter(s) of Reference
    • Resume/Curriculum Vitae
    • Statement of Research Interests

    * We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.

    Modified on October 06, 2022