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 PLCY 200 or POL 253
- One of ECON 103, 105, 113, or 115
To declare, contact the advisor, including your SFU ID and Advising Transcript. By doing so, you follow the current requirements—if they later change, you would not need to follow them.
How many courses are required?
Under current requirements, you need a minimum of 30 total units to complete the PPM. These include:
- 9-10 units from three lower-division core courses (listed above)
- 8 units from two upper-division core courses: PLCY 300W and PLCY 400 (4 units each)
- 8 units of upper division courses (300/400 level) from the list around your interests*
- 4-5 units of courses at any level from the list around your interests (typically lower division, 100/200 level)*
| 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. PLCY 400 | 4 | PLCY 300 & 60 units, or PLCY 200 & 300 |
| 6. Two or three upper division courses from list |
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 |
*Lower-division courses may be double counted across major or minor requirements, but upper-division courses may not. For example:
CRIM 131 & 135 can count toward both the CRIM major and PPM
POL 350 cannot count toward both the POL major and PPM
Upper division courses may however be shared between a certificate and a major or minor (e.g., PHIL 329 for the Ethics Certificate and the PPM)
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. You follow the requirements based on the term you declared.
Get in touch with the advisor if unsure what your requirement term is.
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, 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.