Students intending to complete a diploma program within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences must meet the Admission requirements as outlined in the University Calendar. Students are also advised to consult the University Calendar regarding General Regulations for Diploma Programs and Graduation Requirements.

Throughout their program of study, students are encouraged to contact an academic advisor or the Program Director of the Diploma in Public Policy for assistance with course planning, declaring their program of study, prerequisite and registration issues, and with questions about the eligibility of any courses not listed here. A tentative list of upcoming course offerings in the program can be found at www.mun.ca/hss/courses.php.

Students interested in a Diploma in Public Policy are first encouraged to consult with the Program Director to discuss the requirements of the program. After consultation with the Program Director, students wishing to enroll in the diploma can declare a Diploma in Public Policy by contacting the Office of the Registrar. Information about declaring a program of study in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is available at www.mun.ca/hss/programs/undergraduate/ideclare.php.

As part of the Diploma in Public Policy, students must complete 12 credit hours in a single policy area, which is overseen by a designated department. Students are encouraged to take these courses after successfully completing initial foundation-level courses in public policy offered by the Department of Political Science.

The credit hours in Economic Policy are overseen by the Department of Economics. Approved courses feature a foundation-level focus on the interrelationships between public policy, political institutions, and economic systems.

The credit hours in Governance are overseen by the Department of Political Science. Approved courses emphasize the study of structures, processes, and institutions in the management of public affairs including the day-to-day implementation of public policy as distinguished from the work of the legislature. Not all Law and Public Policy courses are eligible.

The credit hours in Urban and Regional Policy are overseen by the Department of Geography. Approved courses feature a foundation-level focus on public policy concerning broad concepts of regionalism, municipal governance, and sub-national planning.

The Diploma in Public Policy consists of a minimum of 24 credit hours as follows:

1. 3 credit hours in Law and Public Policy 2600 or Political Science 2600;
2. 3 credit hours in Economics 1010, Geography 1050, or Political Science 1000;
3. 12 credit hours chosen from one of the following designated policy areas;
   • Economic Policy: Economics 1020 (or the former 2020), and 9 credit hours chosen from Approved Economic Policy Courses for the Diploma in Public Policy, including at least 3 credit hours in Economics at the 4000-level; or
   • Governance: 12 credit hours chosen from Approved Governance Courses for the Diploma in Public Policy, including at least 3 credit hours at the 4000-level; or
   • Urban and Regional Policy: 12 credit hours chosen from Approved Urban and Regional Policy Courses for the Diploma in Public Policy, including 6 credit hours in Geography 2302 and 3350, and at least 3 credit hours at the 4000-level; and
4. 6 additional credit hours chosen from any combination of Law and Public Policy 3600, 3640, 4630, 4640 or Political Science 3600, 3640, 4630, 4640. 

Note:

Not all courses are offered every semester. Students are strongly advised to monitor the list of upcoming course offerings at www.mun.ca/hss/upcoming-undergraduate-courses/ and consult with an academic advisor for assistance with course planning.

Many approved courses are suitable for students in all disciplines without a background in the discipline. Other approved courses may have prerequisites.

1. A student completing a Major or Minor in Law and Public Policy, or a Major or Minor in Political Science, and a Diploma in Public Policy is required to complete a minimum of 12 credit hours in the Diploma program that are not applied to the requirements of the Major or Minor. Such credit hours may be jointly applied to Electives in the Bachelor of Arts General Degree Components.

2. A student is not eligible to complete both a Diploma in Public Policy and the former Certificate in Public Policy.