BA Public Policy Studies at Mount Saint Vincent University

Programme overview

Public Policy Studies at Mount Saint Vincent is an interdisciplinary programme focused on Canadian public policy and global issues, combining political science and economics courses with a senior integrating seminar. It is available as a major or minor.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science | Study mode: full-time | Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

What you will study

Students take political science and economics courses plus electives from several disciplines, and may focus on one of three specializations: Global Issues, Public Policy and Political Processes, or Social Justice and Policy. A senior seminar completes the requirements.

Career pathways

Policy analysis, politics, civil service, journalism, foreign affairs, government relations, community planning, public relations, public affairs in corporations, law and business.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Bachelor of Arts (Mount Saint Vincent University): high school graduation with a minimum of five university-preparatory Grade 12 courses, an overall average of 70% or higher with no individual grade below 60%, and Grade 12 academic English at 65% or higher. Applicants with Grade 12 averages of 65-69% are reviewed individually and may be required to complete Student Success Programs. Preference is given to students with strong, well-rounded high school programs. International applicants whose first language is not English need IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT 86-92 (no score below 21), PTE 59 (no band below 54), CAEL 60 or Duolingo 115. Economics, mathematics and public policy majors require Grade 11 and 12 academic or advanced mathematics; applicants without it can start in the BA and complete MATH 0027.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the courses you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Undergraduate entrance terms: January, May and September.

January 2027 entrance: international applicants November 6, 2026 (extended), domestic applicants December 1, 2026. May 2027 entrance: international January 4, 2027, domestic April 1, 2027. September 2027 entrance: international May 3, 2027, domestic August 2, 2027; entrance scholarship candidates March 1, 2027; Education program December 7, 2026. January 2028 entrance: international August 2, 2027, domestic December 1, 2027.

Application fee is $40 domestic and $80 international (Bachelor of Education: $90 domestic, $130 international). First-year confirmation deposit is $100 (BEd $300, international $500).

Apply through the official page: https://www.msvu.ca/future-students/admission-requirements/

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