The Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Social Policy offers students an opportunity to apply recent developments in social theory and research methods to the investigation of a range of social problems and social policy issues. As well as featuring courses which examine various substantive social policy issues, the overall program aims to provide the critical perspectives needed in order to grasp the processes by which social problems are defined, understood, and acted upon both in Canada and in other societies.

The program is intended for people who have previously completed a Bachelors degree (or higher) in any field of study, and is of special interest to those who wish to fulfill or change career goals, professionals (teachers, civil servants, nurses, and those working in the social services field) who seek new perspectives for analyzing and interpreting social policy issues, and to those who wish to develop their general educational background. The program may be completed through a combination of courses offered through distance education, at the Burnaby and the downtown campuses.

Admission and Program Declaration

Applicants must meet the undergraduate admission requirements and deadlines set by 91ÅÝܽ. A completed bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution with a minimum graduation GPA of 2.5 (or equivalent) is normally required. Application forms should be accompanied by official documents and a statement of objectives in undertaking the diploma program. Please note that admission to the University does not guarantee acceptance into the Post Baccalaureate Diploma program. Students must declare the program directly with the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.

To apply for program declaration, students should email the SA Undergraduate Advisor at saadvise@sfu.ca with the completed PBD application form and referee form. It is also recommended that students contact the SA Undergraduate Advisor for guidance if they are interested in pursuing the program or have any questions about the declaration process.

Program Requirements

• Students must successfully complete an approved program comprised of 30 upper-division units (or graduate-level courses, if applicable), made up of:
      -  At least 16 units from the set of core courses, including SA 340-4
      -  At least 16 units from the list of optional courses
• Students without a background in sociology or anthropology are required to complete two lower-division prerequisite courses in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.
• A minimum GPA of 2.5 must be maintained across all courses applied toward the diploma.
• The diploma must be completed within five years of admission to the program.