BA in Public Policy and Governance with Subsidiary (Honours) in Antigonish Canada | St. Francis Xavier University

The systems of public policy and governance deeply influence our daily lives. Addressing complex societal challenges demands sound governance and well-crafted policies, typically requiring cooperation among diverse stakeholders within and beyond government. But what does this collaboration look like? How do these groups pinpoint issues, devise strategies, and execute and assess policies? The Public Policy and Governance program examines these vital questions while equipping students with analytical frameworks, practical tools, and essential skills for tackling such challenges across various professions.

As a specialized undergraduate offering, StFX's Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Governance (PGOV) stands among Canada's rare programs of its kind. It also ranks as one of the nation's most generously supported undergraduate initiatives, assisting more than 200 students annually with funding exceeding $660,000.

PGOV students benefit from intimate class settings and meaningful interactions with faculty and classmates. The program cultivates skills to navigate ideological differences, identify shared objectives, and collaborate on pragmatic solutions.

StFX proudly hosts the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government, a unique undergraduate center focused on public policy and governance studies. Honoring Canada's 18th prime minister (an StFX graduate), the Institute gathers leading Canadian academics and thought leaders. PGOV students learn in the magnificent Mulroney Hall, a state-of-the-art facility at the university's core. Explore through our virtual tour.

This program mandates 48 credits in Public Policy and Governance core courses plus 24 credits in an elective minor. This structure provides comprehensive PGOV exposure and prioritizes funding for senior-year internships.

Important notice: First-year students (beginning September 2022 or January 2023) pursuing Honours with Subsidiary in Public Policy and Governance must enroll in PGOV 303 (Quantitative Research Methods) and PGOV 304 (Research Design). Current second-, third-, or fourth-year Honours with Subsidiary students must complete either PGOV 303 or 304.