The specialization in social policy provides an opportunity for focused study on issues dealing with individual, family, community and societal needs. The specialization includes a study of the social, political, economic, and cultural environments within which these needs arise and how societies guide decisions and manage actions to meet these needs collectively. This specialization will prepare students for planning, implementing, managing and evaluating social policies, programs and services.

Program of Study

Second Year

  • The policy Cycle
  • Social Science Research Methods
  • Public Law
  • Public Finance
  • The Political Economy of Social Welfare
  • Free elective

Third Year

  • Policy Research
  • Introduction to Organization Theory
  • Public Finance
  • Social Administration and Policy
  • Canadian Public Administration or Social Power in Canadian Politics
  • One specialization option in Law
  • One specialization option in either Business or Sociology
  • Free elective

Fourth Year

  • Capstone Seminar
  • Honours Research Essay
  • Selected Problems in Sociology and Social Policy
  • Management of Non-Profit Organizations
  • One specialization option in Law
  • One specialization option in Political Science
  • One specialization option in either Business or Sociology
  • Free elective

Career Possibilities

Graduates of the specialization in social policy will have acquired knowledge and skills in social policy development and the role of social policy at all levels of government in meeting needs and maintaining well-being. Many graduates will find employment in some aspects of this area as government policy analysts and policy-makers and in various capacities in social welfare institutions in the voluntary sector and in the private sector.

For a complete listing of course numbers see the Public Affairs and Policy Management entry in the Carleton University Undergraduate Calendar.

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