Communications and Public Policy

Communications and Public Policy explores the connection between communicating with citizens and creating, implementing, and evaluating public policy. Students in the program will explore the influence of communications in the process of a participatory democracy, preparing them to work as communications professionals in the public, private and non-profit sectors.

Communications and Public Policy at STU

Our program is the only undergraduate major in Communications and Public Policy in Canada. It provides students with a comprehensive education in communications with the added benefit of learning and understanding policy. The program’s emphasis on practical experience provides for-credit internships that allow students to build their resume and professional network.  

Dr. Jamie Gillies stands in front of a brick building

 

“Introductory courses provide a great opportunity to learn about the communications profession and how policy interacts with it. These are some of the most important skills and knowledge an undergraduate can acquire.”

 

Dr. Jamie Gillies, Coordinator, Communications and Public Policy 

What Sets STU’s Communications and Public Policy Program Apart?

  • Our program is the only one of its kind that includes a focus on policy in all four years of study.
  • Small, engaging classes that emphasize personal interaction, discussion, and debate.  
     
  • St. Thomas is home to the Frank McKenna Centre for Communications and Public Policy, which hosts symposiums, conducts forums, and brings distinguished speakers to campus. 
     
  • Lectures and seminars are always taught by professors—not teaching assistants—which means students learn from experts in the field.  
     
  • Special topics courses in upper years address issues that impact and affect our understanding of communications. Past subjects have included the 2020 US presidential election and Taylor Swift.

Where the Study of Communications and Public Policy can Take You

Gain advanced skills in writing, multimedia and social media, communication, critical thinking, and public speaking. Our program provides a unique combination of practical tools, policy skills, and professional experience that set you apart.  
 
This prepares graduates for meaningful careers in fields like:

 

  • Marketing
  • Business
  • Professional Communications
  • Government
  • Private Sector Organizations
  • Public Relations
  • Journalism 

 

“Having the classes, support, and knowledge to put together briefing notes and policy memos of a high calibre are possible for me and my peers because of the strength of the COPP program.” 
 
Brianna Workman, BA ’19, Communications and Public Policy 
Senior Policy Advisor for Colleges and Institutes Canada 

 

Gain Experience and Build Your Resume

Communications and Public Policy includes mandatory for-credit internships in upper years. You will complete two supervised professional internships in a professional communications agency, non-profit organization, or government office.  
 
Connect the study of Communications and Public Policy with professional experience through the STU Internship Program in positions with:

 

  • 3+ Corporation
  • HotSpot
  • Ignite Fredericton
  • Immigration Fredericton
  • Naveco Power
  • Planet Hatch 

You might be interested in studying Communications and Public Policy if…

  • You are interested in how governments and organizations work.
  • You are interested in learning how organizations communicate effectively.
  • You are interested in how effective communication relates to other fields of study that interest you.

Featured Courses

Fundamentals of Writing

Rhetoric

Ethics and Social Responsibility

Social Media

Fields that Enhance Your Learning in Communications and Public Policy

You will be encouraged to explore specific areas of public policy either through a double major or a minor in another discipline, or by exploring policy areas across disciplines through the breadth and depth of the liberal arts experience at St. Thomas. These public policy areas might include politics and governance, law and justice, Indigenous rights and policy issues, journalism, social policy and social justice, science and technology, and environmental policy issues.