Applied Politics and Public Affairs Diploma Program FAQs

The Applied Politics and Public Affairs diploma program is designed to be completed in two years, or 84 weeks. That includes three practicum placements that are aligned with important government sessions and schedules to maximize students’ experiential opportunities at the most relevant times.

Upon graduation, graduates can work in various roles within government, public affairs offices, non-profit organizations, media relations firms and more. Some political jobs include public affairs specialist, policy analyst, and public affairs representative.

Applied Politics and Public Affairs diploma programs are currently not offered at any other school in Canada. In Alberta, most programs are either four-year degrees or require a degree for admission for an advanced degree. MaKami’s Applied Politics program is the only two-year diploma program in Alberta, and the only program of its kind in Canada where students learn foundational concepts of political science in an applied environment, allowing them to practice their skills in real work situations.

MaKami’s Applied Politics and Public Affairs program starts with courses on the foundations of political theory in Canadian and Albertan governments, exploring their roles, responsibilities and how Canada shines on the global stage.

From there, you will develop real-world skills in office management, communications, advocacy and influence that employers in government, public affairs, non-profit and more are looking for. Think elections, public relations, and the secrets of good governance. It’s all part of the curriculum designed to prepare you for a future in the dynamic world of politics and public affairs.

Learn more about the Applied Politics and Public Affairs program courses. 

The average hourly wage of a policy analyst or public affairs representative in Alberta earns $50-70K per year.

Yes it is! MaKami is recognized by the Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Advanced Education as we are a publicly funded, not-for-profit independent academic institution and listed on the Government of Canada’s list of Designated Learning Institutions.

MaKami College offers its Applied Politics and Public Affairs program out of our Edmonton and Calgary campuses. Learn more about our campuses.

MaKami’s Applied Politics program is offered online with unlimited assistance from instructors and tutors, as well as regular check-ins with your fellow students to help you stay accountable while receiving the support and student experience you need to succeed.

MaKami’s Applied Politics program is taught by our experienced team of talented instructors, whose knowledge in diverse political fields are help shaping the next generation of political professionals.

Applicants may be considered for standard admission if they meet all of the following criteria:

1. Minimum 17 years of age at the time of program start
2. Admission interview with the institution
3. Completion of one of the following:
   • Alberta High School Diploma
   • A recognized equivalent

Applicants may be considered for admission and/or advanced standing through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).

PLAR recognizes knowledge and skills gained outside of formal education, including but not limited to:

• Work experience
• Professional certifications or licenses
• Military training
• Volunteer experience
• Non-credit training or workshops

PLAR assessment methods may include:

• Portfolio review
• Skills demonstration
• Challenge exams
• Interviews or competency validation

PLAR decisions are made in accordance with institutional policy and may result in:

• Admission eligibility
• Course exemptions
• Advanced standing

Applicants who do not meet the standard admission requirements, including homeschool applicants, may be considered through a mature admission pathway.

Eligibility:

• Minimum 18 years of age, and
• Demonstrated readiness for post-secondary study through meeting one or more of the following:
  • Admission interview with the institution
  • Relevant work or volunteer experience 
  • Successful completion of a MaKami College approved entrance equivalency exam
  • Completion of post-secondary studies or continuing education, including certificates, diplomas, or degrees.

If the credentials are from outside Canada, the International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) may be accepted to determine equivalencies. 

Additional Considerations:

• Each application is reviewed holistically, recognizing formal education, experiential learning, and demonstrated competencies.

• Mature Admission decisions are based on academic readiness, professional experience, and learner potential, not solely on traditional credentials.

Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. Acceptable evidence includes one of the following (subject to institutional approval):

• IELTS Academic: Overall 6.0 (no individual band below 5.5)
• TOEFL iBT: Overall score 72 or 4.0+
• PTE Academic: Overall score 50-58
• CAEL: Overall score 60
• CLB: Level 7 overall
• CELPIP: Overall score 7
• Duolingo English Test (DET): Score 100
• ELL 7 of higher
• Completion of post-secondary or continuing education, including certificates, diplomas, or degrees, completed in the English Language.

Additional Considerations

• MaKami College supports multiple entry points and may recommend upgrading, preparatory studies, or conditional admission where appropriate.
• Official test results must be submitted directly to the institution.
• English language test results must be valid within two (2) years of the date of testing.

Applicants may be eligible for admission and/or advanced standing through a transfer pathway based on prior post-secondary education.

Transfer pathways may include:

1. a) Internal Program Transfers

• Graduates or students from MaKami College programs may transfer into another program or cohort subject to:
  • Program relevance
  • Academic standing
  • Credit transfer eligibility
  • Institutional approval

1. b) External Transfer Agreements

• Applicants who have completed coursework at recognized post-secondary institutions may be considered for admission and/or advanced standing through:
  • Formal articulation or transfer agreements, where applicable

1. c) Transfer Alberta

• Where applicable, transfer credit may be granted in accordance with Transfer Alberta guidelines.
• Transfer decisions are subject to:
  • Transfer Alberta equivalency listings
  • Institutional policies
  • Program-specific learning outcomes

Transfer credit does not guarantee admission and is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Applicants still are required to meet the program admission standards.