Program Overview

MA in Applied Legal Studies Program

The master of arts in Applied Legal Studies program is primarily for students intending to practice as Notaries Public in the Province of British Columbia. It may also be of interest to existing Notaries who wish to obtain a graduate degree focused upon their area of professional practice. Completion of the degree is a prerequisite for membership in the Society of Notaries Public.

Program Overview

• Graduation from the MA ALS program is the first prerequisite for admission to the Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia.
• Graduates who wish to be admitted to the Society and practice as a Notary in British Columbia must satisfy all requirements prescribed by the Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia and by provincial legislation.
• The number of individuals entering practice in British Columbia is ultimately governed by the Society of Notaries Public.
• Conferral of the degree is no guarantee of a position in the Society’s post-degree professional training programs or in professional practice.

Admission Requirements

• Applicants will be required to write the Law School Aptitude Test (LSAT) and to submit their LSAT score in connection with their application.

About the Program

• The program is designed for students intending to practice as Notaries Public in British Columbia.
• The program may also be of interest to existing Notaries who wish to obtain a graduate degree focused upon their area of professional practice.

Additional Requirements

• The Society of Notaries Public has its own additional requirements (in addition to graduation from the SFU MA ALS program) that must be met in order to be admitted into the Society.
• Students intending to practice as a Notary Public are strongly advised to contact the Society about those requirements.
• Admission to the Society of Notaries Public is essential in order to practice as a Notary Public in British Columbia.

Application Procedure

• Applications for the Fall 2026 intake will be accepted November 1st, 2025 to February 1st, 2026.