Applied legal studies (MA)
Master of Arts in Applied Legal Studies (MA ALS)
Facts checked 7 September 2026
Part of the route toNotary Public·Degree
A 16-month graduate degree providing the specialized legal education required to practice as a commissioned notary public in British Columbia.
Ways to get this paid for
Government money that can cover this course. Check who qualifies before you pay.
Free adult upgrading
FreeGrade 11 and 12 courses and English classes are free at public colleges and school districts. This covers the Grade 11 and 12 prerequisite courses, not the program itself.
Canada Training Credit
Half your tuition back, up to $5,000 in your lifeFederal tax credit. $250 a year builds up from age 26. Claim it on your tax return.
THE ROUTE
How this program works, step by step
Grade 11 to the job. Open any step to see what is inside.
The route (8 steps)
For the best view, open the map full screen.
STEP BY STEP
Step by step
The same route as the map, as a list.
Step 1 of 8
Grade 11
⏱ 1 school year- General BC secondary school curriculum and coursework at the Grade 11 level.
Step 2 of 8
Grade 12
⏱ 1 school year- General high school graduation (BC Dogwood Diploma) or equivalent mature student status.
Step 3 of 8
What you need to get in
- Undergraduate bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 (B) cumulative GPA
- Approved 3-credit post-secondary introductory financial accounting course
- Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status
- Three letters of reference, resume, and statement of intent
- Pre-admission approval and background screening with the Society of Notaries Public of BC
Step 4 of 8
How to apply
- Complete the Society of Notaries Public preliminary application and criminal background verification
- Submit graduate application to Simon Fraser University School of Criminology between November 1 and February 1
- Submit official post-secondary transcripts and proof of accounting course completion
- Tuition: $8,558 (33 credits at $259.32 each, SFU graduate fee table)
Step 5 of 8
Applied legal studies (MA)
⏱ 16 months- 16-month cohort model comprising 9 graduate-level courses (33 credits)
- Core legal subjects: Real Property Transactions, Advanced Conveyancing, Commercial Leases, Wills and Estates, Personal Planning and Representation Agreements
- Legal research, statutory interpretation, professional ethics, and trust accounting
Step 6 of 8
Where to take it
⏱ 1 school in BC- Simon Fraser University — 16 months (Not published on the school page)
Step 7 of 8
Exams and registration after
- Society of Notaries Public of BC statutory admission examinations
- Notary Education Program practical skills assessments
Step 8 of 8
Leads to: Notary Public
- Explore Notary Public wages, job outlook, and career pathways
SCHOOLS
Where you can take this(1 school)
Compare tuitions, campus locations, and delivery formats across approved institutions in British Columbia.
Checked 7 September 2026; the school does not list a figure. Ask the school.