Public Policy and Public Administration (MA)
Master of Arts (MA)
Offered by:Department of Political Science, Faculty of Arts & Science
Why pursue a Master's in Public Policy and Public Administration?
Develop and apply advanced social science research to issues of democratic governance. Gain insight into analyzing complex political situations in order to provide expert strategic advice.
The MA in Public Policy and Public Administration provides an experiential learning environment where you will gain unparalleled access to academic and professional training to help you succeed in public sector organizations, including the public service and non-governmental organizations. Coursework and events organized through the Workshops of Social Science Research offer occasions to make valuable connections with political leaders, senior-level bureaucrats, judges, political pundits and academics, while developing skills in policy analysis and research methods.
Work alongside distinguished faculty members who regularly secure SSHRC grants, as well as other significant sources of external funding. Our researchers are currently engaged in various projects that receive financial support, including research focussing on gender mainstreaming, street-level bureaucracy and immigration policy. The Department of Political Science is also home to the Concordia University Research Chair in Aging and Public Policy.
Students enrolled in the internship option benefit from a four-month job placement in the public or private sector during the final semester of their studies. The majority of our students secure paid internships with government agencies in Ottawa and Montreal, but many others have found opportunities in Geneva, Washington, Prague and elsewhere around the world. Around 95 per cent of our internship students are bridged into full- or part-time positions immediately following their placement.
Program details
Option A. Courses Only
Option B. Internship
Upon application, students enter Option A (MPPPA with Courses only). Once admitted to the program, students have the opportunity to transfer to Option B (MPPPA with Internship). To enter the Internship option students must complete the prescribed coursework and normally achieve a minimum GPA of 3.30.
Admission Requirements. An undergraduate honours degree or the equivalent is required. Students who do not have the necessary background in public policy and public administration may be required to take specific undergraduate courses in addition to the regular program. In certain cases, applicants may be required to complete a qualifying program in order to be eligible for admission to the graduate program.
Proficiency in English. Applicants whose primary language is not English must demonstrate that their knowledge of English is sufficient to pursue graduate studies in their chosen field. Please refer to the Graduate Admission page for further information on the Language Proficiency requirements and exemptions.
- Credits. A fully qualified candidate is required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.
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Core Courses. All students must complete two 3-credit core courses,
In addition, students in Options A or B must take one of the following five courses: - Language Requirement. Students in the Master of/Magisteriate in Arts (Public Policy and Public Administration) Option B Internship are expected to demonstrate an ability to read and understand literature relevant to their field in French.
Your completed application will include:
- Application form and Fee
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Three Letters of Reference and assessment form
- Statement of purpose (500 words maximum) should describe applicant's academic interest and relevant experience, primary area of concentration, preferred program option, and expectations and goals. Students should also explain why they are a good candidate for the program
- Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended
- Proof of Canadian citizenship (if applicable)
- Applicants whose primary language is not English, are required to submit official language test scores, unless exempted.
Please apply online. Read the how-to guide for application procedures.
Courses typically offered include:
- Theories of Public Policy and Public Administration
- Research Methods
- Comparative Public Policy
- Political Leadership & Decision Making
- Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation
- Canadian Public Administration
Consult the graduate calendar for a complete list of current courses.
Master’s students are eligible for a variety of scholarships and fellowships, Research assistant and Teaching assistant positions, conference travel awards and other in-course funding.
Consideration for Entrance Awards is automatically part of the admissions process for all new students. Upon admission, students will also be considered for the Department of Political Science’s Dr. Everett Price Graduate Scholarship which is awarded to an incoming student on the basis of academic merit.
The Department of Political Science is also pleased to offer the Leo Tavormina Memorial Entrance Bursary ($500), which is awarded to an incoming student on the basis of financial need.
We encourage students seeking admission to our program to apply for funding from external sources in the final year of their undergraduate studies (e.g. FRQSC, SSHRC).
Please consult Concordia’s graduate funding page and Financial Aid and Awards for additional information.
During a four-month internship, you will gain hands-on experience under professional supervision. Many internships evolve into temporary or permanent employment positions, and students are often paid during their placement.
Examples of past internship sites include:
- Indigenous Affairs and Northern Development Canada
- Alcan Inc.
- Canadian Heritage
- City of Montreal
- Global Affairs Canada
- National Defence
- Employment & Social Development Canada
- Environment & Climate Change Canada
- Global Health Program – McGill University
- Government of Colombia
- Government of Mexico – Legislature
- International Bridges to Justice (IBJ) – Geneva
- International Bureau of Children's Rights
- Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies
- Office of the Auditor General
- Privy Council Office
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- Transport Canada
- United Nations
- US Consular General in Montreal
Our faculty members are active researchers who contribute to the field in the areas of constitutional law, comparative politics, policy making, political theory, international relations, public administration, Canadian politics, Quebec politics, nationalism, federalism, and public opinion. They encourage deliberative democracy in classrooms, academic functions, and departmental decisions.
Faculty research interests include:
- Canadian and comparative public policy
- feminist and critical policy studies
- international relations and non-governmental organizations
- politics of population aging
- public administration and Canadian politics
- strategic studies
The Political Science Graduate Student Association (PSGSA) provides a platform to stimulate opportunities for all members in a variety of cultural, intellectual, political, recreational and social activities.
Recent initiatives of the PSGSA include a graduate student conference in which students from Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Canada present their work and foster dialogue across multiple fields and disciplines. Past conference themes have included “Political and Economic Crises and their Implications,” “Challenges, Disconnects, and Clashes in Political Studies” and “Trends and Dynamics in Global Politics.”
The Political Science Graduate Student Journal is an annual publication produced by a team of graduate students in the Department of Political Science. The journal promotes the work of students from all levels of graduate studies and from a variety of research areas.
Our alumni are highly sought after by federal agencies and departments, universities, industry associations, patent offices, provincial programs, colleges, advocacy groups, and intergovernmental organizations. Graduates are working as analysts, advisors, directors, special programs officers, assistants, program evaluators, chief accountants, internal auditors and managers.
Examples of organizations and institutions our alumni are currently working for include:
- Agricultural Manufacturers of Canada
- Canadian Coast Guard
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office
- Canadian Space Agency
- eHealth Ontario
- Global Affairs Canada
- Health Canada
- House of Commons of Canada
- Mohawk College
- Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services
- Parks Canada
- Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
