Public Policy and Public Administration (MA)
Master of Arts (MA)
Offered by:Department of Political Science, Faculty of Arts & Science
Program overview
The MA in Public Policy and Public Administration gives you the training needed to succeed in public sector organizations, including the public service and non-governmental organizations. You will apply your research to issues of democratic governance, analyzing complex political situations in order to provide expert strategic advice. Coursework and events organized through the Workshops of Social Science Research provide occasions to connect with political leaders and pundits, senior-level bureaucrats and academics. 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 graduates secure paid internships with government agencies in Ottawa and Montreal, with some finding opportunities further afield in major centres such as Geneva and Washington. Around 95 per cent of our internship students accept full- or part-time positions immediately following their placement.
Program details
- Undergraduate honours degree or the equivalent is required.
- 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.
Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 45 credits.
9 credits – Core Courses (for Options A and B)
POLI 636 - Theories of Public Policy and Public Administration (3 credits)
POLI 644 - Research Methods (3 credits)
Plus one of the following:
POLI 600 - Public Policy and the Governmental Process in Canada (3 credits)
POLI 604 - Comparative Public Policy (3 credits)
POLI 618 - Canadian Public Administration (3 credits)
POLI 622 - Comparative Public Administration (3 credits)
POLI 624 - Public Administration of Intergovernmental Affairs (3 credits)
Option A (Courses Only)
12 credits – from Concentration Courses in Public Policy and Administration
POLI 600 - Public Policy and the Governmental Process in Canada (3 credits)
POLI 604 - Comparative Public Policy (3 credits)
POLI 605 - Environmental Policy and Governance (3 credits)
POLI 607 - Ageing and Public Policy (3 credits)
POLI 610 - Economic Policy After Keynes (3 credits)
POLI 612 - Public Policy and Business Cycles (3 credits)
POLI 617 - Knowledge in International Relations (3 credits)
POLI 618 - Canadian Public Administration (3 credits)
POLI 622 - Comparative Public Administration (3 credits)
POLI 624 - Public Administration of Intergovernmental Affairs (3 credits)
POLI 628 - Ethics and Values in Public Policy Making (3 credits)
POLI 630 - Organization Theory (3 credits)
POLI 634 - Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation (3 credits)
POLI 635 - Biotechnology, Agriculture and Food Policy (3 credits)
POLI 645 - Indigenous Peoples and the State (3 credits)
POLI 648 - Feminist Critiques of Public Policy (3 credits)
POLI 652 - Science, Technology and Power (3 credits)
POLI 683 - Special Topics in Public Policy and Administration (3 credits)
POLI 695 - Directed Studies (3 credits)
12 credits – Approved Elective and Cognate Courses
Chosen from subfields of Canadian and Quebec Politics, Comparative Politics, International Politics, Political Theory, or POLI 601 - Research Design, or from cognate courses offered in related disciplines.
12 credits – Extended Research Essay
POLI 691 - Extended Research Essay (12 credits)
Option B (Internship)
9 credits – from Concentration Courses in Public Policy and Administration
POLI 600 - Public Policy and the Governmental Process in Canada (3 credits)
POLI 604 - Comparative Public Policy (3 credits)
POLI 605 - Environmental Policy and Governance (3 credits)
POLI 607 - Ageing and Public Policy (3 credits)
POLI 610 - Economic Policy After Keynes (3 credits)
POLI 612 - Public Policy and Business Cycles (3 credits)
POLI 617 - Knowledge in International Relations (3 credits)
POLI 618 - Canadian Public Administration (3 credits)
POLI 622 - Comparative Public Administration (3 credits)
POLI 624 - Public Administration of Intergovernmental Affairs (3 credits)
POLI 628 - Ethics and Values in Public Policy Making (3 credits)
POLI 630 - Organization Theory (3 credits)
POLI 634 - Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation (3 credits)
POLI 635 - Biotechnology, Agriculture and Food Policy (3 credits)
POLI 645 - Indigenous Peoples and the State (3 credits)
POLI 648 - Feminist Critiques of Public Policy (3 credits)
POLI 652 - Science, Technology and Power (3 credits)
POLI 683 - Special Topics in Public Policy and Administration (3 credits)
POLI 695 - Directed Studies (3 credits)
6 credits – Approved Elective and Cognate Courses
Chosen from subfields of Canadian and Quebec Politics, Comparative Politics, International Politics, Political Theory, or POLI 601 - Research Design, or from cognate courses offered in related disciplines.
21 credits – Internship with Research Paper
POLI 693 - Internship with Research Paper (21 credits)
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.
Important information about admissions
Please be advised that Concordia University does not process admissions or fee payments through third parties for our degree programs.
All applicants are advised to ensure that they are communicating directly with the university for admissions and fee payments.
