The Public Administration graduate program is a bridge between the academic world and the world of public affairs. Our multi-disciplinary MPA programs are focused on policy analysis, development and implementation, preparing new and experienced professionals for rewarding careers in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Our graduates have gone onto hold positions as ministers and senior officials in municipal, provincial and federal governments. They also provide leadership in hospitals, community organizations and national associations across Canada. Others still work for consulting firms in the private sector.
The School of Policy Studies offers a rich and rewarding learning experience that is unsurpassed in Canada and matched only by the best public policy programs in the world. Through high quality interactive teaching and integrated learning, we enhance leadership in public policy by providing students the inspiration, skills, competencies and connections to become better contributors to the public good. The MPA curriculum includes core courses in economics, policy analysis, governance, management and quantitative methods. Through elective courses, students apply their skills to the analysis and resolution of concrete policy and management problems.
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
The ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ MPA is a one-year, multi-disciplinary program for full-time students.
The program has been preparing students at the entry and mid-career levels for leadership roles in public service and policy-making for more than forty years. Graduates hold positions as ministers and senior officials in all three levels of government, as well as providing leadership in hospitals, community organizations and national associations across Canada.
See where your MPA degree can lead you
Want to speak to someone about our programs? Contact mpa.coordinator@queensu.ca TODAY!
Are you ready to advance your career?
Established in 1976, the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Master of Public Administration was a forerunner to many of today's executive degree programs. Its original vision was to provide "in-service" professionals in government, the broader public sector and not-for-profit organizations with the opportunity to fully combine formal classroom-based learning with student-focused learning through informal discussion and debate outside the classroom.
Nearly 50 cohorts and over 1200 alumni have now completed the program and are engaged in senior roles at all levels of governments and other organizations across Canada and beyond. You will greatly benefit through the personal contact with faculty and new colleagues, who are tremendously diverse in their academic, professional and personal experience. Part of the excitement of the program, is that you are part of a learning community and an expansive network of policy expertise. It provides experienced policy professionals with the knowledge, skills and confidence to take their career to the next level.
Alumni Profiles
Jeremy Bonsu combined his undergraduate degree in mathematical science with the MPA degree which prepared him for a career in both public and private sectors. As a result, he has managed several initiatives related to strategic planning and analysis for capital and operating budgets, led a business sector strategy with focus on the hospitality sector, worked on a government-wide initiative to reduce regulatory burden on business, and developed position papers on accounting policy.
Like Carolyn Phillips, students from the School of Policy Studies at ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ have impact on communities all over the world.
Carolyn's major in Sociology combined with the MPA degree led her to travel to Laos for World Vision to learn about the education sector.
Michael Scarpitti, who has a bachelor degree in Science, took the MPA degree to gain and appreciation for health systems.
His MPA has also ignited his passion for research and commitment to health equity and social justice.
Michael also received his Masters of Science degree from McMaster University in 2016.