phd public policy in canada

Department of Political Science

Public policy.

Public Policy at the University of Toronto:

The Department of Political Science at the University of Toronto is the country’s top department for public policy and one of the few Political Science PhD programs in North America that allows students to complete a field specialization in Public Policy. With a roster of distinguished faculty working in a range of areas, and top notch training, this field specialization provides students with a deep understanding of current theoretical approaches to the study of public policy, while giving students the methodological tools and analytical skills to analyze public decision-making and scrutinize the impact of policies on various populations. In doing so, the field encourages a deep understanding of central issues of power and the scope, means and distributive outcomes of policy making, and allows students to engage with the practical and real world problems of today.

Why Study Public Policy?

The study of public policy lends itself to the exploration of a wide array of domestic and international topics through various quantitative and qualitative research methods. Students in this field are able to engage with both theory and applied methods to address contemporary world problems. Upon graduation, students of the public policy subfield successfully find positions in academia as well as the public and private sector.

Students in this field will complete an intensive core course that examines key concepts and debates, and focuses on important topics in the study of public policy. This core course is geared toward establishing expertise in the field of public policy through preparing students for the major field exam. Students supplement their core knowledge of this field, and expand their understanding of special topics, by taking graduate courses available through the Department of Political Science.

What do Public Policy students work on?

Our students work on a wide range of research areas such as:

• Education Policy
• Environment, Energy and Public Policy
• Indigenous Peoples and Public Policy
• Migration Policy
• Public Policy and the Global South
• Public Policy in Canada
• Research, Development and Innovation Policy
• Social Policy

To view some of the dissertations currently in progress by our students, as well as recently completed theses click here . Our faculty can be found on our main faculty page by searching in the area section of the ‘sort listing’ drop-down menu.

What courses can I take?

For a list of current Public Policy courses see the current timetable .

What have our Public Policy students gone on to do?

Our alumni are making an impact working as academics and policy professionals across Canada and internationally in diverse roles within government, the broader public sector, the not-for-profit sector, and other private organizations. To see what some of them alumni are up to click here .

PhD in Public Policy

A dissertation-based program for research students.

• Apply to the JSGS University of Regina campus
• Apply to the JSGS University of Saskatchewan campus

Program Overview

Two-campus model, admissions and deadlines, career focus.

Develop and lead policy solutions for some of government and society's most complex problems.  The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy is a research-based program and is the highest degree awarded in public policy at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School. It denotes an advanced level of competence in scholarly research and communication. This program will provide you with an opportunity to expand your knowledge and acquire in-demand skills, contribute to the study of public policy, and master the theories, concepts and applications of policy within a government or organization.

The program involves a combination of coursework (culminating in a comprehensive exam) and proposing, writing and defending a dissertation. Upon entry into the program, you will be assigned a research advisor and an advisory committee to support you in your work.

As a graduate of the PhD program, you'll be in a position to train the next generation of public service professionals or to lead teams and conduct public policy and management research in government, business, think tanks and other research organizations.

Connect with Us

Want to learn more about the PhD program? Chat with our admissions staff and ask any questions you have.

• Ask a Question!

Quick Facts

Looking for answers to some of your key questions? We have you covered.

Areas of Focus

As one of Canada's leading schools for policy analysis and research, the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy is making a difference by concentrating its research capacity on areas related to  innovation , science , technology , health , society and inequality , and governance .  To ensure engagement in these areas of research, JSGS faculty are committed to encouraging student involvement in research projects, grant applications, seminar series, and other opportunities for knowledge translation.

Research Supervisors

University of regina campus, university of saskatchewan campus.

It is not necessary to find a potential supervisor before you begin an application. The list below though may be helpful to learn about which JSGS faculty are accepting students for the upcoming academic year and in what areas of research focus.

The PhD is a research-based program that involves a combination of twelve credit units of coursework  (four courses), research, and the writing of a dissertation. Once you are admitted into the program, your supervisor and program advisor will work with you on your program of studies (i.e., selection of appropriate courses). 

If you have already taken one or more of the following courses (i.e., in a master's program), you will be required to substitute with a different course(s). You may take additional courses in a particular subject area if you wish, subject to the approval of your advisory committee.

• JSGS 803.3  Quantitative Methods
• JSGS 851.3  Qualitative Methods
• JSGS 865.3  Decision Making in Organizations
• JSGS 869.3  Ideas in Public Policy

Students must also register in the following courses:

JSGS 990 - Public Policy Seminar

JSGS 990 - Public Policy Seminar (USask Campus) 

A required non-credit seminar for graduate students in the MPP and PhD programs. The course features reports and discussions on current research and policy issues presented by students, researchers, policy practitioners, and faculty. Students must attend at least 25 seminars and present their own research in one session before completing their program of study.

JSGS 996 - PhD Research

JSGS 996 - PhD Research (USask Campus)

This course is designed for students at the JSGS USask campus who are writing a doctoral thesis.

GPS 960 - Introduction to Ethics and Integrity

Students at the U of S campus must also complete  (in their first term of study) GPS 960 Introduction to Ethics and Integrity. This is a non-credit, online course required by the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and is at no cost to the student.

JSGS 990 AB Public Policy Seminar

JSGS 990 AB Public Policy Seminar (U of R Campus)

The purpose of the 990AB Seminar Series is to bring students, faculty and others together to hear from a variety of individuals on current and interesting policy topics and to foster a community of scholars. All students in the PhD programs are required to register in JSGS 990AB. They must also attend at least 25 seminars and present their research in one session prior to completing their program. PhD students are also required to submit a JSGS 990 student report. 

JSGS 901 - PhD Research

JSGS 901 - PhD Research (U of R Campus)

This course is designed for students at the JSGS U of R campus who are writing a doctoral thesis.

Transfer Credit

• The University of Saskatchewan campus does not accept transfer credit.
• At the University of Regina, transfer credit is awarded when a student has successfully completed coursework at this or another accredited institution of higher education at the Master’s level. This coursework must be first reviewed by JSGS, then recommended to Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research via JSGS. Credits can then be transferred to the student’s program at the University of Regina. Transfer credit(s) must be submitted for review and obtained in the first semester of beginning the new program. Transfer credit only applies to courses that have not been used to satisfy another academic credential (e.g. master’s degree, certificate, diploma). For more information, visit here .

The intent of the PhD core course schedule is to provide students with assistance in planning for upcoming semesters.

Normally, some core and elective courses are scheduled during the daytime and some in the evening (or on weekends and/or in blocks) to accommodate both full-time and part-time learners.

**Classes may change as circumstances require.

As a student entering the PhD program, you will be required to pass a qualifying exam. This exam may be waived for students with a master’s degree (with thesis) in public policy from a recognized university and for students with a master’s degree (with thesis) in a cognate field (e.g., economics, political science, political sociology, public or educational administration). Normally this examination is administered within the first year, preferably within the first four months, of starting your PhD program.

You will also be required to complete a comprehensive exam following your prescribed coursework. The comprehensive exam involves both written and oral components. The exam will cover general public policy topics, as well as material linked to your research program. Following the successful completion of your comprehensive exam, you will move to the development of a dissertation proposal and, upon its approval, to the dissertation research (either a standard dissertation structure or a three-paper model).

Effective September 1, 2024, the per-term tuition for the PhD program is approximately $2,073 for both domestic students and international students, plus on-campus graduate student fees.

Assuming a four-year completion , the total tuition (using rates for 2024-25) for both domestic and international students is approximately $24,876. Assuming the average time to completion of 5.5 years , the total tuition (using rates for 2024-25) for both domestic and international students is approximately $33,168.

Continuous registration for all students in the PhD program is required — that is, students must register in all three terms each academic year until their program is completed.

• University of Regina Tuition and Fees
• University of Saskatchewan Tuition and Fees

NOTE: Tuition and fees are subject to change. Should there be a discrepancy between the information posted on the institution's website and information posted on the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy website, the institution's website should be viewed as accurate.

Highly qualified PhD students who are engaged in the program on a full-time basis will automatically be considered for funding at a competitive rate.  In addition to potential funding from the school, there are scholarships and awards available for students at the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan.

• University of Regina Scholarships and Funding
• University of Saskatchewan Scholarships and Funding

As Saskatchewan's policy school, the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School is unique in its partnership with both the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan. As a student, you'll benefit from learning from faculty and executives-in-residence across our two campuses and will have the opportunity to visit both campuses (either in person or virtually) throughout your program.

So how do you decide where to apply?   Besides considering available faculty advisors at each campus, we encourage you to  explore both universities and communities to determine which is the best fit for you.

Located on Treaty 4 lands, the University of Regina is situated on the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda, and the homeland of the Métis Nation. 

As the provincial capital, Regina is home to Saskatchewan's   Legislative Building   which sits near the beautiful Wascana Lake. The Legislative Building is also the main backdrop to the University of Regina's College Avenue Building and home of the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School. A short distance from the main campus, the historic and recently renovated College Avenue Campus is located close to downtown Regina. 

Referred to by many as the "Queen City", Regina is home to 230,000+ residents and is the main hub for many provincial public servants as well as municipal employees.

• Experience the University of Regina
• Learn more about the City of Regina
• Explore what Regina has to offer

Located in Saskatoon on Treaty 6 lands, the University of Saskatchewan is situated on the territories of the Cree, Saulteaux, Dene, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota, and the homeland of the Métis Nation. 

A quick 2.5-hour drive from Regina, Saskatoon is located in the central part of Saskatchewan near the South Saskatchewan River Valley. The city boasts many attractive walking trails, a vibrant social scene, and a welcoming place for all. Situated on the northwest side of campus in the Diefenbaker Building, the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School overlooks the South Saskatchewan River and the core downtown area.

Referred to by many as the "Paris of the Prairies", Saskatoon is home to 273,000+ residents and is home to many federal public servants, industry and scientific leaders, as well as municipal employees.

• Experience the University of Saskatchewan
• Learn about student life
• Discover the City of Saskatoon
• Explore what Saskatoon has to offer

Application Deadlines

The PhD program has one intake every year and welcomes a new class each September. The application deadline for the PhD program is December 1 for entry in the following academic year.

To meet the deadline, all components of your application must be received by 11:59 PM CST on December 1. Applications that are incomplete will not be reviewed nor will they be deferred to future terms.

Application Qualifications

Applicants to the PhD program must have a master’s degree in public policy, public administration or in a cognate discipline such as economics, political science, political sociology or educational administration, with a cumulative weighted average of at least a 75% (U of S grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. coursework required in Master’s program

Please note that because the number of applications received greatly exceeds the number of available places, not all qualified applicants will be offered admission (we typically admit two to three students a year). Indeed, successful candidates will typically have an average well in excess of 80 percent (or lower first class).

Application Process and Required Documentation

The Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy has aligned its application requirements (where possible) across its two university campuses; however, please note that the application portal varies by campus. 

Please apply through   one campus only .

When applying to the JSGS University of Regina campus, please note that you must submit an application through the   Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research . 

You may choose to upload unofficial transcripts, supporting documents,  letters of recommendation,  letter of intent, and resume via your online application portal.

You will have the opportunity to enter the names and email addresses of your referees in the online application portal. Once you pay the application fee and submit the application, the system will automatically contact your referees with a link for their submission. Remember to advise your referees to check their spam folder for the auto-email from uregina.ca domain.

To troubleshoot document uploads, referee issues, other technical aspects of the online application, contact the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at [email protected] .

When applying to the JSGS University of Saskatchewan campus, please note that you must submit an application through the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.  The online application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may start an application, save it and return to it any time before the application deadline.

HOW TO APPLY   |   APPLY NOW

Once you have completed an online application, you will need to   upload  a series of  documents. Please note that in most cases, you will need to allow one business day after paying your application fee before you are permitted to upload documents.

If your application fee has not been processed after 48 hours after being submitted, please contact   [email protected]   or phone 1-306-966-5788 for assistance. Please ensure you are checking the status of the application fee before emailing or calling. To check the status, please log into your application profile.

What are JSGS PhD Alumni up to?

• Read more alumni stories

PhD Student Stories

• Read more about our PhD students' research

• Political Science Programs
• Curriculum Guide
• Involvement Opportunities
• Undergraduate Info Hub
• Winter 2024 Courses App
• Research Areas
• Master’s Program

PhD Program

• Graduate Courses
• Academic Community
• Graduate Handbook
• Graduate Student Resources
• Faculty Research Areas
• Our PhD Students
• PhD Job Market Candidates
• Faculty Research Themes
• Research Projects & Chairs
• Research Stories
• Publications
• Mark Zacher Distinguished Speaker Lecture
• Alumni News
• Alumni Events
• Networking Opportunities
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
• Job Opportunities
• In Memoriam

Program Overview

The research-intensive Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Political Science at UBC Vancouver will help prepare you to secure tenure-track faculty positions and prestigious postdoctoral fellowships, as well as other academic and non-academic careers.

Prospective graduate students should browse our research areas to learn about the groups of faculty members working in 30 different research fields, methodologies, and geographic regions.

Our PhD program consists of two years of graduate coursework followed by comprehensive exams following the completion of course requirements.

Students write a dissertation proposal by the end of their third year of study, and with its approval and defense, move on to their dissertation research and writing, which normally takes two to three years to complete.

We are proud to see many of our PhDs in faculty positions and in successful careers throughout the world. We value collaboration and collegiality, and we strive to create an atmosphere of trust, respect, and professional courtesy to ensure a diverse intellectual community.

NEW: CANADIAN POLITICS FACULTY RENEWAL

UBC Political Science has significantly renewed our Canadian Politics faculty roster in recent years with the recruitment of Profs. Carey Doberstein, Sophie Borwein, and Vince Hopkins.

The Canadian Politics field at UBC is now especially equipped to supervise graduate students in the realm of public policy, public opinion and identity, inequalities in society, and how governments design and implement policies, programs, and services.

New faculty also complement the existing Canadian Politics faculty strengths in the areas of federalism (Kathy Harrison, Gerald Baier) and political behavior (Fred Cutler, Matthew Wright).

Faculty in the Canadian Politics field use survey methods, data science and experimental designs, and qualitative approaches in the course of their research.

The renewed Canadian Politics faculty at UBC will supplement department financial support packages in the doctoral program with research assistance fellowships and conference support.

Our PhD graduates have been highly successful in pursuing academic and non-academic careers.

On the academic front, UBC PhDs hold tenured or tenure track positions at major universities in North America and internationally. Our graduates have taken up  tenure-track and tenured positions at Canadian institutions including the University of Toronto, University of Victoria, University of Western Ontario, York University, University of Ottawa, MacEwan University, University of Fraser Valley, University of Manitoba, Memorial University of Newfoundland, McMaster University, and the University of Calgary; at U.S. institutions including the University of Michigan, University of Pittsburgh, Colorado State University, Georgia Tech, Soka University; and outside North America at institutions including the University of Essex, University of Sheffield, University of St. Andrews, Cardiff University, Trinity College Dublin, Tel Aviv University, Sophia University, National University of Singapore, Queensland University, Australia National University, University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, and Ritsumeikan University.

Our PhDs have held postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard University, Yale University, Columbia University, Vanderbilt University, University of Toronto, Queen’s University, Oxford University, Duke University, and other institutions.

Many UBC PhDs have taken their doctoral training to high-level positions with government agencies, NGOs, international organizations, think tanks, and private-sector employers, including Statistics Canada, the Supreme Court of Canada, the US Department of Defense Asia-Pacific Center, Global Affairs Canada, Health Canada, the International Committee of the Red Cross, Medecins Sans Frontiers, the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, Deutschebank, Innovative Research Group, the Institute for Research on Public Policy, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, among others.

Accessibility

• Job Opportunities
• Intranet (Restricted)
• Program Overview
• Program Information
• Course Information
• Program Counselling
• Prospective Students
• Awards & Scholarships
• Exchange Opportunities
• Internships
• Possible Careers
• Student Association
• Undergraduate Journal
• Graduate Studies
• Publication History
• Research Areas
• Funding & Scholarships
• Graduate Handbook
• Graduate Association
• Our Graduates
• Program Resources
• Diploma (DPA)
• Masters (MPA)
• Administration
• Research Funding
• Recent Publications
• Facilities & Labs
• Library & Resource Centre
• Fellows/Postdocs/Visitors
• MA Students
• PhD Students
• Media Enquiries
• Undergraduate
• Local Govt.
• PhD Program
• Application Process

The PhD program is a full time program. It is designed to train the next generation of top professors and policymakers in Canada. We offer a strong, research-intensive curriculum with a focus on giving our students the very best training in quantitative and qualitative methods in the country. Rather than admitting students based on their potential fit with a supervisor, we try to admit only the most promising students and encourage them to develop their research interests, identify gaps in the literature, diversify their theoretical knowledge, and acquire a broad range of quantitative and qualitative methodological tools to publish in the very best journals in their fields.

Our overarching philosophy is built around mentorship. We take seriously the need to help students figure out how to publish and we want them to finish our program with a strong publication record so they are highly competitive for the job market. To these ends, we offer students: research assistantships, co-authorship opportunities, the opportunity to develop publishable papers in our courses and during the summer publishing workshop, and the opportunity to present papers internally for feedback prior to conference presentations and submissions to a journal. We provide professional development workshops that teach the "ins and outs" of being a political scientist, and we provide support through highly competitive funding packages and special funds to subsidize costs related to data collection, additional methods training, and conferences. Students are also given opportunities to co-teach or teach their own course in hopes of building up their teaching experience and CV.

You do not need to contact or obtain a supervisor before applying to the program . The minimum requirement for admission is an MA in Political Science with superior standing and a statement of research interest that demonstrates your potential for success as a PhD student in our program. We want students who are committed to being challenged and are willing to learn new topics, theories, and methods. While you are welcome to identify potential supervisors in your application, you are not required to.  Choosing a supervisor occurs after you have entered the program, completed your coursework, and attended departmental seminars and workshops.   Please note: We are temporarily not accepting applications for PhD students wishing to specialize in the International Relations field in the 2024-25 admission cycle.  

Methods Training

Our department is committed to providing the very best research methods training in Canada. Each year, we offer the following courses:

• Research Design and Advanced Research Design;
• Introduction to Qualitative Methods;
• Introduction to Quantitative Methods;
• Regression and Causal Inference;
• Maximum Likelihood Estimation.

We also offer electives on one or more of the following topics each year:

• Bayesian Statistics;
• Experiments;
• Machine Learning;
• Measurement;
• Time Series.

Our methods instructors, anchored by Dr. Dave Armstrong, Canada Research Chair in Political Methodology, are committed to providing students with practical skills and the latest methods in a highly accessible manner, no matter their background level or feelings of trepidation towards research methods. Our goal is for students to be able to read articles that use the full range of the methods in our discipline and to have the confidence to use a variety of tools to produce their own, original research.

In addition to our methods courses, students can access the expertise and training of our senior PhD students, who frequently organize research methods drop-in sessions, reading groups, and workshops.  We also provide some financial support for students who wish to access additional training from ICPSR and other institutes.   

PhD Program Progression Requirements

In order to progress through the PhD program, students must fulfill the following requirements:

• 9502A, 9590A, 9591B*, 9593B (required PhD courses)
• 9 elective courses (must include at least 3 of the following core Political Science courses: Political Theory, International Relations, Canadian Politics, Urban Political Economy, Comparative Politics, Maximum Likelihood Estimation);
• Mandatory Publishing Workshop in the summer of the first year;
• Comprehensive exams in the summer of the second year (view guidelines in the graduate handbook);
• Thesis proposal completed in the third year;
• PhD thesis. 

The PhD thesis is a major piece of research and writing on a subject chosen by the candidate and approved by the department. It is undertaken under the supervision of a faculty member in the department, with the assistance of a committee. We encourage students to not only rely heavily on their supervisory committee during their PhD, but also to draw on the collective expertise of the entire faculty. As a department, we believe that student success requires the entire department to work together to support our students, and we encourage our PhD students to get to know all faculty members and draw on their expertise and advice throughout their degree. *Students who will be completing a Political Theory Thesis are exempt from having to take 9591B but still must take a total of 13 courses.

Department of Political Science Social Science Centre, Room 7335 London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5C2 Tel: 519-661-3266 [email protected] Privacy | Web Standards | Terms of Use | Accessibility

Find an Expert

Political Science Association

Political Science Intranet

• Graduate School

School of Public Policy and Global Affairs

The School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia integrates world-class scholarship, teaching, research, and policy engagement to contribute towards positive change. SPPGA's approach equips policy leaders with the diverse perspectives, skills, and knowledge needed to contribute towards solutions to complex local and global issues.

As an interdisciplinary hub with particular expertise in Asia Pacific and sustainability policies, SPPGA draws on the expertise of UBC institutes, research centres, and faculties, and invites engagement with communities that span the globe.

The School of Public Policy and Global Affairs was founded in 2017 within the Faculty of Arts. The school encompasses the following units: The Institute of Asian Research (IAR) and its five regional research centres, the Liu Institute for Global Issues (Liu Institute), the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions (CSDI), and the Office of Regional and International Community Engagement (ORICE).

SPPGA's key programs and initiatives include the Phil Lind Initiative, the Liu Scholars program (Liu Institute), the IAR Fellows program (IAR), the Himalaya Program (IAR), the Program on Inner Asia (IAR), the Xinjiang Documentation Project (IAR), the Institute for Future Legislators (CSDI), and the Scholars At Risk & Human Rights Collective (ORICE).

Social Media Channels

• Graduate Degree Programs

Public Policy and Global Affairs

Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs

• Research Supervisors

Adrianna Spyker

Esther Ocheni

Kingsley Eze

News Compilation: August 2024

Media August 1, 2024 Is nuclear energy the solution to the climate crisis? Listen as SPPGA Professor M.V. Ramana shares his expertise on why nuclear energy should be avoided if we plan to achieve our climate justice goals, via CKNW’s The Jas Johal Show August 1, 2024 79 Years After Hiroshima...

Why Nuclear Energy is Not the Solution to the Climate Crisis: Q&A with M.V. Ramana

q.pullquote-quotes { color: #9E0067; } “Nuclear energy is one of the most expensive ways to generate electricity. Investing in cheaper low-carbon sources of energy will provide more emission reductions per dollar....

2023/24 IAR Publication Awards

  Institute of Asian Research (IAR) Fellows are UBC graduate students with a deep knowledge of Asia and an interest in advancing research with relevance to policy and global affairs. Each academic year, IAR celebrates these scholars with publication awards to acknowledge their important...

News Compilation: July 2024

Media July 1, 2024 Nuclear Power and the Climate Emergency SPPGA Prof M V Ramana  Via 94.1 KPFA Radio July 2, 2024 What the U.S. can learn from Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission Prof. Tricia Logan (SPPGA; CIS) interim academic director at UBC’s Indian Residential School History and...

Meet Tricia Logan, SPPGA’s Incoming Assistant Professor

q.pullquote-quotes { color: #9E0067; } “Listening and giving space for all voices in the room is so important. Especially for governance or policy, to learn effective ways to challenge structures of historic harms and/...

Newly Announced Banting Postdoctoral Fellow Marco Zenone Tackles Online Exploitation of Cancer Patients

Public health researcher Dr. Marco Zenone, just announced as one of nine individuals to receive the prestigious Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship for research at UBC, will be joining the Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions (CSDI) here at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs in...

Learn about our faculties, research and more than 300 programs in our Graduate Viewbook!

• Why Grad School at UBC?
• Application & Admission
• Info Sessions
• Research Projects
• Indigenous Students
• International Students
• Tuition, Fees & Cost of Living
• Newly Admitted
• Student Status & Classification
• Student Responsibilities
• Supervision
• Managing your Program
• Health, Wellbeing and Safety
• Professional Development
• Dissertation & Thesis Preparation
• Final Doctoral Exam
• Final Dissertation & Thesis Submission
• Life in Vancouver
• Vancouver Campus
• Graduate Student Spaces
• Graduate Life Centre
• Life as a Grad Student
• Graduate Student Ambassadors
• Meet our Students
• Award Opportunities
• Award Guidelines
• Minimum Funding Policy for PhD Students
• Killam Awards & Fellowships
• Dean's Message
• Leadership Team
• Strategic Plan & Priorities
• Vision & Mission
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
• Initiatives, Plans & Reports
• Graduate Education Analysis & Research
• Media Enquiries
• Newsletters
• Giving to Graduate Studies

Strategic Priorities

• Strategic Plan 2019-2024
• Improving Student Funding
• Promoting Excellence in Graduate Programs
• Enhancing Graduate Supervision
• Advancing Indigenous Inclusion
• Supporting Student Development and Success
• Reimagining Graduate Education
• Enriching the Student Experience

Initiatives

• Public Scholars Initiative
• 3 Minute Thesis (3MT)
• PhD Career Outcomes

Public Policy

Master of public policy (m.p.p.) doctor of philosophy (ph.d.), research supervisors, tuition and funding, admission requirements, application deadlines, application process.

Established in 2008 as a joint collaboration between the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina, the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS) has swiftly become one of Canada’s leading policy schools for educating graduate students and public servants interested in and devoted to advancing public value. Our students can select from a number of course-based and research programs offered on either campus or online. 

Master of Public Policy

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) provides students with opportunities to conduct research and contribute to the study of public policy and the application of policy expertise in the real world. Students graduating from this program possess the research skills necessary to play integral roles in the civil service, research organizations and industry associations. Top students from this program may go on to doctoral programs in public policy.

The program is designed so that students can finish in as little as 16-24 months of studying full time. Upon entry into the program, each student is assigned a research advisor and an advisory committee.

Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy

The Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy (PhD) offers learning and research opportunities for highly qualified students to advance knowledge and move the study of public policy forward. Students graduating from this program will be in a position to train the next generation of public service professionals and to conduct public policy and management research for government, business, think tanks and other research organizations.

The PhD program involves a combination of course work (culminating in a comprehensive exam) and proposing, writing and defending a dissertation. It is designed so that students can finish in as little as three years of full-time study. Students who are engaged in the program on a full-time basis can expect to receive financial support. Upon entry into the program, each student is assigned a research advisor and an advisory committee.

It is not necessary to find a potential supervisor before you begin an application. The list below though may be helpful to learn about the research interests of our faculty.

The school's scholarly work includes: public process intelligence, budgets and public finance, multi-level governance, agenda setting, good governance, decision making and ethical leadership, all within the context of the faculty’s substantive research areas (social policy, health policy, innovation policy, public-sector management, resource and environmental policy, and trade and immigration policy).

Martin Boucher

[email protected] Faculty website

Areas of specialization

Small modular reactors, energy transitions, public sector entrepreneurship, energy democracy, post-secondary education policy

Kurtis Boyer

[email protected] Faculty website

Métis/Indigenous governance, policy, and politics

Haizhen Mou

[email protected] Faculty website

Public finance

Marc-Andre Pigeon

[email protected] Faculty website

Money, banking and the financial sector; fiscal and monetary policy,co-operatives

Dionne Pohler

[email protected] Faculty website

Michelle Prytula

[email protected] Faculty website

Leadership and leadership policy, educational finance, financial accountability in higher education, public sector leadership, education policy

Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering

[email protected] Faculty website

Consumer behaviour, Food economics, Experimental economics, Food policy

For a full list of Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy faculty members, including those at the University of Regina campus, visit our school's faculty directory .

Highly qualified students who are engaged in the program on a full-time basis may receive funding at a competitive rate to support their research. MPP students must commit to completing the program over a maximum of two academic years to be eligible for this funding. PhD students must commit to completing the program over a maximum of four academic years to be eligible for this funding. All complete applications will automatically be considered for funding.

Graduate students at USask can receive funding from a variety of sources to support their graduate education.

• Scholarships

There are three terms per academic year: September to December, January to April, and May to August. Tuition is assessed each term for as long as the student is enrolled in their program.

Student fees

In addition to tuition above, students also pay fees for programs like health and dental insurance, a bus pass, and other campus services. The amount you need to pay depends on if you are taking classes full time or part time, and if you are on campus or not. The table below assumes you are on campus full-time.

Tuition information is accurate for the current academic year and does not include student fees. For detailed tuition and fees information, visit the official tuition website .

Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.)

• Language Proficiency Requirements : Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English. A minimum overall TOEFL score of 86 is required with a minimum score of 20 in each area, or a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in each area, or another approved test as outlined in the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies  Academic Policies .
• A cumulative weighted average of at least a 75% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. 60 credit units)
• A four-year honours degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

• Language Proficiency Requirements : Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English. A minimum overall TOEFL score of 86 is required with a minimum score of 20 in each area, or a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in each area, or another approved test as outlined in the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Academic Policies .
• Master's degree, or equivalent, from a recognized university in a relevant academic discipline
• A cumulative weighted average of at least a 75% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. coursework required in master's program)

The application deadline for the MPP program is March 1 for entry in the following academic year. The MPP program welcomes a new class each September.

To meet the deadline, all components of your application must be received by 11:59 p.m. (Central Standard Time - CST) on March 1. Applications that are incomplete will not be reviewed nor will they be deferred to future terms.

The application deadline for the PhD program is December 1 for entry in the following academic year. The PhD program welcomes a new class each September.

To meet the deadline, all components of your application must be received by 11:59 p.m. (Central Standard Time - CST) on December 1. Applications that are incomplete will not be reviewed nor will they be deferred to future terms.

Submit an online application

Before beginning your online application, be sure that you have carefully reviewed all program information and admission requirements on this page.

During the application, you'll be asked for:

• Personal information such as your name, address, etc.
• For your letters of recommendation, two of your referees must be academic contacts, and the third may be academic or professional
• Your complete academic history from all previous post-secondary institutions

The application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may save your application and return to it later.

At the end of the application, you will need to pay a non-refundable $120 application fee. Your application will not be processed until payment is received .

• Begin an application
• Detailed application instructions

Submit required documents

Once you've submitted your online application, you will have access to upload your required documents, and provide the contact information for your references. To do this, go to the "Supplemental Items & Documents" tab in your application, and upload the documents outlined below.

Transcripts

Preliminary Statement of Marks

• Once you have submitted your application for admission and paid the application fee, you will be required to upload unofficial PDF copies of your academic transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended. This requirement will appear as Preliminary Statement of Marks or Additional Prelim. Statement under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you  check your application status .
• The uploaded transcript can be an unofficial copy of the transcript issued by the university or college, and must include a grading key/legend.
• All pages of a transcript must be uploaded as a single PDF document.
• Uploaded transcripts will be considered unofficial or preliminary. Official copies of your transcripts will be required only for applicants offered admission. This requirement will appear as Post-secondary Transcript under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you  check your application status .

Uploading documents

Post-secondary Transcripts

If you receive an offer of admission, you will then be required to have your official post-secondary transcripts sent (by mail in a sealed envelope directly from the institution) to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.

College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Room 116 Thorvaldson Building, 110 Science Place  Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9

• Transcripts usually indicate the institution’s name, grading scheme (typically on back of transcript), your name, course names, numbers, credits, and the grades you have received. Depending on the country or institution, some features may not be available.
• Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
• If you are a current University of Saskatchewan student completing your undergraduate program then a letter of completion of degree requirements will be required from your college.

Proof of English language proficiency (if required)

Proof of English language proficiency  may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.

For students who are required to provide proof of English proficiency:

• It is your responsibility to have completed an official and approved test with the appropriate score before the application deadline.
• Tests are valid for 24 months after the testing date and must be valid at the beginning of the student's first term of registration in the graduate program.
• Applicants will be required to upload a PDF copy of any required language test score. Uploaded test scores will be considered unofficial or preliminary.

If you receive an Offer of Admission you may be required to have your official language test scores sent to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.

College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Room 116 Thorvaldson Building - 110 Science Place Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9

Submit additional documents

In addition to the above official documents, please  upload the following documents:

All applicants

A curriculum vitae or resume that includes background and relevant employment history.

M.P.P. applicants

MPP Statement/Letter of Intent

The MPP is a research degree. Your letter of intent offers you the opportunity to describe to the admissions committee your interests and fit with the MPP program. It also provides you the opportunity to clearly detail your background and preparation, the ideas and methods that you bring to public policy and an indication of the particular areas of public policy that interest you. Please clearly address each of the following:

• Why do you want to pursue a research degree focusing on public policy?
• Research background and preparation on policy-related research, including scholarly and practical experience.
• Theories, ideas and methods that you want to use or explore.
• Any specific research interests you hope to explore, especially as how your research interest fits one of our three areas of research priority (Governance, Social Policy and Inequality, and Innovation, Science and Technology).
• Have you approached any of the faculty at the school? If so, please name them.

You do NOT need to have a well-developed research proposal. However, the committee does like to see that you can clearly articulate your interests and ideas. If you do have a specific project that you are committed to, please include that information in your letter. This letter is an opportunity to show your personality, critical thinking ability, and interest in public policy research. Please say something original and distinctive that sets you apart from other applicants.

Your statement/letter of intent should be a maximum of 700 words.

Ph.D. applicants

PhD Research Statement

The PhD is a research degree and is the highest degree awarded in Public Policy. It denotes an advanced level of competence in scholarly research and communication. Your statement/letter of intent offers you the opportunity to describe to the admissions committee your interests and to clearly detail your background and preparation, the ideas and methods that you bring to public policy, and to indicate the particular areas of public policy that interest you. Please clearly address each of the following:

• Why do you want to pursue a PhD focusing on public policy?
• One or more general areas within public policy in which you would like to do research, and some examples of specific topics you consider interesting and researchable within these areas.
• An example that demonstrates your ability to define a topic, to apply theoretical concepts to it, to cite existing key literature, and to propose ways to create new scholarly knowledge on that topic. This example might relate to one of the sample topics you identify in (3) above.
• How your research interest fits one of our three areas of research priority (Governance, Social Policy and Inequality, and Innovation, Science and Technology).

Your statement should be around 1,500 words or five to six pages in total length. You do NOT need to have a well-developed research proposal. However, the committee does like to see that you can clearly articulate your interests and ideas. This research statement is an opportunity to show your personality, critical thinking ability, and interest in public policy research. Please say something original and distinctive that sets you apart from other applicants.

Most importantly, your letter will help the admissions committee to find a match among the faculty to supervise you in one of your proposed areas of research.

• After you've applied

Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy Diefenbaker Building 101 Diefenbaker Place University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B8

Graduate Chair Michelle Prytula Email: [email protected]

Graduate Administrator Email: [email protected]

• Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy Learn more about the academic unit offering this program
• Program and Course Catalogue To view official admission and program requirements

What could make this page better?

Thank you for helping us make the university website better. Your comment will be forwarded to the editor of this page. Please note that this form is not intended to provide customer service. If you need assistance, please contact us directly.

• Public Policy and Administration
• U of R Home
• Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy

Government and the workings of the public sector impact us all.

Canadian governing bodies—Indigenous, federal, provincial, and municipal—rely on the expertise, experience and nonpartisan leadership of individuals working within its institutions and communities to investigate problems and options, design and implement solutions, and administer and evaluate programs that serve citizen needs. As communities and as individuals, we all benefit when they employ policy professionals from diverse backgrounds who are strategic, innovative, collaborative, and entrepreneurial in their thinking.

If you are interested in a fulfilling career that delivers community impact, we encourage you to explore graduate studies available through the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy.

Academic (for credit) Programs

The school currently offers the following Academic (for credit) Programs :

Careers in Public Policy and Administration

Our MPA and MPP graduates have gone on to successful careers in the federal, provincial, municipal and Indigenous governments and private, non-governmental and nonprofit agencies, in roles including:

• Senior Government Managers and Officials (Ministers, Assistant Deputy Ministers and Indigenous Chiefs, Executive Directors, Chief Administrator Officers, City Administrators)
• Managers and Chief of Staff
• Regional Program Officers, Program Managers, Senior Policy Advisors
• Policy Analysts, Strategic Analysts and Research Analysts
• Strategic Business Advisors and Strategic Business Development Officers
• Public Affairs Counsellors
• Chiefs of Police, Staff Sergeants and Parole Officers
• Consultants

Professional Development Programs

In addition to its academic programming, the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy offers a variety of short professional development ( non-credit) programs and workshops focused on governance, leadership, and policy. These programs and workshops are designed to address labour market priorities identified by public sector partners and Indigenous communities and are facilitated by former senior public servants now serving as JSGS Executives-in-Residence, and in some instances, partners such as First Nations University of Canada. 

About the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy

With campuses at the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan, the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS) delivers an innovative and practical education that meets the needs of students, employers and the greater public. Taught by respected scholars and former senior public servants, the school’s programs combine theoretical concepts and applied teachings, so that students gain the knowledge, skills, and a real-world understanding of the practical realities of policymaking and public administration.

Graduates leave career-ready with the professional, analytical, and technical skills required to successfully perform and lead in the public sector.

Quick Facts

Connect with us.

The Johnson Shoyama Graduate School offers a great opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge from class within the practical setting of the Executive Internship Program. Here, I got a true sense of what it is like to work within the provincial government, and was even able to secure long-term employment following graduation. Over the years, I have encountered many successful JSGS alumni at all levels of government, as well as in the private sector across Canada and abroad. My MPA degree has been instrumental in my career, and it continues to open doors through the people that I meet.

I am very pleased with my choice to attend the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School. During my studies I explored cross-campus collaborations, worked closely with government bodies, attended policy events with prominent government leaders, and developed meaningful and innovative research with the support and guidance of faculty who are eager to share their expertise and to see me succeed. I’m so appreciative of my time at JSGS, as the knowledge and research skills that I gained are directly relevant to the work that I’m doing with the Saskatchewan Health Quality Council.

Public Policy and Administration Learn more about programs offered at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy

Request More Information

• Undergraduate Welcome Guide
• Graduate Welcome Guide
• Academic dates
• Student Hub
• Student Service Centre (Birks)
• International Students Office (ISO)
• All academic resources
• IT services
• Safety & prevention
• Exchanges & partnerships
• Wi-Fi access
• Concordia app
• Concordia in numbers
• Administration & governance
• Strategic directions
• Working at Concordia
• Faculty of Arts and Science
• Faculty of Fine Arts
• Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science
• John Molson School of Business
• School of Graduate Studies
• School of Health
• Latest news
• Event calendar
• Media Relations
• Alumni & friends
• Microprograms
• Tuition & fees
• Scholarships & funding
• Financial aid
• Awards & funding
• Events & information sessions
• Virtual & guided tours
• Speak with a recruiter
• Students from abroad
• English language proficiency
• Undergraduate programs
• Undergraduate microprograms
• Graduate programs
• Undergraduate advising
• Graduate advising
• Birks Student Service Centre
• Experiential learning
• Co-operative education
• Study abroad
• Course search
• Online courses (eConcordia)
• Undergraduate Calendar
• Graduate Calendar
• John Molson Executive Centre
• Corporate training (CCE)
• Coaching certifications
• Courses & workshops
• Francophone Student Centre
• Access Centre for Students with Disabilities
• NouLa Black Student Centre
• Otsenhákta Student Centre
• GradProSkills
• Succeeding in French
• Student Success Centre
• Student associations & groups
• Community involvement
• Volunteering & experiential learning
• Jobs on campus
• Student life overview
• Safety and prevention services
• Environmental health & safety (EHS)
• Loyola Campus
• Shuttle bus
• Transportation
• Life in Montreal
• Residences & housing
• Food & dining
• Medical care
• Mental health
• Health & wellness overview
• Accessibility hub
• Inclusive washrooms
• University athletics – Stingers
• Recreation, sports & fitness
• Art galleries
• Performance venues
• Arts & culture overview
• Research spotlights
• Research news
• Strategic research plan
• Thesis programs
• Individualized graduate program
• Centres & platforms
• Research Chairs
• Explore (Concordia researchers)
• Postdoctoral Fellows
• Funding opportunities
• Internal grants (ConRAD)
• Prizes & awards
• External peer reviewers
• Resources for researchers
• Research abroad
• Visiting researchers

Political Science (PhD)

Program overview Program structure Admission requirements Application process Tuition & funding

Program overview

The PhD in Political Science expands your training in the field as you work alongside experts in political theory, international relations and public policy. You will conduct primary research through surveys, archival data collection and fieldwork in order to make original contributions to the discipline. The program provides a stimulating environment in which to examine disciplinary subfields, allowing you to specialize in two areas of your choice. Our research-active faculty members will help you refine your analytical and writing skills, enabling you to better prepare your research for publication in top-ranking peer-reviewed academic journals such as the Canadian Journal of Political Science and the Review of International Studies. You will benefit from inter-institutional research networks , such as the Centre for the Study of Democratic Citizenship (CSDC) , the Center for Immigration Policy Evaluation , engAGE, the Centre for Research and Expertise in Social Gerontology (CREGÉS), Latin American Studies Network of Montreal (RÉLAM), and the Groupe de recherche interuniversitaire en philosophie politique de Montréal (GRIPP). Our students have funded their research through fellowships and awards from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Fonds de recherche du Québec and GRIPP Montreal.

Program structure

Degree requirements, degree requirements.

Fully-qualified candidates are required to complete a minimum of 90 credits.

All students will select two areas of specialization (for example Canadian Politics and International Politics).

Please see the Political Science Courses page for course descriptions.

Political Science PhD (90 credits)

Admission requirements

Admission requirements.

• MA in political science, political studies, international relations, public policy, or another relevant field from an accredited university normally with a minimum GPA of 3.5 or equivalent.
• 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 English language proficiency page for further information on requirements and exemptions.

Application process

Application deadlines.

Priority will be given to complete applications submitted by the deadline. In some cases, programs may continue to accept applications as long as there is space available.

International students: Considering the waiting period involved in meeting the entry requirements to Canada and Quebec , we strongly encourage international applicants to apply early and submit supporting documents prior to the deadline.

Tuition & funding

Tuition and fees.

Tuition and fees of the program may depend on your student status, among other key factors. Estimate these costs based on the most common situations.

Awards and funding

Funding packages are generally available for students in thesis-based programs. They come in the form of awards, teaching and research assistantships are offered at the time of admission to most students to allow them to focus on their research and studies. Research and thesis-based students are automatically considered for all entrance graduate awards when they apply to Concordia, provided they meet eligibility criteria. No separate application is required.

The Quebec and Canadian governments offer a number of competitive graduate scholarships. We encourage you to apply for these awards at the same time you are preparing your application.

© Concordia University

Chat with graduate students

Connect with us

• Program Benefits
• Experiential Learning
• Professional & Career Development
• Tuition & Funding
• Programs & Initiatives

Faculty Expertise

• Media & Publications
• Institute of Asian Research
• Liu Institute for Global Issues
• Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions
• Office of Regional & International Community Engagement
• Pacific Affairs
• Race, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Annual Reports & Strategic Plan
• Opportunities

  The UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs (SPPGA) integrates world-class scholarship, teaching, research, and policy engagement to contribute towards positive change.

Our approach equips policy leaders with the diverse perspectives, skills, and knowledge needed to contribute towards solutions to complex local and global issues.

29 SPPGA faculty conducting research & policy engagement in 30+ countries

Ubc ranks as the #7 university in the world for climate action, ubc ranks as the #40 university in the world, featured news, why nuclear energy is not the solution to the climate crisis: q&a with m.v. ramana, 2023/24 iar publication awards, meet tricia logan, sppga’s incoming assistant professor, become a global change maker, join the master of public policy and global affairs program and get the policy degree the world demands..

• Skip to global menu .
• Skip to primary navigation .
• Skip to secondary navigation .
• Skip to page content .
• Return to global menu .

• Search Public Administration
• Search UVic
• Search for people
• Search for departments
• Search for experts
• Search for news
• Search for resources
• future students
• our programs
• phd in public administration

PhD in Public Administration

The PhD in Public Administration program prepares students to undertake research in the broad, interdisciplinary field of public administration. The program will develop scholars who contribute to the literature in the form of articles, dissertations, and books, and to applied theory and practice. The School supports the creation of theoretically informed empirical research that guides practice.

Students will be expected to master basic research methods at the start of the program (foundational statistics, qualitative methods, and evaluation, for example), and may be required to undertake methods courses prior to the start of their doctoral studies.

By studying here, you will achieve an in-depth academic understanding of issues in comparative policy and governance and organizational studies. You will graduate prepared to conduct leading-edge research and take on leadership roles in government, universities and other public institutions.

Through this program, you will:

• work with experienced faculty members at the forefront of a wide variety of fields, including public policy analysis, governance and management;
• participate in research projects through the School; and
• build externally-funded research programs of your own.

Intake into our PhD program is currently every two years (September 2022, 2024, 2026, etc.).

New! Students of a concurrent graduate degree program who wish to enrol in the Graduate Certificate program will be charged a one-time fee upon admission to the program. The current one-time Graduate Certificate fee for concurrent students is: • $847.78 (domestic students) • $1,071.98 (international students) Please note: Tuition  Fees  are updated annually. If students do not complete concurrent program requirements according to the recommended schedule, this may result in additional fees.

Degree Requirements

The first year of the program is a full-time course of studies consisting of a minimum of 9.0 units of coursework, a non-credit doctoral seminar and language training (if required for the student's dissertation research). Students must be in residence to complete the following coursework, their PhD candidacy examinations, and the oral defence of their dissertation research proposal:

• two core courses in public administration:

ADMN 605  (1.5)  Public Policy and Governance in Public Administration

ADMN 608  (1.5)  Innovation, Implementation and Evaluation in Public Administration

• two methodology courses

ADMN 602  (1.5)  Research Design and Methods in Public Administration

and a further graduate-level quantitative or qualitative methods or methodologies course with the approval of the Graduate Adviser (1.5)

• two elective courses (3.0)

The elective courses could be either a substantive specialization or a combination of methods and substantive specialization. Students may take graduate-level courses offered by the School of Public Administration, the Department of Political Science, other UVic departments, or other universities with the approval of the Graduate Adviser.

• ADMN 600  (0.0) Doctoral Seminar

Students will be required to register in this non-credit seminar course for the duration of their PhD program. The Doctoral Seminar will provide essential knowledge, skills, and research proposal development guidance.

The total number of courses each student is required to take will depend on the background of the student and will be decided by the student and the Graduate Adviser and approved by the Admissions and Program Standards Committee. The minimum units required for the PhD Degree is 9.0 units of coursework, the candidacy examination (ADMN693) of 3.0 units, and the dissertation (ADMN 699) of 30.0 units. (See information on candidacy and dissertation information that follows this tab.)

PhD students are expected to have mastery of additional language(s) if germane to their chosen fields of study. They will be expected to acquire needed language skills in addition to their PhD coursework. No PhD credit will be given for language training.

Program Operation and Length

ADMN 693  (3.0) Candidacy Examination

Within two terms of completing course work (normally in November of the second year of study), the student will complete one written candidacy examination on the foundational studies and methods/ methodologies of public administration. This model assumes a generalist orientation to the exam.

Within three terms of completing coursework, the student will develop and submit a dissertation proposal which will be defended in an oral defence.

In all cases, both the written candidacy examination and defence of the dissertation proposal must be completed within 36 months of first registration in the PhD program.

A student who passes the candidacy examination and successfully defends the dissertation proposal is admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree.

Dissertation

ADMN 699  (30.0) Dissertation

Only when the student's supervisory committee is satisfied that the dissertation proposal meets the standards of the program, may the student register in the dissertation (ADMN 699).

Oral Examination

Consult our faculty profiles page for information about our members' research specialization areas and please indicate your interest to the Graduate Academic Coordinator via [email protected]  

Admissions information is available at UVic Graduate Admissions  with PhD in Public Administration specific  application requirements here.

• Return to primary navigation .
• Return to secondary navigation .
• Return to page content .

Political Science

Department of Political Sciences

Political sciences.

About Political Science

Political science is crucial for solving the world’s most complex social problems faced by people, firms and governments. Effective solutions require analysis of legal systems, political power and personal motivations, both domestically and globally.

Want To Learn More?

Are you interested in a social science degree? We're here to guide you through the process.

Information Box Group

{Link Label}

Undergraduate programs discover.

Discover more about our Political Science undergraduate programs.

Undergraduate Courses & Course Outlines Learn More

View undergraduate courses and course outlines to find assignments, due dates and more.

Graduate Programs Learn More

Learn more about our Political Science graduate programs.

Graduate Courses & Course Outlines Learn more

View graduate courses and course outlines to find assignments, due dates and more.

Student Advising & Support

Connect with one of our academic advisors and find the resources you need to help you on your academic journey.

Latest News

Phd candidate aye lei tun awarded the seareg pre-dissertation fellowship.

Departmental News

May 31, 2024

PhD Candidate Noah Fry publishes article in Canadian Public Administration

Could public bank collaboration be the key to combating the climate crisis expert thomas marois explains, quick links.

Research Learn More

Explore our recent research findings, that shed light on emerging trends and key insights in Political Science.

Careers & Experiential Education (CEE) Learn More

Careers and Experiential Education offers students hands-on learning and practical experience to prepare them for the workforce.

Alumni Learn More

Connect with alumni from across the McMaster community.

Support Our Students

Your donations help provide vital resources and opportunities to support students in their academic journey.

Search for academic programs , residence , tours and events and more.

Global Governance (PhD)

The world faces increasingly complex problems that have taken on global significance, including conflict and peace building, humanitarian crises and intervention, international economic inequality and instability, and global environmental change. Students in the PhD program understand the issues facing humanity and will develop both the research and leadership skills to examine how these problems are addressed at the global level. And are the mechanisms adopted to address them effective and just?

The PhD in Global Governance, offered jointly by Laurier and the University of Waterloo at the Balsillie School of International Affairs , is a unique opportunity for examination of power and authority in the global arena. Our graduates will pursue careers as researchers, scholars or practitioners working domestically or internationally in private sector positions, national or local governments, not-for profit agencies, think tanks and the media.

Program Highlights

• Study at one of Canada’s leading graduate schools for international studies, the Balsillie School of International Affairs .
• The Laurier PhD in Global Governance offers six areas of specialization .
• Opportunity to gain teaching experience in a master's level course.
• Eligible students admitted to study full-time in the PhD program will receive a minimum of $30,000 for the first year, and $27,000 a year for the subsequent three years.
• Additional financial support can be accessed through external scholarships, teaching or research assistantships and/or faculty-funded studentships.

Program Details

Joint university phd program with an interdisciplinary focus.

Graduate students in the program examine the variety of actors, institutions, ideas, rules, and processes that contribute to the management of global society. In addition to international organizations and inter-state relations, the study of global governance examines the various non-state actors as well as the realities of contemporary life that contribute to the establishment and functioning of global rules, norms and institutions.

The Global Governance PhD program interrogates the concepts, tools, and assumptions that have served scholars in the past and assesses new approaches for addressing contemporary and future challenges.

For further information, refer to the Graduate Handbook: Joint Laurier-UW Global Governance PhD Program .

Program Structure

PhD students will also complete the following milestones. The expected time to completion of the PhD is four years.

Comprehensive Examinations

Normally, candidates must write comprehensive examinations in two areas within 16 months of starting the program. Normally, students will write comprehensive exams in September at the start of their second year.

The first examination will be on Global Governance and will test the breadth and depth of a student’s comprehension of the leading literature. For their second examination, students will choose to write a comprehensive examination in one of the six fields of the program.

Students can only write an examination in a field if they have completed two courses, one of which must be a “core course” in that field.

Dissertation Proposal

Normally, students will complete and have approved a doctoral dissertation proposal by the end of February of their second year in the program. Completion of the proposal will normally involve a formal presentation and defence of the proposal to the Supervisory Committee. Normally, committee members and the student will also complete their second Annual Progress Report following the defence/approval of the dissertation proposal.

Within one week after completion of the presentation and defence, the student will make any final changes to the proposal that arise from the defence and provide the respective Program Director or Associate Director as well as the respective Program Graduate Coordinator/Program Officer with a copy of the final proposal for their records and the student’s file.

Normally, the doctoral dissertation research proposal will be no more than 30 pages or approximately 15,000 words, exclusive of bibliography. A proposal will include the following: a statement of the principal research question(s) and a justification of the question or questions; an outline of the principal theoretical orientations that are framing the research questions; a detailed outline of the research methods and steps to be taken to obtain answers to the research questions; an assessment of the likely contribution to knowledge of the dissertation research; a timetable for completion of the research.

Laurier students are required to complete the Dissertation Proposal Approval form .

Dissertations: Multiple Manuscript Thesis Guidelines

Doctoral theses can take various forms. The traditional thesis is a sole-authored document with various chapters. However, some theses – the multiple manuscript thesis – consist of a collection of papers that are published or submitted for publication; any such thesis must comply with the following guidelines:

• The multiple manuscript thesis must comply with the policies and guidelines of the student’s host institution.
• Any multiple manuscript thesis must contain at least three articles.
• At least two of the articles must be single-authored, and one may be co-authored provided the student first obtains approval from their supervisor committee, preferably at the time of the proposal defence. If an article is co-authored by the student and authors, the relationship should be explicitly stated with regards to the nature and extent of contributions to the work by all parties involved.
• There must be a common theme among the three articles that is explained in the introduction and conclusion.
• All articles must be of a publishable quality. Acceptance of a manuscript from a journal is separate from and does not constitute acceptance or approval by the advisory committee.

Research and Courses

Research focus and specialization fields.

Students will choose to specialize in one of the six fields in the program. To prepare for the comprehensive exam in that field, they must select at least two courses from their chosen field. Of these two, at least one course must be a course identified as “core” for that field.

Conflict and Security

This field is concerned with the referent objects of security and associated threats; the causes and management of conflict; and the global governance challenges of human, state, societal, national, international, ecospheric, and global security.

Courses in this stream examine the theory and practice of security at all levels of analysis.

Global Environment

This field is concerned with the global governance of environmental issues. Courses in this stream examine contemporary dilemmas relating to the ways in which environmental challenges are being addressed and managed by multiple agents through a range of transnational institutions and governance structures, both existing and proposed. Conceptual issues and debates, set within the context of a variety of internationally significant sustainability challenges, are investigated. Multilevel governance of these challenges at the international, regional, national and local levels are examined.

Key topics covered include: global climate change, agriculture and food security, international water resource management and environmental aspects of the global economy.

Global Justice and Human Rights

This field is concerned with the study of the relationship between global governance and issues of global justice and human rights.

Courses in this stream explore themes such as: the practical and ethical challenges that international human rights and relief organizations encounter when operating in the global south; theoretical approaches to understanding global justice as a contemporary social justice issue, with a particular focus on the cultural constructs relating to conceptions of freedom, obligation, and community; and contemporary debates in the field of human rights, such as those related to cultural relativism and universal human rights, human rights and foreign policy, the place of economic rights, the relationship between gender and human rights, and human rights and retrospective justice.

Global Political Economy

This field is concerned with the governance of the global economy and contemporary issues in international economic relations. Courses in this stream focus on the theoretical and public policy debates relating to governance of the global economy, as well as the evolution of international trade policy.

Topics covered include: international finance and intellectual property rights; labour and environmental standards; the control of illicit economic activity; the removal of tariffs on goods and services; and current efforts to integrate services, investment, and intellectual property into the trading regime through the increasing overlap of trade policy with monetary, competition, cultural, environmental and labour policies.

Global Social Governance

This field examines the prospects for the supranational governance of social issues with a particular focus on the political and philosophical underpinnings of transnational social policy cooperation.

Topics covered include: the implicit and explicit prescriptions for and impact upon national social policy of intergovernmental organisations (such as the UN and Bretton Woods Institutions), international non-governmental organisations and international private actors (such as TNCs and consultancy companies); the contribution of supranational organisations, international NGOs and other global actors to the global discourse on social policy; the role of private actors and global public-private partnerships in global health policy; the development of systems of transnational social redistribution, social regulation and social provision and empowerment; and the methods and concepts used by development agencies to assess the social policy of countries and shape their interventions.

Multilateral Institutions and Diplomacy

This field is concerned with the formal and informal practices, institutions and organizations which generate global governance.

Courses in this stream focus primarily on the theory, practice and machinery of international organization, public policy, and diplomacy. Topics covered include organization theory, multilateral co-operation, foreign policy, diplomatic history, global social and public policy, representation and negotiation.

Core Program Requirements

All students will complete six courses, including the following four mandatory courses: the global governance core course, an economics component, the history component, and Research Methods. Students are required to maintain an overall average of 80% in the course phase.

• Core Course Component: GV710: Globalization and Global Governance (Laurier registration) or GGOV700: Globalization and Global Governance (UW registration). Must be completed in the first term of registration in the program.
• Economics Component: GV730: Economic Analysis and Global Governance (Laurier registration) or Econ637: Economic Analysis and Global Governance (UW registration). Students who have higher-than-second-year macro/microeconomics are required to take an economics course other than GV730/Econ637.
• History Component: GV720: The History of Global Governance (Laurier registration) or HIST605: Global Governance in Historical Perspective (UW registration).
• Research Methods: GV701: Research Methods (Laurier registration) or GGOV701: Research Methods (UW registration).

See a full list of all PhD in Global Governance courses .

"I see the Balsillie School as a unique institution that provides students and scholars with the academic and experiential foundations to lead Canadian and international organizations in pursuing the most effective paths to global security and harmony."

Ann Fitz-Gerald, director, Balsillie School of International Affairs

Take the first step in your graduate education and apply to one of our graduate programs. Follow our three-step admission process — we’ll walk you through how to apply and prepare for your first day as a graduate student.

• Start: Fall (September)
• Format: Full-time
• Application deadline:  January 15 (international applicants), April 30 (domestic applicants)

Please note: The application portal for our September 2025 intake is now open for all applicants. First round of consideration for all complete applications will be given to those received by January 15, 2025. We may continue to adjudicate domestic applications until April 30, 2025 or until the program is full.

Admission Requirements

• A master’s degree in political science, history, economics, international development studies, international peace studies, globalization studies, environmental studies, or a related field with a minimum A- standing.
• Applications are reviewed by the graduate program committee, which considers all prior university grades, a statement of research interests and letters of reference.
• Applicants whose native language is not English must provide evidence of proficiency in English prior to admission.
• Contact a prospective faculty advisor prior to submitting your application.

Note : It is a requirement of the application process, that you contact a prospective faculty member who shares your interests and would be a supervisor "in principle" for your PhD, should you receive an offer of admission. This must be done in advance and the information must be included on the Application Summary of the online application.

The idea of "in principle" means a professor has reviewed your statement of intent and your CV, and agrees "in principle" to supervise your doctoral dissertation. Sometimes, after the successful acceptance of an offer, another professor may be deemed to be more a suitable advisor; on the basis of this determination, it is possible to change supervisors in the early stages of your PhD program.

Application Checklist

After you have submitted your OUAC application , paid the non-refundable application fee, and Laurier has received your application, you'll receive an email from [email protected] advising you to upload the additional required documentation to Laurier’s Online Registration and Information System (LORIS) .

The application process and the uploading of supplemental documentation, which includes references, typically takes two weeks. To avoid disappointment, please apply early.

An application for admission to our PhD program in Global Governance must include:

• The Application Summary, which is generated after you complete your OUAC application (log back in to OUAC to retrieve it).
• Be sure you can respond "yes" to the question, "Have you spoken with any faculty at WLU?" and include the faculty member's name.
• Transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. Documents must be dated within the past six months.
• A completed statement of intent.
• A resume of your academic and work experience. Include a history of your publication and scholarly paper activity and any other information you feel will interest the admissions committee.
• A sample of your scholarly writing (10-20 pages in length). This may be a chapter of your master's thesis or a paper written for a graduate course.
• Completed reference forms . Three academic references are required. Note: Reference forms are electronically submitted to Laurier by the referee and do not need to be uploaded.

Visit our Graduate Admissions Toolkit for more information about applying.

English Proficiency

Proficiency in written and spoken English is essential to graduate studies at Laurier. Applicants whose language of instruction during their previous postsecondary education was not in English must submit evidence of proficiency in English. If applicable, results from accepted testing services must be uploaded to LORIS .

Your Next Steps

Questions? Contact Maureen Ferraro, program officer, at [email protected] or 226.772.3122.

“The BSIA is a strong and supportive community in which I thrived as a student. I benefitted from the mentorship of a multidisciplinary faculty, exchanges with a diverse group of students, and comprehensive support that allowed me to network easily. I chose this program for its research and policy emphasis, and I made the right choice”

Ousmane Aly Diallo (PhD '2020) Researcher, Francophone West Africa, Amnesty International 

Balsillie School of International Affairs

As a hub in a global network of scholars, practitioners and students, the Balsillie School of International Affairs aims to develop new solutions to humanity’s critical problems, improve global governance now and in the future, and enhance the quality of people’s lives around the world. Founded in 2007 by philanthropist Jim Balsillie, the Balsillie School is an equal collaboration with the Centre for International Governance Innovation, the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University. 

The Balsillie School is a proud affiliated member of APSIA .

Tuition and Funding

Regardless of the type of graduate degree program you intend to pursue, financial planning is important. At Laurier, we want to provide you with as much information as possible about a variety of scholarship and funding opportunities and equip you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

Graduate Tuition and Funding

"With contributions from several university-based partners, ASPIRE provides graduate students and postdoctoral researchers with informative, hands-on professional skills training essential for degree and post-degree success."

Brent Wolfe , Associate Vice-President and Dean, Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

The program is committed to providing students with the interdisciplinary skills for a wide range of careers in the field of global governance.

We provide the students with opportunities to gain relevant international work experience, whether as a visiting scholar at a top-ranked university or as a fellow at a leading think tank. In addition to the academic curriculum, we offer supplementary "professionalization" programming and are normally able to offer funds to support field research and travel to academic conferences.

Graduates of the Joint-PhD Program in Global Governance have gone on to tenure-track positions at a number of universities in Canada and abroad. Many others are pursuing a career in leadership positions for the Government of Canada, non-government agencies, think tanks or the private sector.

• Defence Scientist, Defence Research and Development Canada
• Program Manager, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
• Researcher for Amnesty International
• Global Social Policy Researcher, Public Health Agency of Canada
• Associate Professor, University of Waterloo
• Researcher, Career and Education Advisor, Canada Accent Immigration
• Assistant Professor, University of New Brunswick
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Schulich School of Law
• Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Oslo
• Research Director, Cascade Institute
• Deputy Director, Policy and Economics at Canadian Dairy Commission
• Research Associate and Lecturer, University of Kassel
• Founder, Go To Jupiter Productions Inc.
• Senior Lecturer, City University, UK
• Lecturer, Leiden University
• Senior Project Manager, MEDA
• Research Fellow, University of Edinburgh

Your Path to Post-Degree Success

ASPIRE is Laurier's professional skills development training program for graduate students. The program helps you craft an individualized, extracurricular learning plan tailored to your professional journey and entry to the workplace .

Learn about the interests of our faculty members. If you are looking for more information about this program, have questions, or want to set up a meeting, contact a member of our team . 

Alison Blay-Palmer Professor UNESCO Chair on Food, Biodiversity and Sustainability Studies

Paula Butler  Instructor

Winnie Chan Instructor

Jonathan Crush Professor

Simon Dalby Professor (Retired)

Timothy Donais Associate Professor

Alistair Edgar Associate Professor Associate Dean, School of International Policy and Governance

Nick Garside Instructor 

Patricia Goff Associate Professor

Jeff Grischow Associate Professor

Derek Hall Associate Professor   

Jenna Hennebry Associate Professor

Ken Jackson Associate Professor

Jurek Konieczny Professor

Alex Latta Associate Professor

Terrence Levesque Professor

Colleen Loomis   Associate Professor  Co-Director, PhD in Global Governance Director, Master of International Public Policy

Sara Matthews Associate Professor

Audra Mitchell Professor Canada Research Chair in Global Political Ecology

Alison Mountz Professor  Co-Director, International Migration Research Centre

Amjad Rabi  Instructor 

Kim Rygiel Associate Professor  Co-Director, International Migration Research Centre

Pierre Siklos Professor

Debora VanNijnatten Associate Professor

Margaret Walton-Roberts Professor

Alan Whiteside Professor (retired)

Randall Wigle Professor Emeritus

We use cookies on this site to enhance your experience.

By selecting “Accept” and continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies.

• Programs Overview
• MSc in Management
• Full-Time MBA
• Accelerated MBA
• Executive MBA
• MBA Direct for HBAs
• Master of Management in Analytics
• The Ivey Academy
• Pre-Ivey Experiences
• Ivey Asia - Executive Education
• Faculty & Research Overview
• Faculty Directory
• Area Groups
• Centres & Institutes
• Ivey Impact
• Purpose, Mission and Values
• Strategic Planning
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Careers at Ivey
• Ivey Idea Forum
• Media Centre
• Contact Communications
• Alumni Overview
• Get Involved
• Benefits & Services
• Disciplines
• Business, Economics and Public Policy
• Business, Economics and Public Policy (BEPP)

BEPP faculty are known for their research at the intersection between business strategy and public policy. We welcome applications from exceptional prospective PhD students interested in this broad field. Under close supervision of the faculty, PhD students are expected to develop an independent research stream in one or more areas of BEPP faculty expertise.

In general, the research of BEPP faculty touches on several major themes, including regulation, non-market strategy, energy and environmental issues, innovation and industrial evolution, and emerging economies. Much of BEPP research is focused on understanding (both directly and indirectly) how firms can gain a competitive advantage in the context of important political, social, and economic factors. Faculty use a range of econometric techniques and data sources to study these questions, and draw on both economic and strategic management theories.

The BEPP group is committed to developing strong researchers who will succeed in academic careers at research-oriented universities. Our program begins with two years of rigorous coursework, during which time students take PhD-level courses at both Ivey and Western University’s economics department. After passing comprehensive exams, each student then works towards developing an independent research program, culminating in a thesis.

The following are examples of ongoing work being conducted by BEPP faculty:

• Exploring how firms build competitive advantage and modern industries develop, especially in weak institutional environments.
• Studying how corporations and other interest groups influence public policy through information-based channels like lobbying.
• Assessing how regulations and policy shape firm decisions, and determining what this means for firm outcomes.
• Studying the links between firm- and industry-dynamics and environmental quality.
• Exploring energy markets in Canada and abroad.
• Investigating the formal relationships between firms and external stakeholders such as Indigenous communities.

We encourage applications from students interested in gaining a deeper background in both economics and strategic management, and building strong econometric skills. Some prior education in economics is strongly encouraged.

BEPP group faculty are active in Ivey’s research Centres and Institutes, including the Ivey Energy Policy and Management Centre and the Lawrence National Centre for Policy and Management.

*Please note that BEPP is a stream under General Management

Areas of Research Focus

• Energy and environment
• Stakeholder management
• Non-market strategy
• Political and regulatory risk
• Emerging markets

Faculty research is regularly published in the top management and social sciences journals, including the Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, Administrative Science Quarterly, American Economic Journal, Canadian Journal of Economics, Harvard Business Review, Journal of Law, Economics and Organization, Management Science, Organization Science, Review of Economics and Statistics, and Strategic Management Journal.

• View our Google Scholar Page
• View the Research Database

PhD Student Opportunities

The BEPP group welcomes applications from qualified candidates that are interested in conducting research into themes related to their research interests.

Post-graduate Opportunities

The doctoral program in BEPP is designed for those interested in pursuing academic careers in top business schools, either within Strategy or Business Economics departments. The program integrates core areas of study in economics, including industrial organization, managerial economics and political economy, with study in management fields.

PhD Graduates

Kartik Rao Assistant Professor, Ivey Business Foundations, Western University

Perspectives on Firm Strategies in the Non-Market Environment

The non-market environment, which includes “the rules of the game” that govern economic interactions in the market, plays a central role in the ability of firms to create economic value and to sustain competitive advantage. This dissertation focuses on firms’ interactions with different elements of the non-market environment and is comprised of three essays..... Read more about this thesis

Discipline Coordinator

Nouri Najjar

I am an applied microeconomist working primarily on environmental issues, with a focus on firms and the environment. My recent work shows how changes at the firm in response to environmental policy contribute to a cleaner economy, and how environmental policy affects a firm’s decision to participate in foreign markets.

Read full profile »

• Entrepreneurship
• Information Systems
• International Business
• Management Science
• Operations Management
• Organizational Behaviour
• Sustainability

Connect with Ivey Business School

Policy Studies PhD

We are a unique interdisciplinary doctoral program

Specialize in the areas of Public policy, Indigenous governance and Health policy

Law and public policy, Global, Environmental and Urban policy

Food security, Labour market policy, Social justice and Immigration policy

Preparing a new generation of researchers to address the most relevant issues facing our communities today

Policy Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University

Learn more about the School of Public Policy and Democratic Innovation. 

The PhD Policy Studies program is Canada’s first and only interdisciplinary doctoral program in policy. Societal need for policy research has grown in response to the realities of the knowledge economy and the complex policy challenges facing communities, cities, regions, nations and the world. Traditional policy fields are increasingly interconnected, have domestic and international dimensions and involve policy actors from the public, non-profit and private sectors. These innate features of public policy require interdisciplinary knowledge and research collaboration across disciplinary boundaries. 

Our program is structured within three broad fields: Social Policy; Immigration, Settlement and Diaspora Policies; and Public Policy and Administration. While these streams form the foundation of inquiry, our students are tackling policy issues related to a range of policy domains, such as health policy, environmental policy, Indigenous governance, food policy, housing policy, urban policy, labour policy, and accessibility policy, among others.

This interdisciplinary program is designed to prepare a new generation of researchers for positions in academe and the public, non-profit and private sectors at the local, regional, national and international levels.  Please explore our site or contact us to learn more. 

Program Highlights 

• Our program faculty include over 60 affiliated faculty from research departments in the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Community Services, the Ted Rogers School of Management, and The Creative School.
• The PhD Policy Studies program is housed in the  School of Public Policy and Democratic Innovation , and emerging initiative in the Faculty of Arts.
• The PhD Policy Studies program is building strong connections with the Bridging Divides research program. Many of our students are affiliated or directly supported by this innovative interdiscplinary research hub at Toronto Metropolitan University.
• The PhD Policy Studies program is proud to be ranked one of Toronto Metropolitan University's most diverse graduate programs. 

News and Events

• Current News
• 2022 Archive
• 2021 Archive
• 2020 Archive

Programs and courses

• Future students
• Support uOttawa
• Brightspace

Doctorate in Philosophy Public Administration

The School of Political Studies located in the Faculty of Social Science offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Arts (MA) and the Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Public Administration.

The main objective of the master programs is to provide students with leading-edge theoretical and conceptual knowledge to enable them to understand and analyze public administration, as well as equipping them with the know-how and skills necessary for success in a constantly changing organizational environment. Emphasis is placed on the development of research skills.

The MA program aims to familiarize students with critical methods of knowledge production and to develop their capacity for conducting basic and applied research. Furthermore, they will develop the ability to extract from research the learning necessary for undertaking their responsibilities as public managers and policy analysts.

The PhD program aims to prepare students for academic and research careers. The various components of the doctoral program (courses, comprehensive examination, thesis proposal, thesis and defence) are all designed to develop the student’s capacity for high level independent research in social sciences.

The programs offer two fields or concentrations in public administration: public management and public policy. These fields are not mutually exclusive, but constitute the two main components of public administration studies.

The MA program is offered both full- and part-time, whereas the PhD program is offered full-time only. The programs are offered in French and English and the use of both languages is encouraged. Students can choose the master’s with thesis or the master’s with research paper.

Public Administration is a participating unit in the collaborative programs in Women’s Studies. 

The programs are governed by the  general regulations  in effect for graduate studies. 

For the most accurate and up to date information on application deadlines, language tests and other admission requirements, please visit the  specific requirements  webpage.

Admission to the graduate program in Public Administration is governed by the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.

To be considered for admission, applicants must hold a master’s degree in Public Administration or in a related discipline with a minimum average of 75% (B+).

Language Requirements

An active knowledge of French and English is essential. All students must successfully complete the course PAP 8510  given in French only and must be able to read texts in French and in English.

Students whose first language is other than French or English must provide proof in their application of their level of competence in these languages. The Public Administration Program reserves the right to conduct an interview and to require a test in either language. If a student’s research interests require comprehension of a language other than French or English, the Public Administration Program may require proof of such competency.

In accordance with the University of Ottawa regulation, students have a right to produce their work, their thesis, and to answer examination questions in French or in English.

Transfer from Master’s to PhD

Students enrolled in the MA program in public administration who have performed exceptionally well academically, who have demonstrated solid research skills and who are deemed sufficiently mature, may be allowed to transfer to the PhD program without being required to write a master’s thesis provided they meet the following conditions:

• Successful completion of at least four PAP graduate courses (12 units) with a minimum average of 85% (A) and with an A+ in at least one of the courses.
• Approval of the Graduate Studies Committee in public administration. The committee makes its decision on the basis of written reports on the student's maturity and research skills, from the student's thesis supervisor and from the professors in the courses taken in the master's program.

The request for transfer must be made during the third term of full-time enrollment (or equivalent), and the transfer must take place before the end of the fourth term. The Graduate Studies Committee will take into account the student's grades, thesis plan (or draft plan) and the reports from professors who taught the courses taken at the master's level. Following the transfer, all of the requirements of the doctoral program must be met. Students who transfer but do not complete the PhD program can however obtain the MA degree provided they meet all of its requirements.

The program is structured around two fields: public management and public policy. Students must choose one as their major field and the other as their minor field. The choice of major field will be linked to their research interests.

The following requirements must be met:

Students who have not completed a master’s level course in research methods must enroll in PAP 6103 (3 units) in addition to the other courses listed.

Comprehensive examinations are aimed at demonstrating basic knowledge in both fields. They usually take place towards the end of the third term of enrollment in the program. To continue in the program, students must pass both comprehensive examinations.

Presentation and defense of a thesis ( THD 9999 ) based on original research carried out under the direct supervision of a faculty member in the program.

Duration of Program

The requirements of the program are usually fulfilled within four years. The maximum time permitted is six years from the date of initial enrollment in the program, or seven years in the case of the students transferring from the master’s to the doctorate.

Minimum Standards

The passing grade in all courses is C+. Students who fail two courses (equivalent to 6 units), the thesis proposal, or whose research progress is deemed unsatisfactory are required to withdraw.

Thesis Advisory Committee

During the first term of the program, a thesis advisory committee (TAC) is formed for the candidate. The Committee’s membership will be determined by the specific interests of the candidate. It will be composed of the supervisor and 2-3 additional professors. At least one member of the thesis committee, in addition to the supervisor, must be from the Faculty of Social Sciences. The TAC is responsible for guiding the student throughout the program, including course selection, the comprehensive examination, thesis proposal, and thesis defense.

The thesis examining board may include members who are not part of the TAC.

Research Fields & Facilities

Located in the heart of Canada’s capital, a few steps away from Parliament Hill, the University of Ottawa is among Canada’s top 10 research universities.

uOttawa focuses research strengths and efforts in four Strategic Areas of Development in Research (SADRs):

• Canada and the World
• Molecular and Environmental Sciences

With cutting-edge research, our graduate students, researchers and educators strongly influence national and international priorities.

Research at the Faculty of Social Sciences

The Faculty of Social Sciences represents a place of excellence in knowledge creation, research and training. Driven by both disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives, research at the Faculty is rich, innovative and varied, contributing to the depth of understanding and breadth of discussions on a variety of issues nationally and internationally.  This research, whether it be fundamental, theoretical, applied or action-oriented, is generated by our renowned expertise, ultimately culminating in applications designed to influence individual communities and the betterment of society.

We have identified five research themes which collectively represent a large proportion of the research undertaken at the Faculty of Social Sciences:

• International Studies
• Francophonie
• Public Policy
• Health, Well-Being
• Justice, Society

Facilities, Research Centres and Institutes at the Faculty of Social Sciences

Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Citizenship and Minorities (CIRCEM) , Centre for International Policy Studies (CIPS) , Centre for Public Management and Policy , Centre for Research on Educational and Community Service (CRECS) , Centre on Governance (COG) , Human Rights Research and Education Centre (affiliation) , Institute of Feminist and Gender Studies and Institute for Science, Society and Policy .

For more information, refer to the list of faculty members and their research fields on Uniweb . 

PAP 6101 Globalization and Continental Integration (3 units)

Examination of the impacts of socio-economic, technological and cultural globalization on our systems of governance both internationally and domestically. Analysis of the role of the nation-state in a context of simultaneous decentralization and internationalization, with a particular focus on global institutions and North American integration.

Course Component: Lecture

PAP 6102 Democratic Governance (3 units)

This seminar provides an examination of how democratic governments structure their decision-making processes for effectiveness, representation and accountability. A particular focus of this seminar is a critical evaluation of the New Public Management reforms, and an in-depth review of different models of government intervention and policy-making from a comparative perspective.

PAP 6103 Research Methods (3 units)

Study of different methodological approaches used in public administration, conceptual tools and research methods (discourse analysis, content analysis, quantitative methods ¬statistics and probability

Course Component: Seminar

PAP 6110 Theories of Public Management (3 units)

(Core course for students in the field of public management). Presentation of major components of public management (managerial roles and functions, planning, organizational cultures, leadership and motivation, human resources managements, change management, etc.). Study of the main theoretical approaches in public management, with the aim of relating them critically to one another and undertaking a critical analysis of the methodological and theoretical contributions of the various approaches.

PAP 6111 Theories of Public Policy (3 units)

(Core course for students in the field of public policy). Presentation of the different stages of the policy process, notably emergence, development, implementation and evaluation, as well as the influence of institutions, ideas and interests on public policy. The objective is to present the main theoretical approaches (neo-institutionalism, post-positivism, political economy, etc.) with the aim of relating them critically to one another and critically analyzing their methodological and theoretical contributions.

PAP 6120 Ethics in the Public Sector (3 units)

Study of the theoretical and empirical issues related to ethics in the public sector, analysis of the literature on the philosophical and political foundations of ethical reflection and the literature on ethics and public administration. Themes addressed include citizenship and democracy, responsibility and accountability, public interest, contemporary issues in ethics in the public sector and social justice in public decision-making.

PAP 6121 Public Administration: Coordination and Consistency (3 units)

Examination of the influence of structural and social processes on the theory and practice of public administration. The course will examine the mechanisms and issues of coordination in its multiple forms: multi-level coordination, coordination across the public, private and community sectors, horizontal and vertical coordination. The course will also address the challenges and issues of consistency in the process of public policy development and implementation and will examine a number of cases and international comparisons.

PAP 6122 Culture and Power in Public Organisations (3 units)

Informal dimensions of public organizations, including organizational cultures and power relations that mesh with organizational issues. Sociopolitical analysis of organizations to improve understanding of factors of inertia, resistance and blockage that influence, to different degrees, possibilities for innovation and change in public administration.

PAP 6130 Selected Themes in Public Administration (3 units)

PAP 6501 Mondialisation et intégration continentale (3 crédits)

Examen de l'impact sur la gouvernance à l'échelle internationale et nationale de la mondialisation des secteurs socio-économique, technologique et culturel. Analyse du rôle joué par l'état-nation dans un contexte de décentralisation et d'internationalisation simultanées, en mettant particulièrement l'accent sur les institutions mondiales et l'intégration nord-américaine.

Volet : Cours magistral

PAP 6502 Gouvernance démocratique (3 crédits)

Examen des mesures prises par les gouvernements démocratiques pour s'assurer que les processus de prise de décision répondent aux critères d'efficacité, de représentativité, et d'imputabilité. Accent sur l'examen critique des réformes récentes des modes de gestion à la fonction publique et étude approfondie des différents modes d'intervention gouvernementale et d'élaboration de politiques d'un point de vue comparatif.

Volet : Séminaire

PAP 6503 Méthodes de recherche (3 crédits)

Étude de différentes approches méthodologiques utilisées en administration publique, outils conceptuels et méthodes de recherche (analyse de discours, analyse de contenu, méthodes quantitatives ¬statistiques et probabilités

PAP 6510 Théories en gestion publique (3 crédits)

(Cours noyau pour les étudiants dans le champ de la gestion publique). Présentation des grandes composantes de la gestion publique (rôles et fonctions manageriels, planification, cultures organisationnelles, leadership et motivation, gestion des ressources humaines, gestion du changement, etc.). Étude des principales approches théoriques de la gestion publique, dans le but de les relier et d'entreprendre l'analyse critique des apports méthodologiques et théoriques des diverses approches.

PAP 6511 Théories en politiques publiques (3 crédits)

(Cours noyau pour les étudiants dans le champ des politiques publiques). Présentation des différentes phases de l'analyse des politiques publiques, notamment celles de l'émergence, de l'élaboration, de la mise en œuvre et de l'évaluation, ainsi que de l'influence des institutions, des idées et des intérêts sur les politiques publiques. L'objectif sera de présenter les principales approches théoriques de politiques publiques (néo-institutionnalisme, post-positivisme, économie politique, etc.), de les relier de façon critique et d'entreprendre une analyse des apports méthodologiques et théoriques des diverses approches.

PAP 6520 Éthique publique (3 crédits)

Étude des enjeux théoriques et empiriques reliés à l'éthique publique, analyse de la littérature sur les fondements philosophiques et politiques de la réflexion éthique et de la littérature sur l'éthique et l'administration publique. Les thèmes abordés incluent la citoyenneté et la démocratie, la responsabilité et la reddition de comptes, l'intérêt public, les enjeux éthiques publics contemporains et la justice sociale dans le contexte de la prise de décision publique.

PAP 6521 Administration publique : Coordination et cohérence (3 crédits)

Examen de l'influence des processus structurels et sociaux sur la théorie et la pratique de l'administration publique. Le cours traitera des mécanismes et enjeux de coordination dans ses multiples formes : coordination à niveaux multiples, coordination entre secteurs publics, privés et communautaires, coordination horizontale et verticale. Le cours abordera également les défis et enjeux de cohérence du processus de production et la mise en œuvre des politiques publiques et examinera certains cas et comparaisons internationales.

PAP 6522 Cultures et pouvoir dans les organisations publiques (3 crédits)

Dimension informelle de l'organisation publique, à savoir les cultures organisationnelles et les relations de pouvoir qui se conjuguent invariablement aux enjeux organisationnels. Lecture sociopolitique de l'organisation pour mieux saisir les facteurs d'inertie, de résistance et de blocage qui pèsent, à des degrés divers, sur les possibilités d'innovation et de changement dans l'administration publique.

PAP 6530 Thèmes choisis en administration publique (3 crédits)

PAP 6901 Projet / Project (3 crédits / 3 units)

Étude approfondie d'un domaine de la gestion publique ou de la gouvernance. Étude de cas ou projet en collaboration avec une ou plusieurs agences du secteur public. Rapport écrit. Noté S (satisfaisant) ou NS (non satisfaisant) par le professeur responsable. / In-depth study of a particular area of public management on governance. Case study or project to be conducted in collaboration with one or more public sector organizations. Written report. Graded S (Satisfactory) / NS (Not satisfactory).

Volet / Course Component: Cours magistral / Lecture

PAP 6980 Lecture dirigée / Directed Readings (3 crédits / 3 units)

Volet / Course Component: Séminaire / Seminar

PAP 6998 Projet de thèse / Thesis Proposal

Volet / Course Component: Recherche / Research

PAP 7998 Mémoire / Research Paper (6 crédits / 6 units)

L'inscription au mémoire est permise dès la deuxième session d'études. Le mémoire compte environ douze mille mots (50 pages). Il est évalué par la personne qui l'a dirigé et par un autre professeur nommé par le responsable des études supérieures. Le mémoire est noté alpha et la note (la moyenne des deux évaluations) paraîtra sur le relevé de notes. / Registration for the research paper is permitted in the second session. The research paper is approximately 12,000 words (50 pages) in length. lt is evaluated by the supervisor and by another professor appointed by the professor in charge of graduate studies. Research papers are graded alpha and the grade (the average of both evaluations) appears on the transcript.

PAP 8111 Research Seminar in Public Administration II (3 units)

Preparation for writing the thesis (including the thesis proposal) in public administration. Continuation of the themes presented in the previous seminar ( PAP 8510 Séminaire de recherche en administration publique I). Different stages of research in public management and public policy, notably the development of the research question, literature review, theoretical framework, methodological approach and the development of empirical data. Different strategies of knowledge diffusion (conferences, articles, book chapters, etc.) and preparation for the thesis proposal defence.

Prerequisite: PAP 8510

PAP 8510 Séminaire de recherche en administration publique I (3 crédits)

Préparation à la rédaction de la thèse (incluant le projet de thèse) en administration publique. Présentation des dimensions ontologiques (qu'est-ce qui compose le domaine du savoir ?) et épistémologique (comment savons-nous ce que nous savons ?) caractérisant la recherche en gestion publique et en politiques publiques. Initiation aux différentes étapes de la production de connaissances (formulation de la problématique de recherche, revue de littérature, cadre théorique, etc.).

PAP 8511 Séminaire de recherche en administration publique II (3 crédits)

Préparation à la rédaction de la thèse (incluant le projet de thèse) en administration publique. Poursuite de l'analyse des thèmes abordés au séminaire précédent (PAP P8510 Séminaire de recherche en administration publique I). Initiation aux différentes étapes de la production des connaissances, notamment la formulation de la problématique de recherche, la revue de littérature, le cadre théorique, la démarche méthodologique et la production des données empiriques. Initiation aux différentes stratégies de diffusion des connaissances (conférences, rédaction d'articles, de chapitres de livre, etc.), avec un souci particulier pour la préparation à la soutenance du projet de thèse.

Préalable: PAP 8510

PAP 9310 Public Management (3 units)

In-depth study of the field of public management. Presentation of the formal dimensions (direction, organization, budgeting, strategy, planning, control, etc.) and informal dimensions (leadership, motivation, mobilization, organizational culture, coordination, power relations, etc.) in public management. Critical analysis of the principal theoretical approaches and tendencies of public management and their theoretical and methodological contributions.

PAP 9311 Public Policy (3 units)

In-depth study of the field of public policy. Different stages in the policy process (emergence, development, implementation and evaluation). The objective is to present the main theoretical approaches and tendencies (neo-institutionalism, post-positivism, political economy, etc.), to relate them critically to one another and to critically analyze their methodological and theoretical contributions.

PAP 9320 Seminar in Major Field: Public Management (3 units)

This course deepens the knowledge acquired in the course PAP 9310 Public Management for doctoral candidates with public management as the Major Field.

PAP 9330 Seminar in Major Field: Public Policy (3 units)

This course deepens the knowledge acquired in the course PAP 9311 Public Policy for doctoral candidates with public policy as the Major Field.

PAP 9710 Gestion publique (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie du domaine de la gestion publique. Présentation des composantes formelles (direction, organisation, budgétisation, stratégie, planification, contrôle, etc.) et informelles (leadership, motivation, mobilisation, culture organisationnelle, coordination, relations de pouvoir, etc.) en gestion publique. Analyse critique des principales approches et courants théoriques de la gestion publique et de leurs apports théoriques et méthodologiques.

PAP 9711 Politiques publiques (3 crédits)

Étude approfondie du domaine des politiques publiques. Différentes phases de l'analyse des politiques publiques (émergence, élaboration, mise en œuvre et évaluation). L'objectif sera de présenter les principales approches et courants théoriques dans le domaine des politiques publiques (néo-institutionnalisme, post-positivisme, économie politique, etc.), de les relier de façon critique et d'entreprendre une analyse de leurs apports théoriques et méthodologiques.

PAP 9720 Séminaire dans le champ majeur : Gestion publique (3 crédits)

Ce cours approfondira les connaissances acquises lors du cours PAP 9710 Gestion publique pour les doctorants avec gestion publique comme champ majeur.

PAP 9730 Séminaire dans le champ majeur : Politiques publique (3 crédits)

Ce cours approfondira les connaissances acquises lors du cours PAP 9711 Politiques publiques pour les doctorants dont le champ majeur est politiques publiques.

PAP 9980 Lecture dirigée / Directed Readings (3 crédits / 3 units)

PAP 9988 Examen de synthèse - champ mineur / Comprehensive Examination - Minor Field

L'examen de synthèse a pour but de vérifier les connaissances dans le champ mineur. Il a lieu généralement vers la fin de la troisième session d'inscription au programme. / The comprehensive examination is aimed at evaluating the student's knowledge of their minor field.

PAP 9989 Examen de synthèse - champ majeur / Comprehensive Examination - Major Field

L'examen de synthèse a pour but de vérifier les connaissances dans le champ majeur. Il a lieu généralement vers la fin de la troisième session d'inscription au programme. / The comprehensive examination is aimed at evaluating the student's knowledge of their major field.

PAP 9997 Projet de thèse de doctorat / Thesis proposal

Undergraduate Studies

For more information about undergraduate studies at the University of Ottawa, please refer to your faculty .

Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies

For more information about graduate studies at the University of Ottawa, please refer to your academic unit .

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

PhD Public Health Sciences

Creating a healthier future at the university of waterloo.

As part of the School of Public Health Sciences, you will be immersed in leading research, and gain the skills to tackle some of the biggest health concerns of today.

Besides our leading researchers, you will learn how to integrate perspectives from multiple disciplines as well as discover how to use research to design, implement, and evaluate health programs, policies and services.

Program overview 

• Transdisciplinary approach to addressing public and population health challenges in Canada and around the world
• You'll learn how to use research to improve the management and accountability of health promotion programs, and health or healthcare systems.
• PhD students in the School of Public Health Sciences can pursue a designated field to exemplify an area of expertise within their broader program. Fields include  epidemiology and biostatistics, health evaluation, health informatics, health and environment, global health, aging and health and work and health . 
• The University of Waterloo's unique Intellectual Property (IP) Rights Policy #73 grants ownership to the inventor.
• The Faculty of Health is committed to providing guaranteed funding over four years to support new domestic doctoral students as part of its PhD funding initiative. Students may also be eligible for additional scholarship and funding opportunities.
• Our alumni lead careers in research (industry, government and academia), health promotion, health planning, policy and health information analysis, research management, healthcare coordination, epidemiology, program evaluation, and other professions.
• Research-based, on campus
• 12 terms | 4 years (Full-time from Master's level)
• 24 terms | 8 years (Part-time from Master's level)
• Doctoral thesis
• Collaborative water specialization also available

Faculty research and expertise

Our research investigates and aims to solve significant local, provincial/state, national and international challenges in various areas of public health and health systems.

Learn more about our experts and their research areas →

Finding a supervisor

• A supervisor must be secured before an applicant is eligible to receive an offer of admission. Students are strongly advised to secure a confirmed supervisor before applying. Please review the  profiles of faculty members  in your areas of interest.
• Indicate your confirmed supervisor in the "requested supervisor" section of your application.
• If you do not have a confirmed supervisor, then use the "requested supervisor" section to name a supervisor with whom you would like to work.
• Before approaching a potential supervisor, check their profile and see if they are accepting new students to supervise.   Review other key topics for discussion with potential supervisors .
• Please avoid sending generic inquiries to supervisors. Students are more likely to successfully match with supervisors who share similar research interests and experiences.

Water specialization

Full- or part-time | On campus | Thesis based

Global water issues are becoming increasingly complex and often require a collaborative approach across the breadth of disciplines. The MSc Public Health and Health Systems offers a water specialization.

Facilitated by the University of Waterloo's   Water Institute , this collaborative approach provides access to more than 140 faculty members involved in water research across Waterloo's campus. The program allows you to develop   specialist expertise in public health and health systems, while matching the knowledge and skills required to communicate across disciplines and within interdisciplinary teams in the water sector. 

Find out more about graduate studies in the Collaborative Water Program →

Degree requirements →

Admission requirements

How to apply

Tuition costs

Living costs

Application deadline: feb 1.

For admission in September 

Apply today.

Our research graduate programs are highly competitive and receive far more applicants than we can accommodate. As such, we are not able to consider late or incomplete applications. For an application to be considered complete, all required documents, including academic references, must be submitted on or before the date above. You must also indicate an interested supervisor in the "requested supervisor" section of your application. We strongly recommend submitting your application no later than January 1 to allow time for document uploads and for references to be submitted by the January 15 deadline.

Considerations for international students before submitting an application:

• While the Faculty of Health at the University of Waterloo values international students in our graduate programs, we can only accept a small proportion of these students. 
• Guaranteed funding packages may not be able to cover all tuition and living expenses incurred during a graduate program and students are encouraged to understand more about the cost of completing their graduate program before applying.
• Your requested supervisor may also be required to fund your studies for your application to be successful.

Graduate student resources

• Graduate Student Handbook
• Policies and procedures
• Funding and awards
• Study and living costs
• Centre for Teaching Excellence
• Research Groups/Labs
• Graduate Students' Association
• Graduate student housing

Student stories

As part of her doctoral research,   Lesley Johnston  is investigating ways in which community well-being in Mongolia and Zambia are affected by Canadian-sponsored mining operations.

Learn more about Lesley and other students in the School of Public Health Sciences on our graduate student profile page . 

Political Science

Honours Political Science Specialization in Public Law and Judicial Studies

The Public Law and Judicial Studies program explores how constitutional, administrative, criminal, and international laws work to limit or control government power. It takes a critical look at the crucial role played by the judiciary and courts in this context.

This specialized program builds upon the foundational Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, offering a comprehensive examination of the world of law within democratic systems. Alongside core courses focusing on law and the judicial system, students enjoy the freedom to select courses spanning the five sub-fields of political science – Canadian Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Public Policy. Additionally, the Public Law and Judicial Studies specialization allows the flexibility to explore courses in other Social Sciences areas, such as Anthropology, Sociology, Economics, and Labour Studies.

The Public Law and Judicial Studies program provides a solid foundation and is perfect for those aspiring to become lawyers or pursue law-related careers. It’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how law mediates power in society, especially between the state and its citizens, or for those interested in the formal legal structures of the state and the impact of politics on the legal system.

If students decide to take a semester or two abroad, they have the opportunity to complete this at one of our partner schools in the United Kingdom. Along with Universities/Law Schools in Birmingham, Liverpool, and Glasgow, students can apply for an (optional) Certified International Experience (CIE) at one of the partner universities in the UK. If students are interested in studying in the UK and/or law, this is a great opportunity.

Program Details

Typical entry term.

Fall (September)

Program Options

Full-time or part-time

Program Length

Four years (full-time)

Program Format

Course-based

Expandable List

How to apply to the honours political science specialization in public law and judicial studies.

Enrolment in this program is limited and possession of the published minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Selection is based on academic achievement. Completion on any Level I program with a Grade Point average of at least a 5.0 including a grade of C or greater in one of POLSCI 1AA3 or 1AB3 (or 1G06 A/B)

Learn more about Level II Selection

Academic Calendar

The Academic Calendar lists course requirements and minimum grade requirements for entry to and continuance in the Honours BA Political Science Specialization in Public Law and Judicial Studies.

View the Academic Calendar

Sample Courses By Year (Not All Required)

Level i courses.

• POLSCI 1AA3 – Government, Politics, and Power
• POLSCI 1AB3 – Politics and Power in a Globalizing World

Level II Courses

• POLSCI 2C03 – Force and Fear, Crime and Punishment
• POLSCI 2D03 – Canadian Democracy
• POLSCI 2M03 – Governance, Representation, and Participation in Democracies

Level III Courses

• POLSCI 3EL3 – Election Law and Policy
• POLSCI 3CL3 – Constitutional and Public Law in Canada
• POLSCI 3RF3 – The Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Level IV Courses

• POLSCI 4JS3 – Judicial Studies
• POLSCI 4LC3 – Research on Law and Courts
• POLSCI 4HR3 – Human Rights

Honours Political Science Specialization in Public Law and Judicial Studies enjoy success beyond the classroom

Based on aggregated Social Sciences data from the Ontario University Graduate Survey from 2017-2021

View all Political Science Courses and Course Outlines

View all of our undergraduate courses to explore the extensive variety of disciplines and subjects we offer, each designed to equip you with a comprehensive and enriching academic experience.

Customize Your Studies

Our flexible degrees let you study your way.

Study Abroad STUDY ABROAD

Take your studies beyond Canada. McMaster has exchange agreements with 100+ universities.

Internships Learn More

Apply to an internship and begin building your professional network.

Student Research Learn More

Apply for an Undergraduate Student Research Award and get paid to conduct research.

Minors View Minors

Add a minor to your studies to differentiate yourself in the workplace.

Questions About the Honours Political Science Specialization in Public Law and Judicial Studies?

Undergraduate Studies and General Inquiries Enrolment, course permissions, general inquiries Email: [email protected]

Academic Advising Office Goals, program changes, academic support Email: [email protected] Phone: (905) 525-9140 ext. 23772

Office Location

Department of Political Science Kenneth Taylor Hall, 527 1280 Main Street West Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4M4

Campus Map & Driving Directions

Office Hours

The Department of Political Science operates in a hybrid format.

Monday to Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed daily 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)

Language selection

• Français fr

Public policy: Open work permits for recent Hong Kong graduates

As a recent Hong Kong graduate, you may be eligible to apply for an open work permit under a temporary public policy for Hong Kong residents . The public policy expires on February 7, 2025.

The open work permit is valid for up to 3 years .

On this page

• Education requirements for post-secondary studies
• Education requirements for graduate and post-graduate studies (effective February 8, 2023)

Designated organizations

• If you’re outside Canada
• If you’re in Canada

If you’re outside Canada when your work permit application is approved

If you’ve already applied for permanent residence and your open work permit will expire soon, who can apply.

To be eligible, you must

• For example, if your passport is valid for 6 months, then you will be issued an open work permit for 6 months.
• To maximize the duration of the open work permit, make sure your passport is valid for at least 3 years from the date of approval.
• Tell us how long you want your work permit to be valid.
• meet the education requirements for post-secondary, graduate or post-graduate studies (see below for details)

Education requirements for post-secondary studies effective February 8, 2023

You must have graduated no more than 10 years before you apply for this open work permit, with one of the following :

• a degree (for example, associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral) from a designated post-secondary learning institution in Canada or an institution abroad
• a diploma from a program of at least 2 years from a designated post-secondary learning institution in Canada or an institution abroad
• from a program of at least 1 year
• you must have received the post-secondary degree or diploma no more than 5 years before you started the graduate/post-graduate program
• a designated learning institution in Canada
• an institution abroad

If you’ve already applied

If you’ve already applied but you haven’t received a decision, your application will be processed under this change but you must have graduated within 10 years of the date you submitted your work permit application to be eligible.

If you got your education abroad

You don’t need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to apply if you got a degree (for example, associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral) outside Canada, but an officer may request one later.

If you got a post-secondary, graduate or post-graduate  diploma  outside Canada, you must provide an ECA.

The ECA must be from an organization or a professional body designated by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. They’ll give you a report that tells you what your education is equal to in Canada.

Processing times and costs for the ECA vary by the organization or professional body.

Once you choose a designated organization or a professional body, they’ll tell you how to submit your documents to get your ECA.

You must use one of these designated organizations:

• designated: April 17, 2013
• designated: August 6, 2015

How to apply

You must apply for the open work permit online, unless you’re exempt . You can’t apply at a port of entry.

Who can apply on paper

• eligible applicants in Canada
• eligible applicants outside Canada

Who's eligible to apply on paper outside Canada

You’re only eligible to apply on paper if you

• have a disability that prevents you from applying online
• hold an identity or travel document for non-national residents, refugees or stateless persons

Apply for a work permit

Step 1: Make sure you have what you need

To apply online, you need

• a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents
• a valid credit or debit card

Step 2: Pay your fees

You’re exempt from paying the open work permit holder fee (CAN$100). Don’t pay this fee.

You must pay the

• work permit processing fee (CAN$155)
• biometric fee, if you need to give biometrics

Because you’re exempt from paying the open work permit holder fee, you need to pay your fees before you apply online.

• Go to fees for temporary residence applications.
• Scroll down to the row for workers.
• If you’re applying for just your own work permit, enter “1.”
• If you need to give biometrics, scroll down to the row for biometrics.
• If you’re applying for just yourself, enter “1.”
• If you’re applying for 2 or more people, choose Biometrics – per family and enter “1.”

The system will calculate the total amount you need to pay when you click Submit .

Keep your receipt

After you pay your fee, keep a copy of the receipt. You’ll need to upload it when you apply online for your work permit.

Step 3: Create your online account or sign in

You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to

• submit your application forms
• check your status

How to start your application

Once you sign in to your account, you need to

• go to the Start your application section on the account welcome page
• click Apply to come to Canada
• on the next page, scroll down to the I do not have a personal reference code section
• click on the Visitor visa, study and/or work permit button
• on the next page, select Work

Get your document checklist

You must answer some questions to create a personalized document checklist.

Make sure you answer these questions correctly

• You would like to work temporarily—more than 6 months
• Answer “Yes” to the question Will you be coming to Canada under an active public policy or special measure announced by IRCC?
• Select “A work permit under an active public policy or special measure announced by IRCC” as the type of work permit you want to apply for.
• You’re a resident of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
• You’ve lived in any other designated country or territory for 6 months in the last year.
• You are exempt from paying only the open work permit holder fee. See Step 2: Pay your fees .

Read the instruction guide and complete the application

You should read the instruction guide before you complete your application. Once you get your document checklist, fill out the application form and supporting documents. The guide will explain how to complete each field on the form.

Special instructions for this public policy

When you fill out the work permit application form:

• Select “Open Work Permit” as the type of work permit you’re applying for in the Details of Intended work in Canada section.
• Enter “HKPPTR” as the Job title .
• Enter “Hong Kong public policy – open work permit” in the Brief description of duties field.
• Enter the date you expect to enter Canada as the Start date .
• You can’t ask for a date beyond the expiry date of your passport.

Upload the correct documents

Your documents must show that you’re eligible for the public policy. You must upload the completed application form and include the following documents with your application.

Depending on your situation, you may also need to

• give biometrics
• Residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region must get a medical exam.
• If we ask you for a police certificate, there are special instructions to get one in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region .

Upload a sheet of paper with the words “Not applicable” if you’re asked for the following documents:

• employment reference letter
• letter from current employer
• employment records
• employment contract

To be eligible, one of the following must apply:

• you have valid status as a visitor, student or worker
• you applied to extend your status before it expired (“ maintained status ”)
• you’re eligible to restore your status
• you already have an open work permit issued under the previous Hong Kong public policy (2021)

If you need to restore your status

When you apply under this public policy in Canada, you’re exempt from paying the

• open work permit holder fee (CAN$100)

However, if you’ve lost your status, you need to

• restore your previous status
• pay the restoration fee (CAN$200)

How to pay your restoration fee

You need to pay your restoration fee before you apply online:

• Go to Pay your application fees online (make an additional payment or pay other fees).
• Go to the row to pay a Custom amount .
• In the quantity column, enter “200.”

After you pay your restoration fee, keep a copy of the receipt . You’ll need to upload it when you apply online for your work permit.

Step 2: Create your online account or sign in

• You would like to work temporarily—for more than 6 months.
• For students, this is a temporary measure while we update the application system.

Answer “yes” when asked:

Does one of the following apply to you?

• I am subject of a removal order that is unenforceable
• I applied for a study or work permit before entering Canada that was approved, but not issued at a port of entry
• I am in primary or secondary school, or a visiting or exchange student, in Canada with visitor status
• I am applying for an open work permit under an active public policy or pilot program announced by IRCC
• I am a student who has completed a program of study that is a prerequisite to my enrolment at a designated learning institution with visitor status in Canada
• Spouse or Common-law Partner in Canada
• Humanitarian and Compassionate cases
• Protected Persons in Canada
• Live-in Caregiver in Canada
• Answer “Yes, I will be paying my fees.” to the question: There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?

Once you get your document checklist, complete the application forms. You should read the instruction guide before you complete your application. The guide will explain how to complete each field on the form.

• Enter “Hong Kong public policy—open work permit” in the Brief description of duties field.
• It may not be possible to finalize your application by the start date you ask for.
• If we don’t finalize your application by your requested start date, we’ll update the end date of your work permit in line with your new start date.
• You can’t ask for an end date beyond the expiry date of your passport.

You need to include the following documents with your application:

• get a medical exam
• provide other documents

After you apply

Find out what to do and what happens after you apply for your work permit .

If you plan to apply for permanent residence

There is a Canadian work experience stream under the permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong residents . You can use the work experience you gain with this open work permit or any other work permit to meet the hours of work requirement for this pathway.

Open work permit for Hong Kong permanent residence applicants

Starting May 27, 2024, you’ll be able to apply for an open work permit, while you wait for your permanent residence application to be processed, if you meet both of the following requirements:

• You applied for permanent residence under 1 of the 2 permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong residents
• You held a work or study permit within 3 years of us receiving your permanent residence application.

Find out more about the open work permit.

We’ll issue you a letter of introduction with a deadline to enter Canada. If you delay your travel to Canada, you might not be able to get the work experience you need before the permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong residents close on August 31, 2026.

You may be eligible for a new open work permit for up to 3 years if

• you’re waiting for your permanent resident application for Hong Kong residents to be processed
• your open work permit will expire soon

Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply .

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept credit cards and prepaid cards from:

• MasterCard ®
• American Express ®
• UnionPay ®  (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for  at least  18 months after you pay to make refunds easier.  Find more on prepaid cards .

We also accept all Visa Debit cards.The card you use doesn't have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Debit cards

• be from a Canadian bank using  INTERAC ®  Online , and
• be registered for online banking through your bank’s website.

We also accept all Debit MasterCard ®  and Visa ®  Debit cards. If your card has the Visa Debit logo on it, alone or with the INTERAC ®  Online logo, select Visa Debit as your payment method.

The card you use does not have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Page details