Master of Arts Public Administration and Specialization Feminist and Gender Studies

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 areas of expertise in public administration: public management and public policy. These areas of expertise 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 Feminist and Gender Studies (at the master's level). For more information on this program, see "Admission Requirements".

The collaborative program in Feminist and Gender Studies at the master's level is designed for students from selected disciplines in arts, education, health sciences, law, social sciences, and counselling and spirituality (Saint Paul University), who have an interest in Feminist and Gender Studies. These students have the opportunity to combine advanced studies in their primary program with analyses from a Feminist and Gender Studies perspective. The degree awarded is a master's degree in the primary program with a "specialization in Feminist and Gender Studies".

The programs are governed by the academic 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 bachelor’s degree with specialization or a major in public administration or in a related discipline with a minimum average of 75% (B+).

An active knowledge of French and English is essential. All students must successfully complete the course PAP 6502 given in French only and must be able to read texts in French and in English.