Master of Arts Public Administration Specialization in 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 students 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 masters with thesis or the masters with research paper.

Public Administration is a participating unit in the collaborative programs in Feminist and Gender Studies and in Environmental Sustainability (at the master's level). For more information on this program, see .

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 .

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+).

MA Program

Students can choose the MA with thesis or the MA with research paper.

Collaborative Program in Feminist and Gender Studies 

The public administration program participates in the collaborative program in Feminist and Gender Studies at the master’s level. The collaborative program was created to enable students to enrich their education in public administration by adding the interdisciplinary dimension of Feminist and Gender Studies. Students should indicate in their initial application for admission that they wish to be accepted into the collaborative program. 

The Feminist and Gender Studies program consists of two compulsory Feminist and Gender Studies (FEM) courses as well as a thesis or a research paper on a subject linked to Feminist and Gender Studies. One of the FEM courses will count towards the requirements of the master's program with thesis, replacing the elective course. Both FEM courses will count towards the requirements of the master's program with research paper replacing two electives.

Language Requirements

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.

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.

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