Master of Arts Public and International Affairs and Specialization Science, Society and Policy

The Graduate School of Public and International Affairs offers a multidisciplinary master’s program focusing on public and international affairs. The degree awarded is the Master of Arts (MA) in Public and International Affairs. The program is offered with coursework or with major research paper option on a part-time and full-time basis and also offers a coop option to full-time enrolled students.

Full-time and part-time students in the Master in Public and International Affairs must successfully complete a total of five core courses, five elective specialized seminars, one capstone seminar and either a research paper or two additional elective courses.

Public and International Affairs is a participating unit in the collaborative specialization program in Science, Society and Policy.

The objective of the collaborative specialization program in Science, Society and Policy is to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate the challenges confronting decision-making at the interface of science and policy. Students will have an opportunity to explore how evidence is used in decision making, how current policies shape the scientific enterprise, and how emerging technologies interact with society.

The program is governed by the academic regulations in effect for graduate studies.

International Reciprocal Agreement

The Graduate School of Public and International Affairs has signed an agreement with Wuhan University. This agreement makes it possible for students who wish to obtain a master’s in public and international affairs from the University of Ottawa to receive a conditional offer of admission to the master’s whereby they complete the fourth year of the bachelor’s degree of their home university at the University of Ottawa and then continue on to the master’s for two more years and qualify for the University of Ottawa master's degree after a total of five years of study (3+1+2).

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

To gain admission to the MA in Public and International Affairs, applicants must have completed an honours undergraduate degree (or its equivalent) in the social sciences, in arts, in management, or in law, with at least a 75% (B+) average (calculated in accordance with graduate studies guidelines). Applicants with degrees in other disciplines may also be considered, depending on the relevance of their previous degree and experience to the MA in Public and International Affairs.

A minimum of 2 years of full-time professional work experience is required in order to follow the part-time program. Part-time work over the summer months or during previous studies (co-op, internship) will not be considered to be equivalent. An interview may be required to assess the relevance of the work experience.

A basic knowledge of economics is required. There are two ways to meet this requirement. The first is for students to have successfully completed introductory courses in macroeconomics and microeconomics at the undergraduate level. At the University of Ottawa, this requirement can be met by taking the courses ECO 1102 and ECO 1104, or their equivalent. The Faculty of Social Sciences will offer these courses in the summer to facilitate the completion of this requirement. Equivalent courses from other universities are also accepted.

The second way to meet the economics requirement is to take a remedial course offered by the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. Students who lack these courses, could still be admitted to the program, on the condition that they take a remedial course in economics offered by the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs during their first term. The course, entitled “Economics for Public Management and Policy” (API 5100), offers an intensive survey of the economics and mathematical skills necessary to be adequately prepared for the program’s core courses in economics. Completion of this course will also be recommended for students who may need to ensure that they have the necessary basic skills in mathematical analysis. This remedial course will be in addition to the 39 units required by the program.

Applicants should note that meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee their admission. In making decisions, the admission committee of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs takes into account all application material as well as the number of places available.

Candidates who have not graduated from a French-speaking or an English-speaking university must pass the computerized Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or equivalent, before admission.