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

The Graduate School of Public and International Affairs offers a multidisciplinary masters 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 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 six core courses, four elective specialized seminars, one capstone seminar and a research paper for a total of 39 units.

Public and international affairs is a participating unit in the collaborative program in Environmental Sustainability as well as in the collaborative program in Science, Society and Policy.

The objective of the collaborative 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 general 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 masters in public and international affairs from the University of Ottawa to receive a conditional offer of admission to the masters whereby they complete the fourth year of the bachelors degree of their home university at the University of Ottawa and then continue on to the masters 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.

Language Requirements

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. 

All applicants must be able to understand speak and write proficiently either English or French and have a passive knowledge (ability to understand the spoken and written word) of the other language. Applicants whose first language is neither English nor French must provide proof of proficiency in one or the other. The list of acceptable proofs is indicated in the “Admission” section of the general regulations in effect for graduate studies.

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.

Co-op Option

To be admitted into the co-op option, students must commence the Master's Public and International Affairs in the fall term and be enrolled full time. Applications for the co-op option must be received by the end of the first month of the student’s enrollment in the Master's Public and International Affairs. Acceptance into the co-op option is offered on a competitive basis and is managed by the Co-op Office. Inquiries should be directed to that office.

Collaborative Programs

The Graduate School of Public and International Affairs is one of the participating units in the collaborative programs in Science, Society and Policy (master’s level only). Students should indicate in their initial application for admission that they wish to be accepted into one of the collaborative programs. 

• Apply online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), by completing form 105.
• Declare all your current and previous postsecondary studies, completed or not, even if they are not related to your application. Failure to do so may lead to the cancellation of your application or the withdrawal of your offer of admission at any time.
• Enter your email address, making sure it is accurate. We will use this address to communicate with you for all matters. Also, check your inbox (and junk mail folder) regularly for messages from the University of Ottawa.
• Pay the application fees for all your admission applications. Applications are forwarded to the University of Ottawa only after fees are paid in full and the payment has cleared. Learn more about application fees.
• Note that OUAC is not part of the University of Ottawa. It handles applications to all Ontario universities and is responsible for transferring your application to our admission office.