Public Administration and Policy Programs In Canada

Credential
· Bachelor of Arts (BA)
· Diploma/ ertificate

Program Length
· 3- 4 years for bachelor's degrees
· 2-3 years for diploma
· 12 - 52 weeks for certificate

Entry
· Bachelor's degree - direct entry
· Diploma/ certificate - direct entry

Areas of Study
· General public administration, public policy, law, political science, public affairs
· Specialization areas include agricultural and land management, public administration and decision-making, public administration and non-profit management, public service and social and health administration.

Special Features
· work placement/ internships

The increasingly diverse and mobile population of the world means a career in public administration and policy is a good choice that's also good for society.

Entering direct from high school into a university in Canada, international students can take a competitive three- or four-year Bachelor of Arts (BA). Whether you are interested in the theoretical or practical application aspects of public administration and policy, there are a number of majors available within this degree. Some majors are: justice studies, public policy and administration, public policy and management, public sector management, and some schools offer regional or culturally-specific programs focused on Indigenous public service and administration. Honours degrees are also available. Because public administration and policy affects almost every other area of study, there is a lot of flexibility in this field: by nature interdisciplinary, public administration and policy programs often allow you to combine your studies with other disciplines by taking a minor in a wide choice of other fields. One- to two-year diplomas and certificates are also offered at the university or community college level in Canada. Universities may also offer public administration as a minor or have specialized certificates in public administration designed for students studying in other disciplines.

Not all Canadian universities have Faculties devoted to public administration and policy; in fact, you may have to hunt around to find what you want. Look in Faculties of Arts, Liberal and Professional Studies, School of Business or Department of Community Development. Undergraduate degrees in public administration and policy can give international students the skills needed for employment, or can serve as the foundation for graduate studies in public administration in Canada or elsewhere.

Community colleges in Canada also offer diplomas and certificates in similar public administration and policy fields as mentioned above. At all levels, study generally combines classroom theory and learning with practical work and discussion. Internships are often part of the curriculum, and a number of program-specific scholarships may available to international students.