Master of Arts - Public Administration (Major Research Paper or Project) (Optional Co-op) at University of Ottawa - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-09-05

Program overview

+33

Program overview

The Master of Arts in Public Administration at the University of Ottawa is designed to equip students with advanced theoretical and conceptual knowledge in public administration. This program emphasizes the development of research skills, enabling students to analyze and understand the complexities of public management and policy. Students can choose between a thesis or a research paper option, allowing for flexibility in their academic journey. The program is offered in both French and English, promoting bilingualism and inclusivity. With a focus on critical methods of knowledge production, graduates are prepared to take on roles as public managers and policy analysts in a dynamic organizational environment.

Program structure

The Master of Arts in Public Administration program offers a comprehensive structure that caters to both full-time and part-time students. The key features of the program include:

Program Length: Full-time students are expected to complete the program within two years for the thesis option and 16 months for the research paper option.
Students can choose between a master's with thesis or a master's with research paper.
The program includes a co-op option, allowing selected students to gain practical work experience through two one-term placements in the public service.
Courses are available in both French and English, encouraging bilingual proficiency.
Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 7.0 to remain in the co-op option.

Overall, the program is structured to provide a robust educational experience while accommodating the diverse needs of students.

Featured Experiences

The Master of Arts in Public Administration program offers several unique experiences that enhance the learning journey:

Co-op Option: A limited number of students can participate in a co-op program, which includes two work placements in the public service, providing valuable hands-on experience.
Research Opportunities: Students engage in original research, culminating in either a thesis or a major research paper, allowing them to contribute to the field of public administration.
Bilingual Environment: The program promotes the use of both French and English, preparing students for diverse workplaces.
Collaborative Specializations: The program participates in collaborative specializations in Feminist and Gender Studies and in Science, Society, and Policy.

These experiences are designed to prepare students for successful careers in public administration and related fields.

Career Options

Graduates of the Master of Arts in Public Administration program can pursue a variety of career paths in Canada, including:

Public Policy Analyst: Analyzes and evaluates policies to provide recommendations for government decision-making.
Public Manager: Oversees operations within government agencies, ensuring effective service delivery and compliance with regulations.
Policy Advisor: Works with government officials to develop and implement policies that address societal issues.
Researcher: Conducts research on public administration topics, contributing to academic knowledge and practical applications.
Program Coordinator: Manages specific programs within public organizations, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and objectives.

These roles highlight the diverse opportunities available to graduates, equipping them to make significant contributions to public administration and policy in Canada.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit University of Ottawa official website

Last updated on 2025-09-05

Program overview

Academic Requirements

Minimum Requirements

B+ in an honours bachelor's degree in Public administration or related field

Recommendation letter(s):	2 It is highly recommended that you contact your referee prior to submitting your application to confirm their email address and their availability to complete your letter of recommendation.Academic references preferred.
Transcript(s):	1 You must upload copies of all transcripts from universities you have attended by using the uoDoc application. Transcripts must cover all courses and programs at any university you have attended, including regular programs (whether completed or not), exchanges, letters of permission, online or correspondence courses, courses taken as a non-degree student or visiting students, etc. If your transcript and degree certificate are not in English or French, you must submit a copy of a certified translation. Once you've received your offer of admission, if the offer contains any conditions for submitting official documents, you will need to upload them to uoDoc. Some exceptions apply. Previous or current Ottawa students do not need to submit a transcript of their studies at the University of Ottawa. Professional programs in rehabilitation require all transcripts, including those from uOttawa.

Recommendation letter(s):

2
It is highly recommended that you contact your referee prior to submitting your application to confirm their email address and their availability to complete your letter of recommendation.Academic references preferred.

Transcript(s):

You must upload copies of all transcripts from universities you have attended by using the uoDoc application. Transcripts must cover all courses and programs at any university you have attended, including regular programs (whether completed or not), exchanges, letters of permission, online or correspondence courses, courses taken as a non-degree student or visiting students, etc. If your transcript and degree certificate are not in English or French, you must submit a copy of a certified translation.

Once you've received your offer of admission, if the offer contains any conditions for submitting official documents, you will need to upload them to uoDoc. Some exceptions apply.

Previous or current Ottawa students do not need to submit a transcript of their studies at the University of Ottawa. Professional programs in rehabilitation require all transcripts, including those from uOttawa.

Required document(s):	Description of your research project Resume required Please note that we have one selection process that is independent of the program chosen. Therefore, only one application is necessary to the Master's program.

Please check with our team for more details.

English Requirement

TOEFL 580 / IELTS Overall 6.5 - Individual 6.0 (Paper-based)
TOEFL 92-93/IELTS 6.5 overall – Individual 6.0 (Internet-based)

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!