Master of Public Administration

Preparing you for the public sector and beyond

The public sector is made up of governments and their agencies, from the international level to the local level. It includes other publicly funded bodies, such as hospitals, schools, government corporations (CBC, Canada Post, Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, etc.) and many not-for-profit organizations. The MPA degree will prepare you for the realities of working in the public sector, where the internal environment (visioning and goal-setting, decision-making, managing, accountability and conduct) is distinct from the for-profit sector.

It is specifically designed for highly motivated and dedicated individuals interested in pursuing a career in the service of the public, making it possible to realize advanced educational objectives and achieve academic ambitions in public policy and public management.

Increase versatility: complete a combined degree

Looking to increase your professional options? The School of Public Administration offers several innovative combined degrees that allow students to explore intersecting fields of study, including:

• Information management (MPA/MI)
• Law (MPA/JD)

These combined degrees allow you to complete two degrees in less time, and to build a unique set of skills. Graduates with combined degrees benefit from immersing themselves in two different professions, and the unique set of skills they gain increases their marketability and their job opportunities.

The MPA program seeks to equip students with the management skills required by public service organizations and an understanding of the organization, processes and policies of government, its public agencies and the policy groups that work in the public sector. This dual focus is a unique characteristic of the MPA program and makes it highly suited for those interested in a career in the public sector.

• Policy analyst
• Program manager
• Communications advisor
• Performance auditor
• Evaluation analyst
• Client service manager
• Research and statistical officer
• Consultant
• Operations & policy manager
• Staffing advisor

Graduates hold various positions in municipal, provincial and federal government, as well as the not-for-profit and private sectors.