Program structure

When applying to the Master of Public Service program, you have the option of taking the Co-op program or the Regular program. The full-time Master of Public Service Co-op program takes 20 months to complete. The program of study includes ten required courses, eight months of co-op work, and a major team project. You may also complete the program in 12 months without co-op, if you have at least one year of paid public sector experience.

Co-op program structure

The co-op program is recommended for most applicants. Once complete, you will graduate with a Master of Public Service Co-op (MPS Co-op) degree.

Term 1 (Courses) September - December

PS 611 Government, Politics and the Public Service

PS 614 Communicating with Diverse Audiences

PS 621 Project Management in Government

PS 624 Research Methods and Data Analysis

PS 625 Economics and Public Policy I

Term 2 (Courses) January - April

PS 613 The Politics of Difference in Canada: Challenges and Policy Responses

PS 618 Public Policy Development

PS 620 Effective Leadership and Management

PS 623 Government, Business, and Civil Society

PS 626 Economics and Public Policy II

PS 616 Spoken French in Context (optional course)

Terms 3 and 4 (Co-op Work Terms)* May - December

You earn on-the-job work experience at the national, provincial, regional, or local level. See the MPS co-op page for all the details.

Term 5 (Major Team Project) January - April

You partner with two or three students and address an approved topic derived from your co-op work experience, coursework, or mutual interest in a relevant public service issue.

Regular program structure

Applicants must have a minimum of one year experience in the public service to apply for the regular program. Once complete, you will graduate with a Master of Public Service (M.P.S.) degree.

Term 1 (Courses) September - December

PS 611 Government, Politics and the Public Service
PS 614 Communicating with Diverse Audiences
PS 621 Project Management in Government
PS 624 Research Methods and Data Analysis
PS 625 Economics and Public Policy I

Term 2 (Courses) January - April

PS 613 The Politics of Difference in Canada: Challenges and Policy Responses
PS 618 Public Policy Development
PS 620 Effective Leadership and Management
PS 623 Government, Business, and Civil Society
PS 626 Economics and Public Policy II

PS 616 Spoken French in Context (optional course)

Term 3 (Major Team Project)* May - August

You partner with two or three students and address an approved topic derived from your co-op work experience, coursework, or mutual interest in a relevant public service issue.

* Note: MPS courses are taught at an advanced, graduate level and build upon the foundation of knowledge and academic aptitude students developed in an undergraduate degree. Successful completion of Term 1 and 2 courses is required prior to starting the co-op work term and/or major team project.