Master of Public Policy

 

This program is currently only offered at the University of Saskatchewan campus.

The Master of Public Policy (MPP) provides students with opportunities to conduct research and contribute to the study of public policy and the application of policy expertise in the real world. Students graduating from this program will possess the research skills necessary to play integral roles in the civil service, research organizations, and industry associations. Top students from this program may go on to doctoral programs in public policy.

The MPP is a research-based degree that involves a combination of course work, research, and the writing of a thesis. Students are required to complete a minimum of 15 credit units, consisting of three core courses (nine credit units) and two additional courses (six credit units) that relate to their area of interest, plus PUBP 990 (seminar) and PUBP 994 (research). The program is designed for completion in two years of full-time study. Students may also choose to study part time over a maximum of five years. Upon entry into the program, each student is assigned a research advisor and an advisory committee. The MPP program is currently being offered through the University of Saskatchewan campus only.

The school's faculty have significant research backgrounds and interests in three areas: health and social policy; science, technology, and innovation; and trade and transnational regulation. This provides opportunities for students to explore topics in areas such areas as higher education, health and social policy, Aboriginal Peoples and public policy, the social economy, international trade agreements, innovation and science policy, regulation, and economic and cultural development.

Core Courses

All MPP students must complete nine credit units (three courses) drawn from the following set of core courses:

Elective Courses

Students are also required to complete six credit units (two courses) of electives that complement their area of research. These courses may include:

  • PUBP 808 - Ethics, Leadership and Democracy
  • PUBP 812 - Aboriginal Peoples and Public Policy
  • PUBP 813 - Higher Education Policy
  • PUBP 814 - Social Policy: An Interdisciplinary Perspective
  • PUBP 815 - Innovation Policy
  • PUBP 830 - Decision Making in Organizations
  • PUBP 849 - Social Economy and Public Policy
  • PUBP 898 - Public Law

Students may also take some core and/or elective courses through the school's University of Regina campus or electives from other relevant programs at the University of Saskatchewan that have been deemed appropriate by the school and approved by the student's advisory committee. Click here for a complete list of courses. 

Students entering the program are required to participate in the "Get Connected" academic orientation program offered in the fall.

Tuition

The tuition for the MPP program is $1,071 per term, and students are required to maintain continuous registration. With three terms a year, the cost is $3,213 per year plus applicable student fees. Students should plan on spending approximately two years in the MPP program. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

NOTE: International students who are classified as "Students in Canada on a Student Authorization" will be assessed a $400 fee ($200 applied in each of the fall and winter terms, but not in spring/summer) to fund the International Student Advisor's Office. Please note this fee only applies to international students attending the U of S campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the MPP offered by both of the JSGS campuses?
Currently, the MPP is offered only at the University of Saskatchewan campus. All information in the questions is applicable to the U of S.

When is the deadline for applying to the MPP program offered by the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School?
The Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy is currently accepting applications for the MPP program for September 2011. Complete applications received by February 1, 2011 are guaranteed funding consideration. While applications submitted before May 1, 2011 will be considered in the May intake group, we urge applicants to apply by February 1, 2011 and be considered in the February intake group.

What undergraduate degrees are accepted?
Students from a variety of academic disciplines will be considered for admission into the program as long as they have completed a 120-credit-unit bachelor's degree from a recognized university. An average of 75 percent or better must have been maintained during the final two years (60 credit units) of their undergraduate program, or in their graduate program if applicants are coming to the MPP after a graduate degree.

Are any specific undergraduate classes needed to get into the program?
There are no specific courses required to get into the program. Students without a background in statistics will have an opportunity to take additional non-credit instruction that will be offered by the school in the fall.

How many courses are required to complete the program?
The MPP degree involves a combination of course work, research, and the writing of a thesis. Students are required to complete at least 15 credit units consisting of three core courses (nine credit units) and two additional courses (six credit units) that relate to their area of interest, plus PUBP 990 (seminar) and PUBP 994 (research).

How long do students have to complete the program?
Full-time students can complete the program in 18-24 months if they choose their courses correctly and make sufficient progress on their research and writing. Students have a maximum of five years to complete the program.

Is it possible to take the program part time?
Yes, the program can be taken on a part-time basis. It would be expected that most part-time students would complete the program in three years - the first two years would be devoted to course work (e.g., by taking at least one course per term (fall, winter, and spring/summer), while the third year would be devoted to research and writing. Students taking the MPP part time should plan on spending at least six to nine months full time on their research and writing. Students in the MPP program must be continuously registered.

How do students register for a course?
Students must register for their courses online through PAWS (Personalized Access to Web Services), the University of Saskatchewan's intranet. New students should discuss their program with the Graduate Chair prior to registration. It is each student's responsibility to ensure that the courses they register in meet their program requirements.

How many courses does a student have to register in to be considered full-time?
Graduate students in the MPP program are considered full time if they are registered in PUBP 994 (Research). Continuous registration in PUBP 994 is required. It is recommended that graduate students take no more than four courses per term.

Are there any special requirements for students whose first language is not English?
Applicants from universities where English is not the regular language of instruction must demonstrate English language proficiency. Please see http://www.usask.ca/cgsr/prospective_students/requirements/english.php for more information.

What is the minimum grade allowable in graduate programs?
All graduate students must achieve a grade of no less than 60% in graduate courses, with a cumulative overall average no less than 70%. However, to retain funding offered by the JSGS, students will be required to maintain an average of at least 80%.

Is there financial assistance available?
The Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School will make available for MPP students in the 2011-12 academic year up to five one-time awards (scholarships and/or research assistantships) of up to $10,000 each. To be eligible for funding, students must commit to completing the program over a maximum of two academic years. All complete applications received by February 1, 2011, will be considered for funding. 

What employment opportunities are there for MPP graduates? What tasks would I likely undertake in those jobs?
Graduates of the MPP program are likely to engage in some way in the formulation or management of policy. This could involve undertaking basic or applied research; drafting policy papers and decision documents; working with governments or advocacy groups to identify and promote specific policy measures; or participating in or leading teams of individuals or groups seeking to examine problems, identify issues, promote solutions, or evaluate and assess outcomes of policy measures. Policy analysts and managers are vital members in and enjoy engaging and satisfying careers with government, corporate, and not-for profit organizations. The foundation of theory, practice, and research offered by our programs prepares students for a career in public policy management or research in federal, provincial, or municipal governments, agencies or Crown corporations, in non-profit organizations, with the media, or in the private sector. It is also useful for those individuals looking to advance their career with their current employer.

How much is tuition?
Tuition is $1,071 per term, and students in the MPP program must be registered in each term (fall, winter, and spring/summer) for the entire length of their program. With three terms a year, the cost is $3,213 per year, plus applicable student fees. Students should plan on spending at least one and a half to two years in the MPP program. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Can I submit professional work references instead of academic references?
One professional recommendation may be included; however, all effort should be made to include at least two academic recommendations.

Do I have dental and health care coverage?
The U of S Graduate Students' Association (GSA) provides information/application forms for dental/health care coverage. International students are encouraged to contact the International Students Office at the University of Saskatchewan to obtain information on obtaining a SIN, dental/health care coverage, etc.