Program Overview
Develop and lead policy solutions for some of government and society's most complex problems. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy is a research-based program and is the highest degree awarded in public policy at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School. It denotes an advanced level of competence in scholarly research and communication. This program will provide you with an opportunity to expand your knowledge and acquire in-demand skills, contribute to the study of public policy, and master the theories, concepts and applications of policy within a government or organization.
The program involves a combination of coursework (culminating in a comprehensive exam) and proposing, writing and defending a dissertation. Upon entry into the program, you will be assigned a research advisor and an advisory committee to support you in your work.
As a graduate of the PhD program, you'll be in a position to train the next generation of public service professionals or to lead teams and conduct public policy and management research in government, business, think tanks and other research organizations.
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Quick Facts
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Program Type | Research-based program (dissertation) |
Program Length | *The average time to completion is 5.5 years, although it is possible to complete the program in four years following the school’s recommended pace and studying full time |
Start Date | September |
Application Deadline | December 1 for entry in the following academic year |
Tuition | Effective September 1, 2023, the per-term tuition for the PhD program is approximately $1,993 for both domestic students and international students, plus on-campus graduate student fees. |
JSGS Scholarship Funding | Highly qualified PhD students who are engaged in the program on a full-time basis will automatically be considered for funding at a competitive rate. |
Exams | PhD students must pass a qualifying exam and a comprehensive exam. |
GRE/GMAT Requirement | None |
English Language Requirements | Proof of language proficiency is required. |
Location | Regina (University of Regina campus) or Saskatoon (University of Saskatchewan campus) |
Potential Career Paths | Postdoctoral Fellow, Assistant Professor, Lecturer, Senior Research Analyst, Senior Policy Analyst |
Research
Areas of Focus
As one of Canada's leading schools for policy analysis and research, the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy is making a difference by concentrating its research capacity on areas related to innovation, science, technology, health, society and inequality, and governance. To ensure engagement in these areas of research, JSGS faculty are committed to encouraging student involvement in research projects, grant applications, seminar series, and other opportunities for knowledge translation.
Research Supervisors
It is not necessary to find a potential supervisor before you begin an application. The list below though may be helpful to learn about which JSGS faculty are accepting students for the upcoming academic year and in what areas of research focus.
JSGS Faculty Member | Availability/Areas of Research Interest |
Jim Farney | Jim Farney is currently accepting applications from new PhD or MPP students for September 2023 in the areas: Canadian education policy, provincial institutional and governance change, and Canadian political development. |
Margot Hurlbert | Margot Hurlbert is currently accepting applications from new PhD and/or MPP students for September 2023 in the following research areas: climate change, energy and sustainability policy. |
Justin Longo | Justin Longo is currently accepting applications from new PhD or MPP students for September 2023 in the following research areas: digital governance (especially the use of artificial intelligence and robotics by the public sector), policy analytics, and improving public sector management using technology |
Akram Mahani | Akram Mahani is currently accepting applications from new PhD and MPP students for September 2023 in the following research areas: Healthy sustainable cities and communities for all; multi-sectoral collaboration for improving population health outcomes; healthy public policies; integrated care with a focus on integrating public health and primary care; and health impact assessment. |
Amy Zarzeczny | Amy Zarzeczny is currently accepting applications from new PhD and MPP students for September 2023 in the following research areas: health law and policy, health policy, medical innovation, and science policy. Students with an interest in regenerative medicine, virtual healthcare, and professional regulation are particularly encouraged to apply. |
It is not necessary to find a potential supervisor before you begin an application. The list below though may be helpful to learn about which JSGS faculty are accepting students for the upcoming academic year and in what areas of research focus.
JSGS Faculty Member | Availability/Areas of Research Interest |
Martin Boucher | Martin Boucher is currently accepting applications from new PhD, MPP, and GENI students for September 2023 in the following research areas: northern energy transitions, energy justice, post-secondary education policy, and skills and competency advancement. |
Yang Yang | Yang Yang is currently accepting applications from new PhD and MPP students for September 2023 in the following research areas: Food policy, Consumer behaviour, Experimental economics, and Science communication. |
Dionne Pohler |
Dionne Pohler is currently accepting applications from new PhD and MPP students for September 2022 in the following research areas: co-operative development, organizational governance, rural economic and social development, labour and employment law, labour and social policy design and implementation. |
Courses
Curriculum
The PhD is a research-based program that involves a combination of twelve credit units of coursework (four courses), research, and the writing of a dissertation. Once you are admitted into the program, your supervisor and program advisor will work with you on your program of studies (i.e., selection of appropriate courses).
If you have already taken one or more of the following courses (i.e., in a master's program), you will be required to substitute with a different course(s). You may take additional courses in a particular subject area if you wish, subject to the approval of your advisory committee.
Minimum four courses (twelve credit units) from the following:
JSGS 803 - Quantitative Methods
This course provides students with the statistical concepts and techniques required for conducting research and critically evaluating empirical studies. Topics include statistical inference, sampling theory, and data and regression analysis as applied to problems in public policy.
JSGS 851 - Qualitative Methods
This course provides students with the opportunity to learn and practice inquiry processes for conducting qualitative research. Students will examine the following topics: issues in qualitative data (ontology, epistemology, methodology and method), collection of qualitative data (e.g., interviewing, ethnography, focus groups, case studies), analysis of data, and combining qualitative and quantitative data.
This course focuses on the politics of aggregating individual decisions into collective action, revealing the difficulty of formulating and implementing public policy broadly construed. The course readings emphasize formal approaches to this subject, while the assignments and discussion emphasize their application to real problems.
In this course, students examine the manner in which decisions are made in organizations, with a particular focus on policy decisions. The course uses a wide variety of behavioural theories to look at phenomena such as policy traps, framing, unwarranted optimism, and group thinking.
This course examines key readings in the public policy literature and provides students with an overview of key concepts and outcomes from political science, economics, sociology, and law that are germane to the theory and practice of public policy. The aim of the course is to provide the participants with a greater understanding of classical and contemporary theories of public policy and the ability to critically analyze and compare public policy. The material covered in the course serves as the foundation for the PhD comprehensive exam.
Students must also register in the following courses:
JSGS 990 - Public Policy Seminar (USask Campus)
The purpose of the 990 Seminar Series is to bring students, faculty and others together to hear from a variety of individuals on current and interesting policy topics and to foster a community of scholars. All students in the PhD programs are required to register in JSGS 990. They must also attend at least 25 seminars and present their research in one session prior to completing their program. PhD students are also required to submit a JSGS 990 student report.
JSGS 996 - PhD Research (USask Campus)
This course is designed for students at the JSGS USask campus who are writing a doctoral thesis.
Students at the U of S campus must also complete (in their first term of study) GPS 960 Introduction to Ethics and Integrity. This is a non-credit, online course required by the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and is at no cost to the student.
JSGS 990 AB Public Policy Seminar (U of R Campus)
The purpose of the 990AB Seminar Series is to bring students, faculty and others together to hear from a variety of individuals on current and interesting policy topics and to foster a community of scholars. All students in the PhD programs are required to register in JSGS 990AB. They must also attend at least 25 seminars and present their research in one session prior to completing their program. PhD students are also required to submit a JSGS 990 student report.
JSGS 901 - PhD Research (U of R Campus)
This course is designed for students at the JSGS U of R campus who are writing a doctoral thesis.
Transfer Credit
Each campus is different, as follows:- The University of Saskatchewan campus does not accept transfer credit.
- At the University of Regina, transfer credit is awarded when a student has successfully completed coursework at this or another accredited institution of higher education at the Master’s level. This coursework must be first reviewed by JSGS, then recommended to Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research via JSGS. Credits can then be transferred to the student’s program at the University of Regina. Transfer credit(s) must be submitted for review and obtained in the first semester of beginning the new program. Transfer credit only applies to courses that have not been used to satisfy another academic credential (e.g. master’s degree, certificate, diploma). For more information, visit here.
Schedule
The intent of the PhD core course schedule is to provide students with assistance in planning for upcoming semesters.
Normally, some core and elective courses are scheduled during the daytime and some in the evening (or on weekends and/or in blocks) to accommodate both full-time and part-time learners.
**Classes may change as circumstances require.
Core Courses | Fall Semester | Winter Semester | Spring Semester |
JSGS 803 - Quantitative Methods | X | ||
JSGS 851 - Qualitative Methods | X | ||
JSGS 862 - Political Economy | X | ||
JSGS 865 - Decision Making in Organizations | X | ||
JSGS 869 - Ideas in Public Policy Analysis | X |
Exams
As a student entering the PhD program, you will be required to pass a qualifying exam. This exam may be waived for students with a master’s degree (with thesis) in public policy from a recognized university and for students with a master’s degree (with thesis) in a cognate field (e.g., economics, political science, political sociology, public or educational administration). Normally this examination is administered within the first year, preferably within the first four months, of starting your PhD program.
You will also be required to complete a comprehensive exam following your prescribed coursework. The comprehensive exam involves both written and oral components. The exam will cover general public policy topics, as well as material linked to your research program. Following the successful completion of your comprehensive exam, you will move to the development of a dissertation proposal and, upon its approval, to the dissertation research (either a standard dissertation structure or a three-paper model).
Tuition
Effective September 1, 2023, the per-term tuition for the PhD program is approximately $1,993 for both domestic students and international students, plus on-campus graduate student fees.
Assuming a four-year completion, the total tuition (using rates for 2023-24) for both domestic and international students is approximately $23,916. Assuming the average time to competition of 5.5 years, the total tuition (using rates for 2023-24) for both domestic and international students is approximately $32,885.
Continuous registration for all students in the PhD program is required—that is, students must register in all three terms each academic year until their program is completed.
NOTE: Tuition and fees are subject to change. Should there be a discrepancy between the information posted on the institution's website and information posted on the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy website, the institution's website should be viewed as accurate.
Funding
Highly qualified PhD students who are engaged in the program on a full-time basis will automatically be considered for funding at a competitive rate. In addition to potential funding from the school, there are scholarships and awards available for students at the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan.
Two-Campus Model
As Saskatchewan's policy school, the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School is unique in its partnership with both the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan. As a student, you'll benefit from learning from faculty and executives-in-residence across our two campuses and will have the opportunity to visit both campuses (either in person or virtually) throughout your program.
So how do you decide where to apply? Besides considering available faculty advisors at each campus, we encourage you to explore both universities and communities to determine which is the best fit for you.

Located on Treaty 4 lands, the University of Regina is situated on the territories of the nêhiyawak, Anihšināpēk, Dakota, Lakota, and Nakoda, and the homeland of the Métis Nation.
As the provincial capital, Regina is home to Saskatchewan's Legislative Building which sits near the beautiful Wascana Lake. The Legislative Building is also the main backdrop to the University of Regina's College Avenue Building and home of the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School. A short distance from the main campus, the historic and recently renovated College Avenue Campus is located close to downtown Regina.
Referred to by many as the "Queen City", Regina is home to 230,000+ residents and is the main hub for many provincial public servants as well as municipal employees.

Located in Saskatoon on Treaty 6 lands, the University of Saskatchewan is situated on the territories of the Cree, Saulteaux, Dene, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota, and the homeland of the Métis Nation.
A quick 2.5-hour drive from Regina, Saskatoon is located in the central part of Saskatchewan near the South Saskatchewan River Valley. The city boasts many attractive walking trails, a vibrant social scene, and a welcoming place for all. Situated on the northwest side of campus in the Diefenbaker Building, the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School overlooks the South Saskatchewan River and the core downtown area.
Referred to by many as the "Paris of the Prairies", Saskatoon is home to 273,000+ residents and is home to many federal public servants, industry and scientific leaders, as well as municipal employees.
Admissions and Deadlines
Application Deadlines
The PhD program has one intake every year and welcomes a new class each September. The application deadline for the PhD program is December 1 for entry in the following academic year.
To meet the deadline, all components of your application must be received by 11:59 PM CST on December 1. Applications that are incomplete will not be reviewed nor will they be deferred to future terms.
Application Qualifications
Applicants to the PhD program must have a master’s degree in public policy, public administration or in a cognate discipline such as economics, political science, political sociology or educational administration, with a minimum average of 75 percent in that program.
Please note that because the number of applications received greatly exceeds the number of available places, not all qualified applicants will be offered admission (we typically admit two to three students a year). Indeed, successful candidates will typically have an average well in excess of 80 percent (or lower first class).
Application Process and Required Documentation
The Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy has aligned its application requirements (where possible) across its two university campuses; however, please note that the application portal varies by campus.
Please apply through one campus only.
When applying to the JSGS University of Regina campus, please note that you must submit an application through the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.
After you apply online, send the documents listed below to:
Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
Centre for Kinesiology, Health & Sport
Floor 2A, Room 227
3737 Wascana Parkway
University of Regina
Regina, Sk S4S 0A2
Please email the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research for questions about document mailing and/or updates about your application status.
All general inquiries can be emailed to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (FGSR) at grad.publicpolicy@uregina.ca.
All documents can be emailed to Grad.Docs@uregina.ca
Required Documents | Description |
Student Waiver | The Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy is a joint program with the University of Saskatchewan. In order to share information between the two provincial universities and the School, applicants to programs offered through the JSGS are asked to complete this student waiver form. |
Official Transcripts | Official transcripts of all previous undergraduate and graduate courses will be required, even if a degree was not awarded (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for the purpose of the application review. If accepted, official transcripts will be required prior to registration). The University of Regina transcripts are not required. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the institution where the classes were taken. If you have not yet completed your degree, you may still apply by sending your transcripts in progress. If your admission is successful, official transcripts must be provided by the institution upon completion of your degree. |
Letters of Recommendation | Two confidential letters of recommendation (academic and/or professional referees are encouraged to include personal letters of reference along with the required form). Download form. Referees can send the required form and personal letter to the Graduate Studies office via email: Grad.Docs@uregina.ca. Referees must send the form and personal letter from their professional email address in order to be received as an "official" reference. |
Proof of English Proficiency (if applicable) | If you are an international student and are not a native English speaker, you must submit proof of English proficiency in the form of a recognized test (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL), unless you have attended a university recognized by the University of Regina where the language of instruction was English. |
Resume | An updated resume with scholarly contributions, background information, education history, and relevant employment history. |
Personal Statement |
The University of Regina’s online application form includes a personal statement section where applicants are asked to answer the following four questions:
As you answer these questions, please keep in mind the Admissions Committee is assessing your ability to write in a clear, coherent and professional manner. You should make every effort to ensure your personal statement is free of spelling and grammatical errors, is properly referenced (if applicable), and is concise. Please limit your response to each of the questions to no more than 200 words. The PhD is a research degree and is the highest degree awarded in Public Policy. It denotes an advanced level of competence in scholarly research and communication. Your personal statement offers you the opportunity to describe to the Admissions Committee your interests and to clearly detail your background and preparation, the ideas and methods that you bring to public policy, and to indicate the particular areas of public policy that interest you. In your responses to the application questions listed above, please make sure to address the following points: describe your research background, including any relevant scholarly and practical experience; identify one or more general areas within public policy in which you would like to do research; provide examples of specific topics, and any particular theories, ideas or methods you are interested in exploring, and describe how your research interests fit within one of our School’s concentration areas (governance, social policy and inequality, health, innovation, science and technology). You will also be asked to provide a research statement as part of your application to the PhD program. The research statement should have a well-defined problem statement, a review of the appropriate literature, and an initial methodology. While you will not be held to the research program that you outline, the document will demonstrate your ability to define a topic, apply theoretical concepts to it, cite existing key literature, and propose ways to create new scholarly knowledge on that topic. This statement is an opportunity to show your personality, critical thinking ability, and interest in public policy research. It will also assist the Admissions Committee in determining whether there is a match among the faculty to supervise you in one of your proposed areas of research. Please limit the statement to no more than 1,500 words. |
When applying to the JSGS University of Saskatchewan campus, please note that you must submit an application through the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. The online application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may start an application, save it and return to it any time before the application deadline.
Once you have completed an online application, you will need to upload a series of documents. Please note that in most cases, you will need to allow one business day after paying your application fee before you are permitted to upload documents.
If your application fee has not been processed after 48 hours after being submitted, please contact grad.studies@usask.ca or phone 1-306-966-5788 for assistance. Please ensure you are checking the status of the application fee before emailing or calling. To check the status, please log into your application profile.
Required Documentation | Description |
Transcripts | Preliminary Statement of Marks
Post-secondary Transcripts If you receive an offer of admission, you will then be required to have your official post-secondary transcripts sent (by mail in a sealed envelope directly from the institution) to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them. College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
|
Letter of Recommendation |
When applying to the University of Saskatchewan campus, you will need to submit three letters of reference. Two of these referees must be academic, and one must be professional. As an applicant, you are responsible for sending the reference letter links and updating the referee’s contact information. Through your application profile, you can update your referees, change your referee contact information, and send/re-send the link for the letter of reference. |
Proof of English language proficiency (if required) |
For students who are required to provide proof of English proficiency:
If you receive an Offer of Admission you may be required to have your official language test scores sent to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them. College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies |
Resume | A current resume that includes background and relevant employment history. |
Personal Statement / Letter of Intent | The PhD is a research degree and is the highest degree awarded in Public Policy. It denotes an advanced level of competence in scholarly research and communication. Your letter of intent offers you the opportunity to describe to the admissions committee your interests and to clearly detail your background and preparation, the ideas and methods that you bring to public policy, and to indicate the particular areas of public policy that interest you. Please clearly address each of the following:
Your statement should be around 1,500 words or 5-6 pages in total length. You do NOT need to have a well-developed research proposal. However, the committee does like to see that you can clearly articulate your interests and ideas. This letter is an opportunity to show your personality, critical thinking ability, and interest in public policy research. Please say something original and distinctive that sets you apart from other applicants. Most importantly, your letter will help the admissions committee to find a match among the faculty to supervise you in one of your proposed areas of research. For questions regarding the PhD in Public Policy: Graduate Administrator | Email: jsgs@usask.ca Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy |