School of Public Administration

Dunton Tower 1021
Telephone: 788-2547
Fax: 788-2551

The School

Director of the School: K.A.H. Graham

Associate Director: C.M. Carmichael

Coordinator, Specialization in Development Administration: M.A. Bienefeld

Coordinator, Ph.D. Program in Public Policy: S.L.Winer

The School of Public Administration was established in 1953 through the assistance of a generous grant from the Atkinson Charitable Foundation.

The School offers graduate programs of study and research in the fields of public administration and public policy leading to the graduate Diploma in Public Administration, the Master of Arts degree in Public Administration, and the Ph.D. in Public Policy. Prospective applicants are urged to evaluate these opportunities carefully in order that they may select the one most suitable to their interests, background, and academic qualifications.

Students are encouraged to acquire French language skills. Undergraduate French language courses may be taken as extra to degree, and many other options are available in the National Capital Region. Students may consult the School.

Diploma in Public Administration (D.P.A.)

This diploma program, which consists of five full-credit courses or the equivalent, is more fully described below. It is designed to offer those persons in (or planning to enter) administrative careers an opportunity to begin acquiring some introductory exposure to subject matter related to administrative studies.

Master of Arts

The M.A. program is designed to provide a balanced exposure to both administrative studies and public policy. It is more fully described on the following pages.

Two main areas of specialization are offered:

The development administration specialization is offered with the cooperation of the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. Only students who intend to complete the M.A. program are admitted to the development administration specialization. However, these students are eligible to receive the D.P.A. upon completion of the required courses. The requirements of the development administration specialization are described in the section dealing with the Master of Arts.

Ph.D.

The School offers a doctoral degree in public policy. This program involves the intensive study of the formation and evolution of public policy in Canada and, from a comparative perspective, in OECD countries generally. A central feature of the course of studies is the integration of political science and economics. Requirements for the Ph.D. program are listed in detail beginning on page 292.

Inquiries and requests for further information should be directed to the School.

Graduate Diploma in Public Administration

The Diploma in Public Administration is designed to offer those persons in (or planning to enter) administrative careers an opportunity to begin acquiring some introductory exposure to subject matter related to administrative studies. The program consists of five full-credit courses and may be taken on a part-time, full-time, or mixed part-time and full-time basis.

The program is based on the recognition that persons with widely varying backgrounds will enter it. Students who successfully complete the D.P.A. program may apply for admission to the M.A. pro gram, at which time they will be considered for admission along with all other applicants. If all of the first-year courses are not taken as part of the D.P.A., they will be required in addition to the final M.A. courses.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the graduate program in public administration is selective. To be considered for admission, an applicant must have a bachelor's degree with at least high honours standing from a recognized university, and must have completed courses in in troductory economics (Economics 43.100 or the equivalent) and Canadian government and politics (Political Science 47.200 or the equivalent), with the required standing. All students are expected to have a working knowledge of the material in these courses.

Applicants are advised to submit applications before May 1 as enrolment in the School is limited.

Program Requirements

The program consists of five full-credit courses, at least four of which must be completed at Carleton. Advanced standing may be granted in one full course (or equivalent) if previous work is judged to be equivalent to courses required in the program. A student who has taken one (or more) of the other required courses prior to admission must substitute another course (or courses) in consultation with the supervisor of graduate studies. In the event that a part-time student is required by his/her employer to move away from Ottawa, he/she may apply to complete one full course or the equivalent at another university, provided that no transfer of credit was granted on admission.

Students in the Canadian stream are required to complete any five full courses from the following program:

Part-time students already admitted to the D.P.A. program under the provisions of previous calendars may adjust their programs to take advantage of the revised program outlined above.

Academic Standing

All candidates are required to obtain a grade of B- or better in each course in the program. A candidate may, with the recommendation of the School and the approval of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, be allowed a grade of C+ in one half course.

Master of Arts

The master's program is specifically designed to provide the prospective and mid-career administrator with a balanced exposure to administrative studies and to public policy.

The contemporary manager or administrator is increasingly required to be both a policy adviser and formulator and to have a substantive understanding of the many disciplines and variables associated with the decision-making process in contemporary organizations. University programs can begin to provide some of the foundations that will enable persons to acquire an understanding of the broad financial, legal, economic, political, and social interrelationships that affect decisions in any organization.

The Canadian public administration and policy specialization in the M.A. program is designed to prepare students for managerial, policy, and managerial-support roles in the public services of Canada (federal, provincial, regional, and municipal), and to accelerate and enrich the education and the development of those already performing such roles. Because it is conducted in conjunction with, and draws upon, a program of advanced research in administrative studies and public policy, it is also designed to meet the educational needs of those who wish to undertake graduate-level work in public policy and management, but who may not have a current commitment to public service careers.

A limited number of optional Co-op placements are available to full-time students in the School. This involves the placement of a student in a government department or other organization to work at a junior officer level for at least one term. The Co-op program facilitates the integration of the academic and practical aspects of public administration. It is offered to selected full-time students who meet the eligibility requirements, and is dependent on the number of suitable placements that are available. Co-op placements are not for credit.

The specialization in development administration is offered in conjunction with the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. This program is designed to address the unique nature and problems of developing countries, giving international students and others with work experience in this field the knowledge and skills necessary to function successfully in the particular environments of these countries.

Degree Schedules

The degree can be taken in one of three basic modes: full time, part time, or through a mixed part-time and full-time schedule:

A full-time student can complete the program in two years (four academic terms), but typically may require a fifth (usually summer) term to complete the requirements, depending upon the amount of advanced standing granted for previous courses.

A part-time student normally completes from two to four half courses during the regular academic year, typically in evening courses. Certain courses are also available during the summer term. The duration of a part-time program normally varies from five to eight years.

This schedule enables the student to alternate periods of full-time and part-time study. Typically, students will begin on a part-time basis, but may study on a full-time basis for at least one semester. Such full-time study, which may commence in either the fall, winter, or spring term, is especially suitable for practising mid-career administrators as it facilitates a flexible sequence for study and normal work periods.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, an applicant must have a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with at least high honours (upper second class) standing from a recognized university, and must already have completed courses in introductory economics (Economics 43.100 or equivalent) and Canadian government (Political Science 47.200 or equivalent), with the required standing.

All students are expected to have a working knowledge of the material in these courses.

Applicants to the development administration stream will not be required to complete the Canadian government prerequisite. These applicants must, however, satisfy the economics prerequisite prior to admission. In addition, they are advised that they must provide proof of a capacity to study and communicate in English; have a working knowledge of mathematics at least at the high school matriculation level; and have completed not less than three years of relevant work experience (exclusive of teaching) on development projects or in the areas of development assistance or development planning. Students deficient in any of these areas will be required to rectify these deficiencies prior to being considered for admission. The School normally requires applicants to write the Graduate Record Examination Aptitude Test.

The development administration stream is considered to be a program of full-time study, exclusively. A limited number of scholarships are available for visa students.

Applicants are advised to submit applications before May 1 (and prior to March 1 for the development administration stream) as enrolment in the School is limited. Students applying to the Canadian stream who wish to be considered for financial assistance and scholarships should have their applications in by March 1.

The School also gives special consideration to mid-career applicants. To qualify for mid-career admission, applicants must have spent several years in one of the public services, or be performing managerial or related functions in a private-sector organization and have demonstrated excellence in their performance in these organizations.

The School's admission policy will, of course, be governed by the availability of graduate student space and the need to admit applicants from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds (for example, social sciences, humanities, law, engineering, or science). Possession of the minimum admission requirements does not, in itself, guarantee acceptance.

Advanced standing may be granted for required courses only if previous work is judged to be equivalent to courses required in the program. Advanced standing and transfer of credit must be determined on an individual basis in consultation with the director, and must also be approved at the time of admission by the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. In general, a grade of B+ or better is required in equivalent courses to obtain advanced standing.

Program Requirements

The M.A. program comprises twenty half-credit courses (or the equivalent).

Students generally begin their program with required courses; it is possible, however, to take a mixture of optional and required courses throughout both years, provided that the student has the necessary prerequisites for any specific options selected.

Canadian Public Administration and Policy Specialization

Required Courses

Unless advanced standing has been granted, full-time students in the fall term of their first year will take: 50.500; 50.567; 50.523 and one other required course.

In the winter term, they will take 50.522; 50.530 and, normally, three other required courses.

Students who have successfully completed the requirements for the Diploma in Public Administration and who are unable to continue their M.A. program may be awarded the diploma, provided that four full courses have been taken at Carleton University.

Optional Courses

Development Administration Specialization

Required Courses

Students who are unable to continue in their M.A. program may be awarded the Diploma in Public Administration provided that they successfully complete the diploma requirements and that four full courses have been taken at Carleton University.

Optional Courses

In consultation with the coordinator of the development administration specialization, students must select either:

Stream 1 -Public Policy Analysis

Stream 2 - Public Management

Administration

Stream 3 - Development Administration

Administration

International Affairs

Economics

Political Science

School of Business

Stream 4 - Recommended options offered by other departments and schools at Carleton University and by the University of Ottawa

(This is not a complete list of all the acceptable options. Students should contact the supervisor of graduate studies or the director for approval if there are other courses they wish to take which are not on this list.)

Economics

International Affairs

Journalism and Communication

Law

Political Science

Sociology and Anthropology

University of Ottawa

Academic Standing

All candidates are required to obtain a grade of B- or better in each course in the program. A candidate may, with the recommendation of the School and the approval of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research, be allowed a grade of C+ in one full course.

Doctor of Philosophy

The doctoral program in public policy has two primary objectives:

While the School's M.A. degree outlined above offers exposure to both policy and management, the Ph.D. focuses directly on the study of public policy from both Canadian and comparative perspectives. The formation and evolution of policy in Canada is a primary focus of the program. In addition, Canadian, European, and other international students interested in research with a European-Canadian and North American comparative perspective will also find the program conducive to their work in the fields of specialization offered. Areas of research specialization within the School include: policy institutions and instruments, industrial policy, and social and labour market policy.

A distinguishing feature of the School of Public Administration is the presence of faculty who strive to integrate political science and economics in their research and teaching. The Ph.D. program is to a considerable extent based on the view that political economy is essential to an understanding of the public sector. It is also based on the view that analyses of what governments do must address the interplay among the various policy fields, instruments, and institutions.

Degree Schedule

The program consists of three academic terms of course work plus preparation for two comprehensive examinations, as well as a doctoral thesis. The degree may not be taken on a part-time schedule. A limited number of Co-op placements, described under the Master of Arts, may be arranged for Ph.D. students.

Admission Requirements

Admission will be judged primarily on the applicant's ability to conduct advanced research and to complete the program successfully. Applications should contain at least one essay or paper at the M.A. level written by the applicant. Enrolment is limited and possession of the minimum requirements does not, in itself, guarantee acceptance. To be eligible for financial assistance, application for admission for the fall term must be completed no later than March 1.

Admission requires completion of an M.A. degree in any of public administration, political science, economics, political economy, business administration, law, or similar degree with first class standing (A- average or better in their M.A. work).

Applicants must also successfully complete prerequisites in statistics, political science, and economics as described in detail below. These prerequisites may be satisfied by the completion of appropriate course work at the intermediate undergraduate level or higher in each of the subjects listed.

Completed statistics courses should be approximately equivalent to courses Administration 50.551 and Administration 50.552 described under Master of Arts, page 294. Candidates may, with permission of the School, satisfy the statistics prerequisites by completing these courses with at least B+ standing during the first year of the Ph.D. program.

Prerequisites in political science and economics must be completed prior to entry. Completed courses in political science should be approximately equivalent to Administration 50.567 and Administration 50.568, while completed courses in economics should be approximately equivalent to Administration 50.522 and Administration 50.523. These courses are usually offered at the School in the summer term and equivalent courses may be taken at most universities throughout the academic year. Applicants should seek advice from the supervisor of the Ph.D. program about whether particular courses are acceptable as prerequisites.

Advanced Standing

Advanced standing will not normally be granted for any of the required courses described below. If granted, advanced standing will be limited to one full-credit course.

Program Requirements

The program consists of the following elements:

Course Component

Courses will normally be taken in the first year, and the fall of the second year. Students in the doctoral program are required to complete the following:

These courses will normally include graduate courses offered by the School and by the Departments of Political Science and Economics. However, other courses will also be approved. Doctoral students taking courses at the master's level will be subject to enhanced course requirements. When necessary, students must arrange formal approval from the relevant department for admission to optional courses.

A grade point average of at least 9.0 (B+) must be obtained in the above courses before proceeding to the comprehensive examinations.

Comprehensive Examinations

Students will write a general comprehensive examination, normally in September of the second year. This examination will focus on material emanating from the required first year courses.

Students will also be examined on their chosen area of specialization in a second examination. For this comprehensive examination they will write one major essay on the field of specialization. This essay will be read by their examining committee and will be the subject of an oral examination to be held normally at the end of the second year. It is expected that the comprehensive essay will critically review relevant literature, and may contain some initial thoughts regarding the student's Ph.D. thesis.

Preparation for the two comprehensive examinations will be assisted through tutorials as described below.

Thesis

Following the successful completion of the comprehensive examinations, students will prepare a formal thesis proposal under a committee composed of the supervisor and two other faculty members. The thesis supervisor will normally be a faculty member from the School of Public Administration. Each committee must consist of at least one political scientist and one economist. The thesis must demonstrate an advanced ability to integrate the politics and economics of public policy. The thesis must be defended at an oral examination.

Language Requirement

A reading knowledge of French will be required according to normal university Ph.D. language examination procedures. Another language may be substituted for French if it is essential for the thesis.

Required Courses - Master of Arts*

Optional Courses - Master of Arts

Note: Optional courses may only be taken when the student has completed at least nine required half-credit courses or has obtained advanced standing in same.

Required Courses - Ph.D

Note: All courses are half-credit (one-term) courses unless otherwise indicated. Ph.D. courses are open to master's students with approval of the School.