School of Public Administration

Dunton Tower 1021
Telephone: 520-2547
Fax: 520-2551
E-mail address: public_administration@carleton.ca

The School

Director of the School: F.D. Abele

Coordinator, Canadian Specialization: D.G. Swartz

Coordinator, Development Specialization: M.A. Bienefeld

Coordinator, Doctoral Program: Rianne Mahon

The School of Public Administration at Carleton University is a leading national and international centre for teaching and research in public administration and public policy. Since being established in 1953, the School has helped to prepare individuals for professional careers and opportunities in the public sector, both in Canada and abroad.

The nature of the public sector has always been subject to change, but perhaps never more than in recent years. Today the public sector can be seen as embracing not only the traditional government departments and agencies, but also political organizations, interest groups, consulting and research firms, the voluntary sector, organizations that provide public services on contractual bases, as well as international agencies, and institutions of higher learning. The graduate programs of the School treat the public sector in this contemporary context.

The School offers graduate programs of study and research in the fields of public administration and public policy leading to the Master of Arts in Public Administration, the Graduate Diploma in Public Administration, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy. These programs are designed both for individuals who wish to work in the public sector, and for those who are already doing so but who wish to broaden or strengthen their conceptual and technical skills. Prospective applicants are urged to consider carefully the alternative programs so as to select the one best suited to their interests, background, and academic qualifications.

The M.A. program provides a broad and balanced exposure to public policy development, public management and policy implementation. The D.P.A. program provides an introduction to the same subjects. Both the M.A. and the D.P.A. are offered in two alternative areas of concentration: Canadian public administration and policy (the Canadian Specialization); and development administration (the Development Specialization). The Development Specialization is offered in cooperation with the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. A limited number of scholarships are available to citizens of developing countries who have been admitted to the Development Specialization of the M.A. program.

The Ph.D. program involves the intensive study of the formation and evolution of public policy in Canada and, from a comparative perspective, in countries of the OECD.

Each of these graduate programs is described in detail below. Further information or application packages can be obtained by contacting the School of Public Administration.

Master of Arts

The overall objective of the M.A. program is to provide individuals with a balanced conceptual and technical ability to understand and contribute to policy development, public management, and policy implementation. Under this objective, the Canadian Specialization provides an advanced understanding of the public sector through interdisciplinary insights drawn from political science, economics and management, as applied within the framework of Canadian and comparative institutions, laws and ideas. It also enables individuals to specialize in particular policy fields and aspects of management, both through study and, where feasible, through cooperative education in the public sector. The Development Specialization provides an advanced understanding of the problems and opportunities that confront various types of national administrative systems and public sectors in their efforts to promote sustainable social and economic development in an increasingly interdependent and competitive global system.

These overall and particular objectives are consistent with the School's view of what is fundamental to education in the field of public administration. This view is:

that democratic ideals and practices are central to government and to the public sector broadly defined
that a balance of conceptual and technical skills is needed to understand the linked activities of policy development (how and why policy is made), public management (how the public sector is structured, staffed and resourced) and policy implementation (how policy intentions are carried out, including the grievances and appeals of citizens and clients)
that these advanced conceptual and technical skills come from exposure to a variety of academic disciplines
that professional education in public administration and policy analysis requires a balance of theory and practice

The relevance of this view has been borne out by the success of graduates of the School who now work in many areas of the public sector, in Canada and abroad, including government departments, political organizations, interest groups, consulting and research firms, the voluntary sector, international agancies, and institutions of higher learning.

A limited number of optional cooperative placements are available to Canadians who are full-time students in the M.A. program. These placements locate students for at least one term in government departments or other organizations in order to work at a junior officer level. These placements integrate the theoretical and practical aspects of public administration. They are not for academic credit.

Program Schedules

The M.A. program may be taken under three schedules: full time, part time or a mixture of the two.

The full-time schedule enables students to complete the program in two years (four or five academic terms).
The part-time schedule enables students, taking from two to four half credits over one year, to complete the program in five to eight years. Courses are regularly scheduled in evening sections.
The mixed full-time, part-time schedule enables students to complete the program in a period intermediate to those above. The mixed schedule applies to full-time students who shift to part-time study during a cooperative placement, or part-time students who shift to full-time study in the event of study leave.

The duration of the program depends upon the advanced standing with transfer of credit that students receive upon admission. Advanced standing is discussed below under program requirements.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, an applicant must have a bachelor's degree (or the equivalent) with at least high honours standing from a recognized university, and must already have completed courses in introductory economics (Economics 43.100 or the equivalent) and Canadian government (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 must also have a working knowledge of algebra.

Applicants to the Development Specialization 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 Specialization is considered 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 Specialization) as enrolment in the School is limited. Students applying to the Canadian Specialization 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.

Program Requirements

The M.A. program comprises 10.0 credits (or the equivalent). Upon admission, students may receive advanced standing with transfer of credit for up to 4.0 required credits (or the equivalent). Under the Canadian Specialization no more than three of these courses may be from 50.504, 50.510, 50.511, 50.524, and 50.563. Under the Development Specialization, no more than two of these courses may be from 50.511, 50.517, 50.524, 50.552, and 50.588. Advanced standing is granted only if previous academic work is judged to be equivalent to the required courses. Advanced standing will be determined on an individual basis on consultation with the School and the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research and pursuant to Section 6.1 of the General Regulations section of this Calendar. In general, a grade of B+ or better is necessary in the equivalent courses in order to receive advanced standing.

The composition of the required and optional courses that make up the M.A. program differs between the Canadian and Development Specializations.

Canadian Specialization

Twelve required courses consisting of:

Administration 50.500: Public-Sector Management and the Canadian Political System
Administration 50.522: Macroeconomics for Management and Policy
Administration 50.523: Microeconomics for Management and Policy
Administration 50.530: Organization Theory
Administration 50.536: Law of Public Authorities I
Administration 50.551: Quantitative Methods I
Administration 50.552: Quantitative Methods II
Administration 50.567: Political Economy of the State
Administration 50.568: Policy and Decision Making

Plus three of the following:

Administration 50.510: Management Accounting
Administration 50.511: Financial Management
Administration 50.563: Qualitative Research in Public Organizations
Administration 50.504: Implementation, Service Delivery and Compliance
Administration 50.524: Applied Microeconomic Policy Analysis

Eight optional courses consisting of either:

0.5 credit selected from each of streams 1, 2 and 3 listed below, and 2.5 credits (or the equivalent) selected from any of the streams, or from graduate courses in other disciplines if approved by the graduate supervisor; or
A thesis (equivalent to 2.0 credits) and 2.0 credits selected from any of the streams, or from graduate courses in other disciplines, if approved by the graduate supervisor; or
A research essay (equivalent to 1.0 credits) and 3.0 credits (or the equivalent) selected from any of the streams, or from graduate courses in other disciplines, if approved by the graduate supervisor

Note that students may take as options any of the required courses over and above the minimum number specified.

Development Specialization

Eleven required courses consisting of:

Administration 50.501: The International Policy Framework
Administration 50.523: Microeconomics for Management and Policy
Administration 50.530: Organization Theory
Administration 50.551: Quantitative Methods I
Administration 50.563: Qualitative Research in Public Organizations
Administration 50.568: Policy and Decision Making
International Affairs 46.507: Theories of Development and Underdevelopment
International Affairs 46.508: Economic Development Policy and Planning
International Affairs 46.537: Macroeconomics in a Development Context

Plus two of the following:

Administration 50.511: Financial Management
Administration 50.517: Project Management
Administration 50.524: Applied Microeconomic Policy Analysis
Administration 50.552: Quantitative Methods II
Administration 50.588: Structural Adjustment Policy

Nine optional courses consisting of either:

4.5 credits (or the equivalent) from streams 1, 2 and 3 listed below, or from graduate courses in other disciplines if approved by the graduate supervisor; or
A thesis (equivalent to 2.0 credits) and 2.5 credits (or the equivalent) selected from any of the streams, or from graduate courses in other disciplines, if approved by the graduate supervisor; or
A research essay (equivalent to 1.0 credit) and 3.5 credits (or the equivalent) selected from any of the streams, or from graduate courses in other disciplines, if approved by the graduate supervisor

Note that students may take as options any required courses over and above the minimum number specified.

Stream 1 - Policy Fields

50.559 Tax Policy
50.560 Industrial Policy
50.564 Social Policy
50.571 Gender and Public Policy
50.574 Urban Policy
50.508 Environmental Policy
50.509 Health Policy
50.586 Aboriginal Policy
50.587 Trade Policy
50.588 Structural Adjustment Policy
50.589 Education Policy
50.570, 572, 573 Policy Seminars

Stream 2 - Public Management and Institutional Relations

50.503 Policy and Administration in Intergovernmental Relations
50.515 Problems in Public Sector Management
50.516 Urban and Local Government Management
50.517 Project Management
50.519 Management in the Para-Public Sector
50.538 The Management of Provincial Government
50.565 Business-Government Policy Relations
50.581 Human Resource Management in Government
50.584 Industrial Relations and Public Sector Collective Bargaining
50.506 Social Movements, Interests and the Policy Process

Stream 3 - Advanced Analysis

50.502 Political Economy of Regulation
50.507 Comparative Methodology on Policy and Public Management
50.513 Budget Decision Making and Budgeting
50.520 Public Sector Investment and Pricing
50.525 The Canadian Economy
50.528 Management Information Systems
50.537 Law of Public Authorities II
50.562 Planning and Evaluation in Government
50.569 Public Choice
50.575 Advanced Statistical Policy Analysis

Academic Standing

All candidates are required to obtain a grade of B- or better in each credit 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 1.0 credit.

Graduate Diploma in Public Administration

The D.P.A. program provides an introduction to the subjects of policy development, public management, and policy implementation. Students enter the program with widely varying backgrounds, including those who already have advanced degrees but who wish to strengthen or broaden their conceptual and technical skills in public administration.

Program Schedules

The D.P.A. program can be taken under three schedules; full time, part time or a mixture of the two. The duration of the program is approximately half that described for the M.A. program.

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 must also have a working knowledge of algebra.

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

Program Requirements

The D.P.A. program comprises 5.0 credits (or the equivalent). Upon admission, students may receive advanced standing with transfer of credit for up to 1.0 credit. Advanced standing is granted only if previous academic work is judged to be equivalent to those courses. Advanced standing will be determined on an individual basis on consultation with the School and the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research and pursuant to Section 6.1 of the General Regulations section of this Calendar. In general, a grade of B+ or better is necessary in the equivalent courses in order to receive advanced standing.

The composition of courses that make up the D.P.A. program differs between the Canadian and Development Specializations.

Canadian Specialization

Ten courses selected from:

Administration 50.500: Public-Sector Management and the Canadian Political System
Administration 50.504: Implementation, Service Delivery and Compliance
Administration 50.510: Management Accounting
Administration 50.511: Financial Management
Administration 50.522: Macroeconomics for Management and Policy
Administration 50.523: Microeconomics for Management and Policy
Administration 50.524: Applied Microeconomic Policy Analysis
Administration 50.530: Organization Theory
Administration 50.536: Law of Public Authorities
Administration 50.551: Quantitative Methods I
Administration 50.552: Quantitative Methods II
Administration 50.563: Qualitative Research in Public Organizations
Administration 50.567: Political Economy of the State
Administration 50.568: Policy and Decision Making

No more than three of the courses may be selected from Administration 50.504, 50.510, 50.511, 50.524 and 50.563.

Development Specialization

Ten courses selected from:

Administration 50.501: The International Policy Framework
Administration 50.511: Financial Management
Administration 50.517: Project Management
Administration 50.523: Microeconomics For Management and Policy
Administration 50.524: Applied Microeconomic Policy Analysis
Administration 50.530: Organization Theory
Administration 50.551: Quantitative Methods I
Administration 50.552: Quantitative Methods II
Administration 50.563: Qualitative Research in Public Organizations
Administration 50.568: Policy and Decision Making
Administration 50.588: Structural Adjustment Policy
International Affairs 46.507: Theories of Development and Underdevelopment
International Affairs 46.508: Economic Development Policy and Planning
International Affairs 46.537: Macroeconomics in a Development Context

No more than three of the courses may be selected from Administration 50.511, 50.517, 50.524, 50.552, and 50.588.

Academic Standing

Doctor of Philosophy

The doctoral program in public policy has two primary objectives:

to contribute to the advancement of research and teaching based on one or more of the various approaches to the political economy of public policy (in OECD countries)
to develop scholars and researchers for positions in universities, private research institutions, and various other public and private organizations

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.

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 311. 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 1.0 credit.

Program Requirements

The program consists of the following elements:

5.0 credits
Preparation for and writing of two comprehensive examinations
A thesis equivalent to 5.0 credits
A language requirement

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:

The following seven 0.5 credits: Administration 50.604: Policy Fields, Instruments and Institutions I; 50.605: Policy Fields, Instruments and Institutions II; 50.506: The Political Economy of Public Policy I; 50.607: The Political Economy of Public Policy II; 50.608: Economics of Public Policy I; 50.609: Economics of Public Policy II; 50.610: Public Policy Research
1.5 credits that permit the student to develop an area of specialization and which will be chosen by the student after consultation with, and approval by, the student's academic supervisors

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*

Administration 50.500F1
Public-Sector Management and the Canadian Political System
An examination of the principles and processes of public sector management as it functions through the institutions of cabinet-parliamentary government. Both institutional reforms and changes in the philosophy of public sector management are examined in the Canadian federal government and in a comparative context.
Administration 50.501F1
The International Policy Framework
An examination of the international initiatives and rules within which national development policies are developed and implemented.
Administration 50.504W1
Implementation, Service Delivery, and Compliance
An examination of the theory and practice of policy implementation, service delivery, and compliance in relation to Canadians as citizens and customers.
Administration 50.510F1, W1
Management Accounting
An introduction to the principles and concepts of financial and management accounting. It includes illustrations of how accounting data can assist in the decision-making process of private and public organizations, and the limitations of that data.
Administration 50.511F1, W1
Financial Management
An introduction to several concepts and techniques relevant to defining long term funds (debt and equity), and to comparing alternative uses of those funds (VPV and IRR). Other topics include: financial ratios; pension management; and exchange rate determination.
Administration 50.517W1
Project Management
An examination of the managerial, organizational and financial issues and processes involved in the development and implementation of development projects.
Administration 50.522W1
Macroeconomics for Management and Policy
This course presumes an introductory knowledge of macroeconomics (subjects such as aggregate supply and demand, and concepts such as the multiplier). It considers contemporary macroeconomic issues (including the feasibility of active short-run stabilization policy, the determinants of long-run growth, the causes and effects of deficits and debt) and the conceptual frameworks available to analyze these issues.
Administration 50.523F1
Microeconomics for Management and Policy
This course presumes an introductory knowledge of microeconomics (subjects such as the competitive model and concepts such as elasticity). It considers consumer and producer theory, and certain exceptions to the competitive model that are particularly relevant to public policy (including externalities, public goods, imperfect competition).
Administration 50.524F1
Applied Microeconomic Policy Analysis
An examination of how microeconomic theory can be applied to analyze actual public policy problems and issues.
Prerequisite: Administration 50.523.
Administration 50.530F1, W1
Organization Theory
An introduction to, and critical discussion of, the major theoretical approaches to the study of organizations, including bureaucratic theory, scientific management, human relations, class theory and gender theory. It also addresses developments such as technology and organization, total quality management, empowerment and democratization strategies, and quality of working life.
Prerequisite: Administration 50.500 or the equivalent.
Administration 50.536F1, W1
Law of Public Authorities I
An examination of the legal environment of Canadian public administration, focusing on Canadian law, institutions and processes. It provides an introduction to Canadian legal history, adversarial adjudicative procedure and its alternatives, the legal limits on delegating power to public authorities, and considers in greater detail criminal prohibition and licensing as techniques of influencing behaviour, procedural justice in government decision making, and judicial and non-judicial controls on public authorities including the enforcement of ethics.
Administration 50.551F1
Quantitative Methods I
An introduction to: descriptive statistics which are used to summarize information; probability theory and sampling distributions, which permit researchers to make valid predictions about population parameters from sample statistics; and the testing of hypotheses about quantitative and qualitative population parameters.
Administration 50.552F1, W1
Quantitative Methods II
The use of correlation and regression analyses to test hypotheses about the relationships between social-economic variables. The course covers simple-linear and multiple regression techniques, the underlying assumptions of ordinary least squares regression, and what can be done when some of these assumptions are violated.
Prerequisite: Administration 50.551.
Administration 50.563F1, W1
Qualitative Research in Public Organizations
The course deals with the specification and formulation of research problems, and with the design and conduct of qualitative social research in public sector settings. There is emphasis on tactics to control and summarize information throughout the life of a study, and on techniques for the reduction and presentation of non-quantitative data. Writing and communication skills are stressed. The skills gained are relevant to a number of kinds of analysis typically conducted in bureaucracies, such as program evaluation designs and studies, and implementation analysis.
Prerequisite: Administration 50.562.
Administration 50.567F1, W1
Political Economy of the State
An examination of theories of the modern state, drawing on different political eonomy traditions (for example, liberal, institutional, marxist, feminist). It provides an understanding of the central debates on the proper role of government that have shaped the state in the past, and that are currently shaping it for the future.
Administration 50.568F1, W1
Policy and Decision Making
An examination of policy analysis: the means whereby policy issues or problems are defined and their solutions designed, implemented and evaluated. It takes into account the formal institutional structures and processes of policy formulation and implementation, as well as theoretical issues concerning how policy is grounded in an understanding of the state, democracy and citizenship.
Prerequisites: Administration 50.500 or the equivalent and 50.567.
Administration 50.588F1
Structural Adjustment Policy
An examination of structural adjustment policies and programs with a comparative focus on developing countries, but also including their relations with developed countries.
International Affairs 46.507F1
Theories of Development and Underdevelopment
A comparative analysis of approaches to the study of development processes and underdevelopment, including structural-functional, neo-classical, Marxist, and dependency theories.
International Affairs 46.508W1
Development Planning: Theory and Practice
Third World development plans and strategies and their impacts; techniques employed in development planning, including social cost-benefit analysis, budgeting, and problems in development administration.
International Affairs 46.537W1
Macroeconomics in a Development Context
An examination of macroeconomic theory and policy in the context of the developing countries, with special emphasis upon theory and policy for open economies, structural adjustment to international disequilibration, exchange rate and balance of payments management, fiscal and financial policy.

Optional Courses - Master of Arts

Note: Optional courses may only be taken when the student has completed at least nine required 0.5 credits or has obtained advanced standing in same.

Administration 50.502F1
The Political Economy of Regulation
An examination of political, economic, legal, and organizational theories of regulation in the Canadian and comparative context, and of the processes and consequences of regulatory practice in selected Canadian public policy fields.
Prerequisite: Administration 50.568.
Administration 50.503F1 or W1
Policy and Administration in Intergovernmental Relations
An examination of the major cost-sharing and fiscal transfer agreements, and the intergovernmental mechanisms for policy and administrative coordination in selected policy fields.
Administration 50.506F1
Social Movements, Interests and the Policy Process
An examination of the roles of social movements and interests in the policy process in a Canadian and comparative context.
Administration 50.507T2
Comparative Research on Policy and Policy Management
An examination of methodologies and issues of comparative research on policy and public management among and between developed and developing countries.
Administration 50.508W1
Environmental Policy
An examination of Canadian environmental policies and programs set in a comparative political-economic and institutional context.
Administration 50.509F1
Health Policy
An examination of Canadian health policies and programs set in a comparative political-economic and institutional context.
Administration 50.513F1
Budget Decision Making and Budgeting
A study of selected aspects of the expenditure and revenue budget and budgetary process at all levels of government. Student papers are oriented towards critical review of actual budgets and budgetary processes.
Prerequisites: Administration 50.523 and 50.568.
Administration 50.515F1
Management in the Public Service
An examination through cases and research of selected problems and issues in public service management. The specific focus of the course will change each year; some topics include human resources management, government investment, and pricing decisions.
Administration 50.516W1
Urban and Local Government Management
An analysis of the principal issues and processes of Canadian urban and local government management and administration.
Administration 50.517W1
Project Management
An examination of the managerial, organizational and financial issues and processes involved in the development and implementation of development projects.
Administration 50.519W1
Management in the Para-Public Sector
An examination of managerial theory and practice in the para-public sector including voluntary organizations, interest groups, state-owned and mixed enterprises, and partnership arrangements.
Administration 50.520F1
Public-Sector Investment and Pricing
An examination of theory and practice related to decision making about public-sector investment and pricing policy, particularly in connection with large-scale projects and programs. The focus is applied cost-benefit analysis (discount rates, marginal cost and shadow pricing, and the handling of risk and uncertainty) in large-scale public investment choices.
Prerequisite: Administration 50.523.
Administration 50.525F1
The Canadian Economy
This course examines, in an integrated fashion, the economy of Canada, the history of Canadian economic policy, and major current economic policy debates. The central thrust of the course is to present the view of the Canadian economy as a system, stressing linkages among sectors and the consequences for economic (and social) policy. The central theme will be explored, in part, by focusing on selected topics and issues such as industrial structure, regionalism, federalism, trade policy, stabilization and the deficit debate, labour markets, and income redistribution.
Prerequisites: Administration 50.522 and 50.523.
Administration 50.528F1, W1
Management Information Systems
An examination of the fundamentals of MIS: the nature of systems, information, and management processes, including concepts of data-processing technology, systems design, organizational impacts of information systems, and hardware and software considerations.
Administration 50.537F1
Law of Public Authorities II
An examination of characteristics and selected problems of control of administrative action. Topics include: varieties of traditional and constitutional, legal and judicial control, impact of the Charter, reforms to administrative law control systems in Canada, and comparisons with developments outside Canada.
Prerequisite: Administration 50.536.
Administration 50.538W1
The Management of Provincial Government
A comparative analysis of public-sector management structures and processes at the provincial level of government. Topics examined include personnel and financial systems, regional administration, public utilities, direct interprovincial program and project management, and international activities of provinces.
Prerequisites: Administration 50.500 or the equivalent.
Administration 50.559W1
Tax Policy
An examination of Canadian tax policies set in a comparative political-economic and institutional context.
Administration 50.560F1, W1
Industrial Policy
An examination of Canadian industrial policy and programs set in a comparative political-economic and institutional context.
Administration 50.562F1, W1
Planning and Evaluation in Government I
An examination of selected concepts, issues, and processes in applied governmental planning and evaluation, utilizing both Canadian and comparative experiences.
Administration 50.564F1
Social Policy
A seminar which will study the nature and historical development of social programs and the welfare state in capitalist countries, with particular focus on Canada. The course will concentrate on developing a critical understanding of the social forces shaping these programs and evaluating the implications of current debate on the future of social policy in Canada.
Administration 50.569W1
Public Choice: Theory and Application
Understanding the public sector through the building and application of public choice models. Topics include the theory of groups, representative democracy, special interest politics, the bureau, and federal structure.
Prerequisite: Administration 50.523.
Administration 50.570T2
Policy Seminar
An examination of one or more selected policy areas. The focus will be an analytical assessment of the selected policy area in terms of its many-sided economic, political, social, legal, quantitative, and administrative complexities. The policy field will change each year.
Administration 50.571F1, W1
Gender and Public Policy
An examination of policy and policy making as they pertain to gender relations within the state as well as in society at large. The course looks at the negative and positive effects of public policy on gender relations in the family and the labour market.
Administration 50.572F1, W1, 50.573S1
Policy Seminars
An examination of one or more selected policy areas. The focus will be an analytical assessment of the selected policy area in terms of its many-sided economic, political, social, legal, quantitative, and administrative complexities. The policy field will change each year.
Administration 50.574F1
Regional Policy
This seminar examines the theory and practice of regional policy, using the Canadian experience as a case study. It begins with an analysis of regionalism and regional economic concerns. Then the alternative policy approaches that are available and their theoretical underpinnings are considered, and a critical review of Canadian efforts is undertaken. Particular emphasis is placed on the way in which federalism shapes perceptions of regional issues, and influences the approach to solutions. Regional development concerns in the Third World countries may be analyzed in brief if students from that region participate.
Administration 50.575F1
Advanced Statistical Policy Analysis
An examination of econometric research on selected policy issues. The issues considered vary each year and the analysis incorporates the study of selected econometric techniques. The course enables students to evaluate critically applied econometric studies of public policy.
Administration 50.581W1
Human Resources Management
An introduction to the field of human resources Management including the roles of human resource departments, employee motivation, staffing, compensation, benefits, training and development and employee relations.
Administration 50.584F1
Industrial Relations and Public Sector Collective Bargaining
An analysis of the basic concepts of industrial relations, with respect to both public- and private-sector employees and organizations.
Administration 50.586F1
Aboriginal Policy
An examination of Canadian policies and programs on aboriginal peoples and aboriginal peoples own policies as nations set in a comparative political-economic and institutional context.
Administration 50.587W1
Trade Policy
An examination of Canadian multilateral and regional trade policies and programs set in a comparative political-economic and institutional context.
Administration 50.588F1
Structural Adjustment Policy
An examination of structural adjustment policies and programs with a comparative focus on developing countries, but also including their relations with developed countries.
Administration 50.589W1
Education Policy
An examination of Canadian policies and programs on education set in a comparative political-economic and institutional context.
Administration 50.590T2
Directed Studies
A tutorial or directed reading course on selected subjects.
Administration 50.591, 50.592, 50.593F1, W1, S1
Directed Studies
A tutorial or directed reading course on selected subjects.
Administration 50.597T2
Special Project in Development Administration
Administration 50.598F2, W2, S2
Research Essay
Administration 50.599F4, W4, S4
M.A. Thesis

Required Courses - Ph.D

Note: All courses are 0.5 credit (one-term) courses unless otherwise indicated. Ph.D. courses are open to master's students with approval of the School.

Administration 50.604F1
Policy Fields, Instruments and Institutions I
An examination of comparative and Canadian theories and analyses of policy fields, instruments and institutions, with emphasis on selected fields (including social, labour market and industrial policy) and instruments (including public expenditure, taxation and regulation.)
Before 1996-97, course 50.604 was offered as 50.600.
Administration 50.605W1
Policy Fields, Instruments and Institutions II
An examination of different approaches to understanding the roles of ideas, interests, and institutions in the policy process from a political science perspective. Topics may include discourse coalitions, policy learning, neo-institutionalism, policy communities, citizenship, community and contemporary challenges to democratic government.
Before 1996-97, course 50.605 was offered as 50.600.
Administration 50.606F1
The Political Economy of Public Policy I
An examination of various structural approaches to the political economy of public policy, including institutional, marxist, and other broad frameworks. Emphasis is placed on the contribution of these approaches to our understanding of social and economic changes and the role of public policy in shaping them.
Before 1996-97, course 50.606 was offered as 50.601.
Administration 50.607W1
The Political Economy of Public Policy II
An examination of the microanalytic foundations of the political economy of public policy, with application to selected policy issues. Topics covered may include welfare economics and public goods, group formation, collective choice mechanisms, voting behaviour, the evolution of institutions and norms, principal-agent problems, and bureaucracy.
Before 1996-97, course 50.607 was offered as 50.601.
Administration 50.608F1
Economics of Public Policy I
An examination of advanced topics in micro-
economic theory, including consumption, production and industrial organization, with application to selected policy issues.
Before 1996-97, course 50.608 was offered as 50.602.
Administration 50.609W1
Economics of Public Policy II
Selected application of economic theory to various contemporary public policy problems and issues. Topics chosen for study will vary from year to year. Emphasis is placed on the presentation by students of critical analyses of relevant literature.
Before 1996-97 course 50.609 was offered as 50.602.
Administration 50.610F1, W1, S1
Public Policy Research
An examination through analyses of selected current research projects of basic applied research issues, philosophies, and problems in public policy research.
Before 1996-97 course 50.610 was offered as 50.603.
Administration 50.690F3, W3, S3
Ph.D. Tutorial
A tutorial specifically designed as preparation for the general comprehensive examination, under the direction of two or more faculty members. The grade to be awarded will be that obtained on the general written examination.
Administration 50.691, 692, 693F3, W3, S3
Ph.D. Tutorials
Ph.D. tutorials specifically designed as preparation for the applied specialization examination. Working under the direction of two or more faculty members, the selected tutorial includes the preparation of a major literature review essay. The essay must be defended in an oral examination. The grade to be awarded is that obtained on both the written essay and the oral defence.
Administration 50.699F10, W10, S10
Ph.D. Thesis
Students will normally be supervised by faculty in the School of Public Administration but may also seek supervision from faculty in other social science departments, schools, and institutes.