Course description
Program Requirements
The M.A. in Public Administration is a 7.5- credit program. Students must complete:
1. 3.5 credits of core courses;
2. 2.0 credits from courses in one of the four Concentrations offered by the School; and
3. 2.0 other approved credits.
Students are required to take the following courses:
A. Core Courses
PADM 5111 Microeconomics for Policy Analysis
PADM 5112 Macroeconomics for Policy Analysis
PADM 5113 Research Methods and Design I
PADM 5114 Research Methods and Design II
PADM 5115 Introduction to State and Society
PADM 5116 Policy Analysis and Contemporary Governance
PADM 5117 Public Management
B. Concentrations
To receive credit for a concentration, students must complete at least four of the courses (2.0 credits) listed as options for that concentration. A course cross-listed between concentrations qualifies for either concentration but may count toward only one of them.
Policy Analysis Concentration
The Policy Analysis Concentration includes courses that focus on the theory, methods, or practice of policy analysis as well as courses that focus on specific policy fields. The courses are grouped into these two categories to give students guidance about the goals of the courses.
Students are required to take 2.0 credits selected from the courses listed below:
Theory, Methods and Policy Processes
PADM 5211 Intergovernmental Relations (cross-listed with Public Management)
PADM 5212 Civil Society and Public Policy
PADM 5213 Gender and Public Policy (cross-listed with International and Development)
PADM 5214 Budgetary Policy in the Public Sector
PADM 5215 Benefit-Cost Analysis (cross- listed with Public Management)
PADM 5216 Economic Models of Politics and Public Policy
PADM 5217 Applied Microeconomic Policy Analysis
PADM 5218 Analysis of Socio-economic Data
PADM 5219 Advanced Statistical Policy Analysis
PADM 5420 Policy and Program Evaluation in Government (cross-listed with Public Management)
Field Courses
PADM 5220 Regulation and Public Policy (cross-listed with Innovation, Science and Environment)
PADM 5221 Health Policy in Canada
PADM 5222 Economics and Health Policy
PADM 5223 Canadian Economic Policy
PADM 5224 Aboriginal Policy
PADM 5225 Trade Policy (cross-listed with International and Development)
PADM 5226 Tax Policy
PADM 5227 Education Policy
PADM 5228 Social Policy
PADM 5229 The Health of Populations
PADM 5272 Policy Seminar (Policy Analysis Concentration)
PADM 5291 Directed Study (Policy Analysis Concentration)
PADM 5616 Environmental Policy (cross-listed with Innovation, Science and Environment)
Other courses as approved by the M.A. Supervisor.
Public Management Concentration
Students are required to take 2.0 credits selected from:
PADM 5411 Organization Theory
PADM 5412 Ethics and Accountability in the Public Sector
PADM 5413 Law of Public Authorities I
PADM 5414 Law of Public Authorities II
PADM 5415 Strategic Management in the Public Sector
PADM 5416 Budgetary Management for the Public Sector
PADM 5417 Principles of Finance
PADM 5418 Human Resources Management
PADM 5419 Industrial Relations and Public Sector Collective Bargaining
PADM 5420 Policy and Program Evaluation (cross-listed with Policy Analysis)
PADM 5421 Globalizing Public Management (cross-listed with International and Development)
PADM 5422 Urban and Local Government
PADM 5423 Third Sector Governance and Management
PADM 5424 Evaluation Cases and Applications
PADM 5472 Policy Seminar (Public Management Concentration)
PADM 5491 Directed Study (Public Management Concentration)
PADM 5211 Intergovernmental Relations (cross-listed with Policy Analysis)
PADM 5215 Benefit-Cost Analysis (cross-listed with Policy Analysis)
PADM 5814 Program and Project Management (cross-listed with International and Development)
Other courses as approved by the M.A. Supervisor
Innovation, Science and Environment Concentration
Students are required to take 2.0 credits selected from:
PADM 5611 Science and Technology Policies
PADM 5612 Industrial Policy, Innovation and Sustainable Production
PADM 5613 Science, Risk and Evaluation
PADM 5614 Natural Resource Management
PADM 5615 Sustainable Energy Policy
PADM 5616 Environmental Policy (cross-listed with Policy Analysis)
PADM 5617 Implementing Sustainable Development in Industrialized Countries
PADM 5618 Environmental and Ecological Economics
PADM 5619 Urban Sustainability
PADM 5620 The Science, Politics and Economics of Global Climate Change
PADM 5672 Policy Seminar (Innovation, Science and Environment Concentration)
PADM 5691 Directed Study (Innovation, Science and Environment Concentration)
PADM 5220 Regulation and Public Policy (cross-listed with Policy Analysis)
Other courses as approved by the M.A. Supervisor.
International and Development Concentration
Students are required to take 2.0 credits selected from:
PADM 5811 The International Policy Framework
PADM 5812 Governance in Developing Countries
PADM 5813 The Evolution of World Bank/IMF Policy Conditionality
PADM 5814 Program and Project Management (cross-listed with Public Management)
PADM 5815 Civil Society Organizations and Development
PADM 5816 Program Evaluation in Developing Countries
PADM 5817 Health Policy in Developing Countries
PADM 5872 Policy Seminar (International and Development Concentration)
PADM 5891 Directed Study (International and Development Concentration)
PADM 5213 Gender and Public Policy (cross-listed with Policy Analysis Development)
PADM 5225 Trade Policy (cross-listed with Policy Analysis)
PADM 5421 Globalizing Public Management (cross-listed with Public Management)
INAF 5007 Theories of Development and Underdevelopment
INAF 5008 Economic Development Policy and Planning
Other courses as approved by the M.A. Supervisor.
French Language Proficiency
There is no formal second language requirement as part of the M.A. but students planning careers in the Government of Canada are strongly encouraged to develop facility with French. The School provides access to courses in French for the Public Service on a non-credit basis (these courses do not count towards the degree). Students should consult the school's website regularly for the availability of these courses.
PADM 5111 [0.5 credit]
Microeconomics for Policy Analysis
Key concepts in microeconomic theory and their application to public policy. Topics may include incentives, rational choice theory, market structure, welfare economics, and strategic behaviour.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5203
Prerequisite: ECON 1000 or equivalent.
PADM 5112 [0.5 credit]
Macroeconomics and Public Policy
Macroeconomic policy analysis. Theoretical foundations and current policy debates concerning economic growth and sustainable development, globalization and the open economy, stabilization policy, and fiscal and monetary policy are analyzed in the Canadian and international context.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5202.
Prerequisite: ECON 1000 or equivalent.
PADM 5113 [0.5 credit]
Research Methods and Design I
Methods used in qualitative policy research. Topics may include the formulation of research problems, research design and techniques for collecting and managing evidence, and the role of qualitative research in the analysis of public policies and programs.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5603.
PADM 5114 [0.5 credit]
Research Methods and Design II
Descriptive statistics, probability theory and sampling distributions, hypothesis testing of quantitative and qualitative population parameters, and regression analysis.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5501.
PADM 5115 [0.5 credit]
Introduction to State and Society
Classic and contemporary debates about the relationship between the state, society, and economy. The development of the state, and changing conceptions of citizenship, democracy, and nationalism as well as the state's role in the post-WWII international order and the challenges of globalization.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5607.
Prerequisite: PSCI 2003 or equivalent.
PADM 5116 [0.5 credit]
Policy Analysis and Contemporary Governance
Policy analysis and policy processes, emphasizing the contemporary context and challenges facing decision makers. Selected policy issues.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5608.
Prerequisite: PSCI 1000 or equivalent.
PADM 5117 [0.5 credit]
Public Management
Principles and processes of public-sector management as they function through cabinet-parliamentary government, federalism, the public service bureaucracy and the judiciary. Institutional reforms and changes in the philosophy of public sector management.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5000.
PADM 5211 [0.5 credit]
Intergovernmental Relations
Major cost-sharing and fiscal transfer agreements. The intergovernmental mechanisms for policy and administrative coordination in selected policy fields.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5003.
PADM 5212 [0.5 credit]
Civil Society and Public Policy
The influence of various interests, social movements, voluntary organizations and citizens in the policy process in a Canadian and comparative context.
PADM 5213 [0.5 credit]
Gender and Public Policy
The impact of public policy on gender relations and how gender relations shape policy. Topics covered may include gender inequalities in earnings and employment, macroeconomic policy, gender and development, and gender-based analysis.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4213, for which additional credit is precluded.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 4701 and PADM 5701.
PADM 5214 [0.5 credit]
Budgetary Policy in the Public Sector
Selected aspects of the expenditure and revenue budget and budgetary process at all levels of government. Critical review of actual budgets and budgetary processes.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5203.
Prerequisites: PADM 5111 and PADM 5116.
PADM 5215 [0.5 credit]
Benefit-Cost Analysis
Benefit-cost analysis and its application to public-sector investment, pricing policy, discount rates, marginal cost and shadow pricing, and the handling of risk and uncertainty.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5200.
Prerequisite: PADM 5111.
PADM 5216 [0.5 credit]
Economic Models of Politics and Public Policy
Microfoundations of collective action, majority rule, political institutions and bureaucracy. Applications to various issues in Canadian and international public policy.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5609.
Prerequisite: PADM 5111.
PADM 5217 [0.5 credit]
Applied Microeconomic Policy Analysis
Microeconomic theory applied to public policy problems and issues.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5204.
Prerequisite: PADM 5111.
PADM 5218 [0.5 credit]
Analysis of Socio-economic Data
Correlation and regression analyses to test hypotheses about the relationships between socio-economic variables.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5502.
Prerequisite: PADM 5113 and PADM 5114.
PADM 5219 [0.5 credit]
Advanced Statistical Policy Analysis
Econometric research on selected policy issues using selected econometric techniques.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5705.
Prerequisite: PADM 5218 or equivalent.
PADM 5220 [0.5 credit]
Regulation and Public Policy
Political, economic, legal, and organizational theories of regulation in the Canadian and comparative context. Processes and consequences of regulatory practice in selected Canadian public policy fields.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5002.
Prerequisite: PADM 5116.
PADM 5221 [0.5 credit]
Health Policy in Canada
Canadian health policies and programs set in a comparative political-economic and institutional context.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4221, for which additional credit is precluded.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 4009 and PADM 5009.
PADM 5222 [0.5 credit]
Economics and Health Policy
This course applies microeconomic theory to a discussion of health policy. Focus on issues of particular interest to a student of Canadian health care policy.
Prerequisite: PADM 5111.
PADM 5223 [0.5 credit]
Canadian Economic Policy
Overview of Canadian economic development and how it has been affected by governments. Topics may be drawn from monetary, fiscal, industrial, trade, labour market or competition policies, viewed in contemporary and historical contexts.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5205.
Prerequisites: PADM 5111 and PADM 5112.
PADM 5224 [0.5 credit]
Aboriginal Policy
Canadian policies and programs on aboriginal peoples and aboriginal peoples' own policies as nations set in a comparative political-economic and institutional context.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4224, for which additional credit is precluded.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 4806 and PADM 5806.
PADM 5225 [0.5 credit]
Trade Policy
Canadian multilateral and regional trade policies and programs set in a comparative political-economic and institutional context.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 4807 and PADM 5807.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4225, for which additional credit is precluded.
PADM 5226 [0.5 credit]
Tax Policy
Canadian tax policies set in a comparative political-economic and institutional context.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4226, for which additional credit is precluded.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 4509 and PADM 5509.
PADM 5227 [0.5 credit]
Education Policy
Canadian policies and programs on education set in a comparative political-economic and institutional context.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 4809 and PADM 5809.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4227, for which additional credit is precluded.
PADM 5228 [0.5 credit]
Social Policy
The nature and historical development of social programs in capitalist countries, with particular focus on Canada. The course will concentrate on developing a critical understanding of the social forces shaping these programs.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 4604 and PADM 5604.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4228, for which additional credit is precluded.
PADM 5229 [0.5 credit]
The Health of Populations
Assessment of the medical model, and perspectives on the social and economic determinants of health, population health, and community health. The health of particular groups in Canada (e.g., women, Aboriginal peoples). International comparisons will be made.
PADM 5272 [0.5 credit]
Policy Seminar (Policy Analysis Concentration)
One or more selected policy areas or specialized aspects of policy analysis. The policy field or topic will change each year.
PADM 5291 [0.5 credit]
Directed Studies (Policy Analysis Concentration)
A tutorial or directed reading course on selected subjects related to policy analysis.
PADM 5301
Co-operative Work Term
Prerequisites: registration in the Co-operative Education Option of the M.A. program and permission of the Co-op Supervisor.
PADM 5302
Co-operative Work Term
Prerequisites: Registration in the Co-operative Education Option of the M.A. program and permission of the Co-op Supervisor.
PADM 5303
Co-operative Work Term
Prerequisites: Registration in the Co-operative Education Option of the M.A. program and permission of the Co-op Supervisor.
PADM 5411 [0.5 credit]
Organization Theory
Focusing on major theoretical approaches to organizations, the course develops practical insights into issues such as organizational design, leadership, technology, culture and diversity, motivation and power. It applies these insights to organizations in both the public and private sectors in a variety of national contexts.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5300.
PADM 5412 [0.5 credit]
Ethics and Accountability in the Public Sector
Philosophy, principles and values that have shaped Canada's framework of public sector ethics and accountability. The relationship between ethics, accountability and good governance and the reforms designed to limit unethical behaviour and strengthen accountability.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 4703.
PADM 5413 [0.5 credit]
Law of Public Authorities I
The legal environment of Canadian public administration, Canadian law, institutions and processes. Canadian legal history, adversarial adjudicative procedures, delegation of powers to public authorities, procedural justice in government decision making, and controls on public authorities and enforcement of ethics.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5306.
PADM 5414 [0.5 credit]
Law of Public Authorities II
Characteristics and selected problems of control of administrative action. Topics may include: varieties of constitutional, legal and judicial control, impact of the Charter, reforms to administrative law control systems in Canada, and comparisons with developments outside Canada.
Precludes additional credit for LAWS 4507 and PADM 5307.
Prerequisite: PADM 5413.
PADM 5415 [0.5 credit]
Strategic Management in the Public Sector
Key concepts, principles and tools of strategic management, and their use in planning and policy implementation in the public sector. Reviews critical perspectives and cases in order to identify some of the limitations of strategic management.
Prerequisite: PADM 5117.
PADM 5416 [0.5 credit]
Budgetary Management for the Public Sector
Theory and practice of budgeting in the public sector. From a management perspective, the course focuses on the objectives, methods and systems for the control and reporting of expenditures.
PADM 5417 [0.5 credit]
Principles of Finance
The use of financial assets to obtain funds, evaluative criteria to compare alternative uses of funds, and derivative contracts to manage risk. Public sector applications of these practices are emphasized.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5101.
PADM 5418 [0.5 credit]
Human Resources Management
The field of human resources management including the roles of human resource departments, employee motivation, staffing, compensation, benefits, training and development and employee relations.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5801.
PADM 5419 [0.5 credit]
Industrial Relations and Public Sector Collective Bargaining
The basic concepts of industrial relations, with respect to both public and private sector employees and organizations.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5804.
PADM 5420 [0.5 credit]
Policy and Program Evaluation
Selected concepts, issues, and processes in applied governmental planning and evaluation, utilizing both Canadian and comparative experiences.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5602.
PADM 5421 [0.5 credit]
Globalizing Public Management
Public sector reform has swept the developed and developing world in the last two decades. The dynamics of this global movement, the models exported and adopted, and the success and failure of these exports.
Prerequisite: PADM 5117.
PADM 5422 [0.5 credit]
Urban and Local Government
The role of municipal government in the context of Canadian federalism. Current economic, political and social trends affecting Canada's major urban centres including growth, amalgamation, fiscal reform, immigration, housing, community engagement, and sustainable development.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5106.
PADM 5423 [0.5 credit]
Third Sector Governance and Management
Governance and management of voluntary/nonprofit organizations and their role in democracy, public policy, and service delivery.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5109.
PADM 5424 [0.5 credit]
Evaluation Cases and Applications
Selected case studies in the development, design, management and implementation of policy and program evaluation.
Prerequisite: PADM 5420.
PADM 5472 [0.5 credit]
Policy Seminar (Public Management Concentration)
One or more selected policy areas or specialized aspects of public management. The policy field or topic will change each year.
PADM 5491 [0.5 credit]
Directed Studies (Public Management Concentration)
A tutorial or directed reading course on selected subjects related to public management.
PADM 5611 [0.5 credit]
Science and Technology Policies
Theory and practice regarding governmental policies for science and technology, and the use of scientific knowledge in the policy and regulatory processes of government. Concerns regarding the ethical issues and the transparency of science in government.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5400.
PADM 5612 [0.5 credit]
Industrial Policy, Innovation and Sustainable Production
Sustainable production theory and key drivers, barriers and opportunities influencing innovation in industrial systems and processes. The relationship of public policies and industry practices are explored in a number of sectors.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 4600 and PADM 5600.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4612, for which additional credit is precluded.
PADM 5614 [0.5 credit]
Natural Resource Management
Governance and management of natural resources from a Canadian and international perspective. The use of various management instruments, regulatory approaches and community-based and co-management institutions are evaluated with evidence from several case studies from around the world.
PADM 5615 [0.5 credit]
Sustainable Energy Policy
Sustainable energy policy in the Canadian context. Themes may include: continental energy markets, de-regulation, environmental issues and climate change, and policy issues related to specific energy sectors including oil and gas, nuclear, electricity, and new renewables.
PADM 5616 [0.5 credit]
Environmental Policy
Canadian environmental policies and programs set in a comparative political-economic and institutional context.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 4008 and PADM 5008.
PADM 5617 [0.5 credit]
Implementing Sustainable Development in Industrialized Countries
Genesis and evolution of the idea of sustainable development and the ways in which it is influencing public policy and public sector structures and processes. Canada's performance in implementing sustainable development will be assessed in comparison with other industrialized countries.
PADM 5618 [0.5 credit]
Environmental and Ecological Economics
Environmental and ecological economics with applications to public policy and environmental management issues. Concepts of sustainability, non-market valuation and ecological stability, the determination of environmental targets, and the use of policy instruments, incentives and emissions markets.
Prerequisite: PADM 5111.
PADM 5619 [0.5 credit]
Urban Sustainability
Impact of economic growth and social change on cities and their attempts to forge sustainable growth. Incorporating political and fiscal issues, the focus is on 'smart growth' policies and initiatives in areas such as environmental control, transport, land use, housing and infrastructure.
PADM 5620 [0.5 credit]
The Science, Politics and Economics of Global Climate Change
Scientific issues at the core of climate change and the domestic and international policy responses. Various environmental, economic, and political implications for both the developed and developing worlds and for the various regions of Canada.
PADM 5672 [0.5 credit]
Policy Seminar (Innovation, Science and Environment Concentration)
One or more selected policy areas and topics related to innovation, science and environment. The topic will change each year.
PADM 5691 [0.5 credit]
Directed Studies (Innovation, Science and Environment Concentration)
A tutorial or directed reading course on selected subjects related to innovation, science and the environment.
PADM 5811 [0.5 credit]
The International Policy Framework
The evolution of the main international rules and institutions governing the economic relationships among nation states, with emphasis on the changing roles of the Bretton Woods institutions (IMF, World Bank, GATT/ WTO).
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5001.
PADM 5812 [0.5 credit]
Governance in Developing Countries
The roles of the state and civil society in the governance of developing countries in the context of public sector reform and globalization.
PADM 5813 [0.5 credit]
The Evolution of World Bank/IMF Policy Conditionality
The changing nature of World Bank/IMF policy conditionality with emphasis on the period since the onset of the 1982 debt crisis.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5808.
PADM 5814 [0.5 credit]
Program and Project Management
The context, critical issues and methods relating to the planning and implementation of development programs and projects.
Precludes additional credit for PADM 5107.
PADM 5815 [0.5 credit]
Civil Society Organizations and Development
The context, roles, structures and strategies of nongovernmental organizations in the development process at the global, national and local levels. The role of development aid and NGOs is considered.
PADM 5816 [0.5 credit]
Program Evaluation in Developing Countries
The context, critical issues and methods relating to the evaluation of development interventions.
PADM 5817 [0.5 credit]
Health Policy in Developing Countries
Debates regarding health policy in the developing world, in the context of the global health sector reform movement, trade and intellectual property regimes, and strategies of corporate and NGO actors. Issues of gender, class and the determinants of health.
PADM 5872 [0.5 credit]
Policy Seminar (International and Development Concentration)
One or more selected policy areas and topics related to policy and administration in the international and development context. The topic will change each year.
PADM 5891 [0.5 credit]
Directed Studies (International and Development Concentration)
A tutorial or directed reading course on selected subjects related to international and development issues.
PADM 5908 [[1.0 credit]
Research Essay
PADM 5909 [2.0 credits]
M.A. Thesis
