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Public Policy
The master of public policy (MPP) program offers the skills, insights and analytical frameworks that public sector and non-profit policy analysts and managers require. It focuses on the political and economic contexts of public policy analysis and offers specialized study. Designed to develop the strategic and global perspective required of tomorrow's senior policy analysts and managers, the program uses a cohort model which encourages student interaction and co-operation.
間眅埶AV Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the University admission requirements as stated in Graduate General Regulations 1.3 in the 間眅埶AV Calendar. Students with non-Canadian undergraduate or graduate degrees are required to complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Direct admission is only permitted into the Project Option.
Program Requirements
This program consists of course work, an internship, and either a project or a course work option for a minimum of 70 units.
Students must complete all of
An introduction to the basic principles and techniques of public policy analysis and examination of current policy issues.
An examination of the basic operation of a market economy and introduction to key economic concepts and techniques.
Application of economic concepts and techniques to a variety of public policy issues.
The first of a two term sequence that examines the basic structures and processes of government in Canada and their context in the evolving Canadian political economy. It also introduces students to key actors in the policy process and examines their structure and behavior. Examples of relevant actors include federal, provincial and local state structures and agencies, and a variety of societal actors such as pressure groups, social movements, think tanks and other associations.
Building upon MPP 803, this course provides a detailed examination of the policy process 羶 the stages through which public policies are developed. The course outlines the nature of the policy cycle and examines the formal and informal institutions and rules that affect policy actors in their deliberations and decisions. Specific attention is paid to the nature of policy communities and policy networks in Canada and their impact upon policy content and policy change.
Surveys graphical, mathematical and statistical tools with applications to policy analysis. Covers graphical techniques; algebraic relationships, descriptive statistics, probability distributions, confidence intervals; definition and interpretation of regression results.
Develops key analytical and practical skills that include use of programs such as Excel and SPSS. Identifies and frames public policy problems and structure effective research questions and study designs. Introduces to methodologies for interviews, focus groups, case studies, surveys, and how to incorporate these data sources into policy research.
Introduces the basic principles and techniques of policy analysis and examination of current public policy issues. A continuation of MPP 800. Prerequisite: PLCY 800 or MPP 800, or permission of the instructor.
and a Co-op
Students who do not have prior work experience in public policy are placed in a public or private organization connected to public policy. The work they undertake must be of sufficient depth and breadth to allow the student the opportunity to demonstrate his or her acquired knowledge and skills. Students will be required to produce a work report that will be an appraisal of the student's work experience.
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and the requirements from either the project or course work option.
Project Option
Students complete
and four elective PLCY graduate courses*
Course Work Option
Students complete
The purpose is to enable students to undertake an extended policy analysis of a topic. While original research is not expected, the analysis will state a problem, review and analyze relevant literature and data, describe potential policy options and evaluate them with appropriate criteria. The policy research paper does not need to be submitted to the library. Prerequisite: PLCY 802, PLCY 804, PLCY 806, PLCY 807 and approval of the department.
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and five elective PLCY graduate courses*
* The program director, in consultation with the student, selects appropriate graduate courses offered by PLCY, affiliated programs and departments.
Program Length
Students are expected to complete the program requirements in six terms (2 years). The maximum course load for this program is four courses per term.
Other Information
Course Work Option
Permission of the program director is required for enrollment in the course work option.
Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations
All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.