MA/MS in Public Policy and Administration is a master's degree in Public Policy programme taught at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. The programme runs for 2 years, delivered on campus. Tuition for international students is CAD 24,473 per year.
This program leads to a Master of Public Policy and Administration, delivered in person in Ottawa over two years with Fall-only entry. Students choose among Coursework, Research Essay, and Thesis pathways, and can pursue collaborative specializations in Climate Change or Data Science. Co-op opportunities are included alongside academic coursework. The program is administered by a school that has offered graduate education in policy and administration for six decades, and it is positioned as preparation for work across public, private, and non-profit sectors. It suits students from a range of undergraduate backgrounds who are aiming for careers in policy analysis, public administration, or related roles in government or non-governmental organizations, and the choice of pathway lets students weight their program toward coursework, applied research, or a full thesis depending on their career or further-study goals.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: The Master of Public Policy and Administration normally requires an undergraduate or post-graduate degree, or equivalent, with an average of B+ or higher. All applicants must complete introductory microeconomic theory (ECON 1001 or equivalent) and macroeconomic theory (ECON 1002 or equivalent) with an average grade of B+ or higher across the two courses, plus basic algebra proficiency. Candidates without the B+ average who have demonstrated professional excellence over at least five years may instead be considered on the strength of designated university coursework; applicants should contact the School directly for specifics. Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English-language proficiency. The program admits for Fall entry only and runs two years; applicants are encouraged to apply early and before February 1.
Application Details
Start Date:September
Application Deadline:Domestic applicants apply through OUAC, which opens in September 2026; Ontario secondary-school students should apply by January 15, 2027, and the general Fall 2027 deadline for other domestic (Canada/US-transcript) applicants is June 1, 2027, while Winter 2027 term applications close November 15, 2026. International applicants (transcripts from outside Canada/US) apply directly through Carleton360, also opening September 2026, with an October 15, 2026 deadline for January 2027 entry and an April 1, 2027 main deadline for Fall 2027 entry; some programs, including Architectural Studies and Industrial Design, close March 1, 2027 with a March 5, 2027 portfolio deadline. Admission is not described as rolling. These are institution-wide dates; this programme publishes no deadline of its own.
