The specialization in Public Policy and Administration offers students an opportunity to develop the conceptual abilities, knowledge base, and practical skills to prepare them for work in public sector organizations, including all levels of government and the para-statal or third sector. It also provides an excellent preparation for graduate studies.

It is an interdisciplinary area of study, building especially upon the research and teaching strengths of the University’s School of Public Administration, and it presents students with opportunities to understand the tools available for management and policy analysis, to develop a critical understanding of the key concepts used for policy analysis and management, and to apply this understanding to problems in the public sector in a realistic and sophisticated manner.

Program of Study

Second Year
  • The Policy Cycle
  • Social Science Research Methods
  • Public Law
  • Accounting or Micro and Macroeconomics
  • Free elective

Third Year
  • Policy Research
  • Introduction to Organization Theory
  • Public Finance: Taxation and Expenditure
  • Administrative Law ยท Canadian Public Administration
  • Comparative Public Policy Analysis
  • Management in the Public Sector
  • Free Elective

Fourth Year
  • Capstone Seminar
  • Honours Research Essay
  • Ethics in Public Service
  • Free elective
 Choose 2 of:

  • Environmental Policy
  • Health Policy
  • Tax Policy
  • Sustainable Development and Industrial and Innovation Policy
  • Social Policy
  • Gender and Public Policy
  • Regional Policy
  • Aboriginal Policy
  • Trade Policy
  • Education Policy
 Choose 2 of:

  • Introduction to Human Resources Management
  • Organization Development and Change Management: Managing Workforce Diversity
  • Organizational Learning: Management of Information Systems
  • Management of Technology and Innovation
  • Introduction to Industrial Relations
  • Public Affairs and Media Strategies
  • Labour and the Canadian State
  • Public Organizations: Theory and Practice
  • Law and Regulation
  • Employment Law
  • Labour Law
  • Equality and Anti-discrimination Law
  • Employment Dispute Resolution
  • Administrative Law and Control

Career Possibilities

This specialization will prepare graduates for a variety of opportunities in the federal, provincial or municipal public services. With the rejuvenation of the federal public service in particular, there is a strong demand for highly trained recruits. In addition, private firms that depend on an understanding of public policy offer career possibilities for graduates of this specialization.

For a complete listing of course numbers see the Public Affairs and Policy Management entry in the Carleton University Undergraduate Calendar.

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