UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA · CANADA
Master of Public Administration
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 2 yearsProgram Duration
- Master's Project or ThesisFinal Project Options
- Focus AreasSpecialized Study Options
- Canadian UniversityLocation
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at the University of Victoria equips students with the knowledge and skills to lead and manage effectively in the public and non-profit sectors. This program focuses on developing expertise in public policy, governance, financial management, and strategic communication. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in government, international organizations, and community-based initiatives. The MPA program offers a flexible curriculum with core courses and a range of electives, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests. Students can choose to complete their degree through a Master's Project or a Master's Thesis. The program also offers opportunities to focus on areas such as Indigenous governance, climate change policy, and planetary health, providing a comprehensive understanding of contemporary public administration challenges.
Curriculum
The MPA program combines core courses with electives to provide a robust understanding of public administration. Students can choose between a Master's Project or a Master's Thesis to demonstrate their acquired knowledge and skills.
- Year 1
- Research Methods for Policy and PracticeADMN 502A
- Data Analysis and InterpretationADMN 502B
- Government and GovernanceADMN 504
- Leadership and Ethics in the Public SectorADMN 507
- Economics for Policy AnalysisADMN 509
- Public Financial Management and AccountabilityADMN 512
- Performance and Strategic Human Resource ManagementADMN 531
- Strategic Communication and EngagementADMN 550
- Administrative Justice System in CanadaADMN 551
- Managing Public PolicyADMN 556
- Public Sector Research MethodsADMN 557
- Year 2
- Master's ProjectADMN 598
- Master's ThesisADMN 599
Careers
Graduates of the MPA program are well-prepared for a variety of leadership and management roles in diverse sectors.
- Policy Analyst
- Program Manager
- Public Administrator
- Government Official
- Non-profit Leader
- Community Developer
- Consultant
Frequently asked questions
- What are the academic entry requirements for the Master of Public Administration program?
- You need a Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of a B+ average (equivalent to 5.0 on UVic's grading scale) on your last two years of undergraduate study. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
- What English language proficiency scores are required for international applicants?
- For IELTS, you need an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band. For TOEFL iBT, the requirement is 90 overall with no less than 20 in each section.
- How much does the Master of Public Administration program cost for international students?
- Tuition is charged in installments per term (September, January, May). Specific tuition amounts for the MPA program are not detailed but are based on a total degree program fee divided over the duration of study. Ancillary fees and mandatory medical insurance for the first term are also assessed.
- What is the duration of the Master of Public Administration program?
- The program is designed to be completed in 2 years.
- What are the application deadlines for the MPA program?
- The application deadline for Fall admission is December 1. Admission decisions are typically released in the Spring, and the program starts in September.
- What are the career prospects after completing the MPA program?
- Graduates are prepared for roles such as Policy Analyst, Program Manager, Public Administrator, Government Official, Non-profit Leader, Community Developer, or Consultant in public, non-profit, and international sectors.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeA minimum of a B+ average (equivalent to 5.0 on UVic's grading scale) on the last two years of undergraduate study.
IELTS6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each band
TOEFL iBT90 overall, with no less than 20 in each section
Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Applicants with a degree from a country where English is the primary language of instruction may not need to provide proof of English language proficiency.
Fees
Tuition (international)Graduate program fees are assessed by program and paid in installments per term. Specific tuition amounts for the MPA program are not detailed but are based on a total degree program fee divided over the duration of study.
Tuition (home)Graduate program fees are assessed by program and paid in installments per term. Specific tuition amounts for the MPA program are not detailed but are based on a total degree program fee divided over the duration of study.
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided on the provided pages.
Tuition is charged in installments per term (September, January, May). Ancillary fees for services like U-Pass, health, and recreation are also assessed. International students have a mandatory temporary medical insurance plan in their first term.
How to apply
1. Check Admission RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and English language proficiency requirements.
2. Gather Required DocumentsPrepare transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of intent, and any other program-specific documents.
3. Complete the Online ApplicationSubmit your application through the University of Victoria's online application portal.
4. Pay Application FeeA non-refundable application fee is required to process your application.
5. Submit Supporting DocumentsUpload or mail official transcripts and other required documents as instructed.
6. Monitor Application StatusCheck your application status regularly through the applicant portal.
Scholarships
UVic FellowshipsUp to $20,000 per year
External Awards and FellowshipsVaries
BursariesVaries
Frequently asked questions
What are the academic entry requirements for the Master of Public Administration program?
+
You need a Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of a B+ average (equivalent to 5.0 on UVic's grading scale) on your last two years of undergraduate study. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
What English language proficiency scores are required for international applicants?
+
For IELTS, you need an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band. For TOEFL iBT, the requirement is 90 overall with no less than 20 in each section.
How much does the Master of Public Administration program cost for international students?
+
Tuition is charged in installments per term (September, January, May). Specific tuition amounts for the MPA program are not detailed but are based on a total degree program fee divided over the duration of study. Ancillary fees and mandatory medical insurance for the first term are also assessed.
What is the duration of the Master of Public Administration program?
+
The program is designed to be completed in 2 years.
What are the application deadlines for the MPA program?
+
The application deadline for Fall admission is December 1. Admission decisions are typically released in the Spring, and the program starts in September.
What are the career prospects after completing the MPA program?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles such as Policy Analyst, Program Manager, Public Administrator, Government Official, Non-profit Leader, Community Developer, or Consultant in public, non-profit, and international sectors.