Public Administration, M.P.A.
Political Studies
Acting Head: Dr. Steven Lecce
Chair: Dr. Susan Prentice
Associate Chair & Co-op Placement: Dr. Malcolm Bird (m.bird@uwinnipeg.ca)
Campus Address/General Office: 532 Fletcher Argue
Telephone: 204-474-9733
Email Address: political.studies@umanitoba.ca
Website: https://umanitoba.ca/arts/political-studies/master-public-administration-program
Academic Staff: Please refer to the Political Studies website for staff information.
Public Administration Program Information
This Master of Public Administration program is offered jointly by the Department of Political Studies at the University of Manitoba and the Department of Political Science at the University of Winnipeg. Unless otherwise specified by particular agreements attached to its own creation, it is governed by the general procedures and regulations devised by the two universities for joint master’s programs.
Joint Master's Program
The University of Manitoba and The University of Winnipeg together offer the Joint Master's program, with courses and thesis direction (if applicable) offered at both institutions. Students of a JMP are admitted by the Faculty of Graduate Studies at the University of Manitoba. Graduates of Joint Master’s programs receive a joint-institution parchment. Students in the JMP may elect to attend the convocation of either of the two participating universities. The programs are governed by the Joint Discipline Committee (JDC) at the department/unit level, consisting of faculty members of both institutions.
Admission Information
Admission to the Faculty of Graduate Studies
Application and Admission Procedures are found in the Academic Guide.
Admission requirements for Master’s students are found in the Master’s Degrees General Regulations section of the Guide.
M.P.A. Admission Requirements
Applicants for admission to the program must normally be graduates of four-year undergraduate degree programs (or equivalent) from:
- Canadian institutions empowered by law to grant degrees; or
- Colleges and universities outside Canada, which are officially recognized by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
It is preferred, but not required, that applicants have some formal course background in public administration, political science or economics. Students from other disciplines are also encouraged to apply.
Application Information
Students should complete and submit their online application with supporting documentation by the date indicated on the M.P.A. program of study page.
Degree Requirements
All students must complete 36 credit hours of study, including 24 credit hours of required courses and 12 credit hours of optional courses, all of which would be at the 7000-level (normally), and 2 mandatory co-op placements (POLS 7800 & POLS 7810). Students with demonstrated professional-work experience with a public sector organization in the area of health or public administration, may request a waiver of the requirement for two co-op placements.
There is no thesis option or comprehensive examination. Students are required, however, to complete a major research paper as part of the Capstone Seminar.
Expected Time to Graduate: 2 years
Progression Chart
| Year 1 | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| GRAD 7300 | Research Integrity Tutorial | 0 |
| GRAD 7500 | Academic Integrity Tutorial | 0 |
| POLS 7130/9040 | Theories and Issues in Public Administration | 3 |
| POLS 7132/9250 | Public Policy Process and Issues | 3 |
| POLS 7136/9260 | Governance and Administration | 3 |
| POLS 7134/9640 | Qualitative Methods and Communications for the Public Sector | 3 |
| POLS 7140/9420 | Principles of Public Finance for Policy Analysis | 3 |
| POLS 7XXX | Option | 3 |
| POLS 7800 | MPA Co-operative Education Term 1 | 0 |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| POLS 7138/9630 | Quantitative Methods for Policy Analysis | 3 |
| POLS 7990/9610 | MPA Capstone Seminar | 3 |
| POLS 7980/9620 | Professional Development | 3 |
| POLS 7XXX | Option | 3 |
| POLS 7XXX | Option | 3 |
| POLS 7XXX | Option | 3 |
| POLS 7810 | MPA Co-operative Education Term 2 | 0 |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Registration Information
Students should familiarize themselves with the Faculty of Graduate Studies ‘GRAD’ courses applicable to their program. If you have questions about which GRAD course(s) to register in, please consult your home department/unit.
All new and returning students will meet with the MPA Chair or designate. During their meeting, courses will be discussed and approved. Students will complete the Departmental Graduate Student Registration Form. The form will be submitted to the MPA Department Administrator, and the registration will be completed on the student’s behalf. Registration revisions (addition and /or deletion of courses) must be approved in the same manner.
Regulations
Students must meet the requirements as outlined in both Supplementary Regulation and BFAR documents as approved by Senate.
Supplementary Regulations
Individual units may require specific requirements above and beyond those of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, and students should consult unit supplementary regulations for these specific regulations.
Bona Fide Academic Requirements (BFAR)
Bona Fide Academic Requirements (BFAR) represent the core academic requirements a graduate student must acquire in order to gain, and demonstrate acquisition of, essential knowledge and skills.
All students must successfully complete:
- GRAD 7300 prior to applying to any ethics boards which are appropriate to the student’s research or within the student’s first year, whichever comes first; and
- GRAD 7500 within the first term of registration;
unless these courses have been completed previously, as per Mandatory Academic Integrity Course and Mandatory Research Integrity Online Course.
Students must also meet additional BFAR requirements that may be specified for their program.
General Regulations
All students must:
- maintain a minimum degree grade point average of 3.0 with no grade below C+,
- meet the minimum and not exceed the maximum course requirements, and
- meet the minimum and not exceed the maximum time requirements (in terms of time in program and lapse or expiration of credit of courses).
Courses
The following list is courses offered by the Department of Political Studies, some of which are applicable to the MPA program.
Political Studies
This credit is granted to six individuals who annually complete the assignment as Legislative Interns within the Manitoba Legislative Assembly.
This course introduces students to the academic discipline of Political Science via an exploration of its origins, evolutions, and challenges. Particular emphasis is placed on contemporary issues and debates. Course graded pass/fail.
The Major Research Paper (or MRP) is designed for M.A. students in Political Studies who are doing the course-based stream. Students in this course will pursue individual research projects in an area of interest to them, once they have completed the majority of other program coursework. This course is evaluated on a pass/fail basis.
Integrating theory and practice helps to better understand the challenges facing public administration. Topics covered include changing approaches to management, human resource and financial management, reporting, accountability, citizen engagement, and network governance. Restricted to MPA students.
An introduction to the idea of policy analysis, including key foundational concepts and significant theories, models, and approaches; how and why the policy process operates as it does (empirical) and how and why some think it should (normative); and specific policy issues. Restricted to MPA students.
Communication coupled with an understanding of qualitative research approaches are key to success in public administration. Topics include research design, policy research, referencing, evaluating writing and research, and presenting for results. Restricted to MPA students.
An introduction to theories of organization and bureaucracy linked to administrative practices in the public sector. Governance models (Traditional Public Administration, New Public Management, Multi-level Governance) in the Canadian, provincial, and local context will be explored. Restricted to MPA students.
An introduction to quantitative methods, including research design, data collection techniques, basic statistical analysis, statistical significance, contingency tables, multiple regression; with an emphasis on reading tables and graphs and understanding statistical assumptions. Restricted to MPA students.
An introduction to basic economic theories and tools used in public sector economics, which may include the economics/politics of taxing policies, externalities, theories of intergovernmental grants, major Canadian government spending programs, and new developments. Restricted to MPA students.
A course on a selected topic in the discipline of Public Administration. The content of this course will vary. Please contact department for a course description. Students can earn multiple credits for this course only when the topic subtitle is different.
An introduction to the field of comparative politics through an examination of the key political issues facing advanced industrial states and how different political systems fare in dealing with them. Students may not hold credit for both POLS 7230 and the former POLS 7720.
Mutually Exclusive: POLS 7720
A course on a selected topic in the discipline of Political Science. The content of this course will vary. Please contact department for a course description. Students can earn multiple credits for this course only when the topic subtitle is different.
An independent reading and/or research course on a selected topic in political studies, undertaken and arranged in consultation with the prospective instructor, upon the approval of the Graduate Committee. The course content may vary. Students can earn multiple credits for this course only when the topic subtitle is different.
An independent reading and/or research course on a selected topic undertaken and arranged in consultation with the prospective instructor, upon approval of the Graduate Committee. The course content may vary. Students can earn multiple credits for this course only when the topic subtitle is different.
An independent reading and/or research course on a selected topic undertaken and arranged in consultation with the prospective instructor, upon approval of the Graduate Committee. The course content may vary. Students can earn multiple credits for this course only when the topic subtitle is different.
An examination of how the state relates to civil society actors, notably the voluntary sector in Canada. Students will critically assess the role voluntary organizations play - and should play - in governing process.
Examines the core institutions of Canadian Government and politics including parliamentary government, federalism, the Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Examines the core institutions and processes of Canadian democracy including political parties, elections, voting, social movements, interest groups and public opinion.
The intent of this course is to provide insight into the exigencies of actual public administration. The course will be conducted on a topical basis within the framework of certain trends facing Canadian governments today. (The course will attempt to utilize, to the fullest extent possible, the particular expertise of students in the program, faculty members, and of both elected and appointed public officials.)
A systematic examination of empirical research in the area of political socialization and political culture.
A study of the human resource management functions, including planning, staffing, training, performance management, compensation and labour relations, in ways that optimize organizational performance. This course will also address contemporary challenges including recruitment and retention, managing change, demographic shifts, and information technology.
A thorough study of selected works with special attention to methodology, historical content, theoretical position and universal significance.
An examination of the systematic study of international political economy. Particular attention is paid to the foreign economic policies of advanced industrialized states and the various issues surrounding the redistribution of wealth and influence in the contemporary international system.
A seminar series examining a contemporary debate in Canadian politics and government. The specific topic will vary from year to year depending on faculty interest and specialization.
An examination of recent theoretical perspectives on contemporary political institutions, problems and values.
An advanced study of liberalism and various theoretical challenges to its ethical and political claims.
A critical assessment of basic theories and models used in International Relations, emphasizing theoretical approaches and research.
This work term enables MPA students to gain experience in public or non-profit sector employment. Work terms are normally paid positions offered by employers in the public or non-profit sectors for a minimum of 13 weeks. Learning objectives are established by the employer, in conjunction with the student and Co-op Course Director. Students with significant public or non-profit sector work experience may apply to have this course requirement waived. Course graded pass/fail.
This work term enables MPA students to gain experience in public or non-profit sector employment. Work terms are normally paid positions offered by employers in the public or non-profit sectors for a minimum of 13 weeks. Learning objectives are established by the employer, in conjunction with the student and Co-op Course Director. Students with significant public or non-profit sector work experience may apply to have this course requirement waived. Course graded pass/fail.
An advanced course in strategic studies. The evolution of strategic thought in the modern period will be examined, and particular emphasis will be placed on the role of armed force in relation to the problem of international security.
PR/CR: A minimum grade of C is required unless otherwise indicated.
Prerequisite: POLS 4730 or consent of instructor.
Introduction to the theory and application of multivariate regression models in political analysis.
Students will build employment-related skills such as interpersonal communications, presentation, leadership, career development, and software-related skills. They will bridge theory and practice through participation and reflection in community events and workshops. Restricted to MPA students. Course graded Pass/Fail.
Students pursue individual supervised projects that allow them to integrate theory and practice in an original topic in public administration and/or public policy, drawing on their skills and knowledge gained through the program. These projects will be presented in a semester-end colloquium. Restricted to MPA students.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.
Course may be taken as part of a Master of Public Administration program offered jointly with the University of Winnipeg.