³ÉÈË´óƬ-³ÉÈË×ÛºÏÍø-ÑÇÖÞ³ÉÈËÉçÇø

The Master of Public Administration is a one-year, course-based program. Students complete twelve courses that cover core topics in public policy, economics, statistics and governance. These core courses enable students to develop interdisciplinary and transferable skills highly valued across the public sector. Through elective courses, students engage in a broad range of policy areas, from health, immigration, and environmental policy to fiscal policy, national security, and ethics.

Our graduates are hired by provincial and federal governments. Queen’s MPA students have a strong record of securing competitive co-op placements, with many receiving contract extensions or permanent offers before they graduate. Our alumni and fellows mentor MPA students, helping them prepare for applications and interviews and secure employment when they leave Queen’s. We take pride in the success of our graduates and prepare them accordingly.

MPA Course Requirements

For full course descriptions, see the ³ÉÈË´óƬ Academic Calendar. Select "MPA - School of Policy Studies" from the advanced search drop down menu.

MPA students must complete 12 courses (36.0 units) over 1 year (September-August):

• 5 courses (15.0 units) in Fall Term
• 5 courses (15.0 units) in Winter Term
• 2 courses (6.0 units) in Summer Term

MPA students normally complete six required courses from the following four groups:

* = offered in 2026/2027 academic year

1. Political and Institutional Analysis

   *MPA 800: Governing Institutions (Fall)

   *MPA 802: Applied Policy Analysis (Winter)

2. Economic and Quantitative Analysis

   *MPA 804: Principles of Economics (Fall)

   *MPA 805: Quantitative Analysis (Fall)

   And at least one of:

   *MPA 815: Economic Analysis (Winter)

   MPA 816: Quantitative Program Evaluation

   MPA 840: Economics of Social Policy

   MPA 844: Canadian Economic Policy

   MPA 849: Behavioural Public Finance

   *MPA 876: Instruments of Public Finance (Winter)

3. Management

   *MPA 809: Implementing Public Policy (Fall)

4. Policy Process

   *MPA 810: Introduction to Public Administration (Fall)

Students may take at least six (6) elective courses (typically four in the winter and two in the spring). Students may choose to take elective courses offered by the School of Policy Studies or related graduate courses offered by other academic departments or professional schools at ³ÉÈË´óƬ, with prior approval of the School.

Students may choose to complete a , instead of 2 elective courses, or a . For more information, please consult the .

View All Available Courses

Where can the MPA degree take you?

Our graduates find meaningful employment in government, education, health, and the private sector:

• Government of Canada (25%)
• Government of Ontario (24%)
• Other Provincial/Territory Governments (4%)
• Municipal Governments (6%)
• Private Sector (16%) - includes consulting, financial services, professional associations
• Not-for-Profit (4%)
• Education (11%) - includes colleges, universities, schools, and school boards
• Health (9%) - includes community health and health institutions
• Other (1%)