The Master of Public Service program is open to students from a wide range of undergraduate disciplines from humanities, social sciences, science, mathematics, environment, health or engineering. The program provides an advanced education and training in government structure and function, policy implementation, historical contexts and current public issues. Students also develop necessary critical and applied skills in communication, finance, and leadership/management. This full-time, 20-month degree combines coursework, an 8-month co-operative work term and a major project.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for the MPS program include:
Successful completion of an Honours Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in a field from humanities, social sciences, science, mathematics, environment, health or engineering, with an average of at least 78% (B+) in the final two years of the degree.
Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate command of the English language with a minimum TOEFL score of 600 or the equivalent on a comparable test, such as CanTEST 4.5, CAEL 70, IELTS 7.0, MELAB 85.
Applications must include demonstration of sufficient academic and/or practical experience and personal suitability as evidenced by three letters of reference (at least two must be academic referees), a statement of interest and a resume. Experienced professionals in the private or public sectors may be considered for admission, but probationary status may be required for the first term of the program.
The deadline for applications to the MPS program will normally be in February of each year. Check the program website for the specific deadline each year.
Degree Requirements
Courses
MPS students must successfully complete 10 required courses in terms 1 and 2. The courses are taught by faculty from in range of disciplines including Accounting and Finance, Economics, English, French, Health Sciences, History, Political Science, and Sociology. In addition, senior-level public servants will be invited to give special seminars and teach certain course components.
Co-op
Students must participate in an 8-month paid co-op work term within a specific government branch (federal, Aboriginal, municipal, etc). The application and interview process for the co-op work term is facilitated by Waterloo’s Co-operative Education and Career Services.
Major Project
A major project course must be completed in the final (5th) term of study. Supervised by a UW faculty member and supported by a senior-level public servant, the project will normally be undertaken by teams of three students and will address an approved topic derived from co-op work experience or based on a relevant public service issue.
MPS course requirements
Term 1
PS 611 - Government and the Public Service: Structure and Function
PS 612 - Government Finance I: Accounting and Accountability
PS 613 - Aboriginal Issues and Government
PS 614 - Communicating with Diverse Audiences
PS 615 - Effective Problem Solving and Decision Making
PS 616 - Spoken French in Context (Term 1 optional course)
Term 2
PS 617 - Values and Ethics in Government
PS 618 - Public Policy Development
PS 619 - Government Finance II: Practices and Procedures
PS 620 - Effective Leadership and Management
PS 621 - Project Management in Government
Term 3
PS 622 - Major Research Project