Public Administration  Master of Public Administration (Management) MPA (M)

Program Overview

Career Development

Curriculum

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Our Unique Framework

Designed with the working professional in mind, our program is delivered on a part time basis only, in an online/blended learning format- allowing you to pursue your academic goals without having to put your career or personal obligations on hold.


Through an optimal blend of theory, analysis and day-to-day practical learning, you’ll gain a unique framework to respond effectively to complex issues and understand the co-constructive dynamics between our personal lives and the broader public forms and processes through which they’re mediated.

CAPPA Accredited

In 2018, Dalhousies MPA progams became the first in Canada to receive full accreditation from the Canadian Association of Programs in Public Administration.

Visit the CAPPA website to find out more.

Read the news release: Dalhousie MPA programs first to be accredited under CAPPA's new standards.

Our Faculty

Courses are designed and delivered by internationally recognized academics and senior public service practitioners. 

Flexible & Convenient

Dal's MPA M program is flexible and convenient. Take 90 percent of your coursework online, and gain valuable opportunities to develop lifelong relationships with other public and not-for-profit sector professionals during the classroom-based intensives held at the end of each course.

Program Details

Master of Public Administration (Management)

Prerequisites

Important Dates

The application deadlines for our three (3) annual intakes are:

June 1 for the fall term 

October 31 for the winter term 

February 28 for the summer term

See our Important Dates page for more details.

Information Sessions

The application deadlines for our three (3) annual intakes are:

June 1 for the fall term 

October 31 for the winter term 

February 28 for the summer term

See our Important Dates page for more details.

Cost

There are 13 courses in the MPA (M) program and fees are charged per course as you register.  Each course costs $2,125 ($2000 Tuition, $125 Auxiliary Fee). There are no HST fees applied to courses.

Important note: The numbers provided here are estimates. We always recommend consulting with Student Accounts for the most accurate information: Phone: (902) 494-3998 / Email: student.accounts@dal.ca

Courses

  • Students must complete 9 core and 4 elective courses, for a total of 13 courses.
  • Core courses are predetermined, but students do have choice when it comes to their 4 elective courses. 
  • For more information on our courses, please visit our Course Selection Guide webpage.

Delivery, duration and workload

  • Classes are delivered online throughout the semester, paired with a a mandatory onsite "intensive" (face-to-face) component delivered at the end of the semester. Intensives are held primarily in Ottawa and Halifax, with other locations considered depending on course enrollment. Virtual intensive options may sometimes be available.
  • Once you begin our program, you have up to seven years to complete it. Most of our students complete within three or four years.
  • As a very approximate guide, our students usually devote 12 to 15 hours a week to each class, depending on their qualifications and abilities

Graduate Diploma in Public Administration (Management)

The Graduate Diploma in Public Administration (Management) is a 21-credit hour program that will strengthen the public policy and public management skills of working professionals in the public sector. GDPA (M) students are required to complete any 7 courses (6 core and 1 elective) within the MPA (M) program.

Providing graduate-level instruction and knowledge in public policy and managing human, financial and information resources, the program focuses on enhancing analytical, critical thinking and strategic capabilities, providing a solid basis in theoretical frameworks and latest-wave thinking in public administration, while strengthening your managerial and leadership competencies. Recipients of the Graduate Diploma – MPA (M) may elect to continue studies in the master’s program.

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