School of Public Policy and Administration
River Building
Room 5224
613-520-2547
http://carleton.ca/sppa
- M.A. Public Administration
- Ph.D. Public Policy
- Collaborative Ph.D. Public Policy with Specialization in Political Economy (Specialization requirements listed under Political Economy )
- Graduate Diplomas in Public Policy and Administration
M.A. Public Administration
About the Program
The M.A. in Public Administration is a professionally-relevant academic degree. It provides a rigorous preparation for careers in public policy and administration, recognizing that those careers may span the public, private and nonprofit sectors. It can also serve as a preparation for subsequent post-graduate education. Through the core and elective courses, the program strengthens the analytical and conceptual skills that address the political, economic, organizational, and normative aspects of public policy issues. The core courses cover material fundamental to the understanding of those issues. The electives enable students to align the program with their own personal or professional interests as defined under one of four concentrations: Policy Analysis; Public Management; Innovation, Science and the Environment; or International and Development.
Academic Regulations
See the General Regulations section of this Calendar.
A grade of B- or higher must normally be obtained in each course credited towards the M.A. degree. A candidate may, with the recommendation of the M.A. Supervisor and the approval of the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs, be allowed a grade of C+ in courses totaling 1.0 credit.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have an undergraduate or post-graduate degree (or equivalent), with an average of B+ or higher. The level of academic performance and potential demonstrated within the degree is more important than the discipline. Indeed, students enter the program from a wide variety of backgrounds in the social sciences, humanities, sciences and engineering.
The School also considers mid-career applicants who do not satisfy this degree requirement, but who have demonstrated professional excellence over at least five years. Such applicants may use their high achievement in several designated university courses as evidence of their academic potential. These university courses are determined on an individual basis in consultation with the M.A. Supervisor. Contact the School for details.
All applicants must have completed a 1.0-credit university course covering micro- and macroeconomic theory ( ECON 1000 [1.0] or the equivalent) and a 0.5-credit university political science course at the second-year level or higher, dealing with institutions and processes by which governments legitimize and exercise power, ideally in a Canadian setting (PSCI 2003 or equivalent). A working knowledge of algebra is also expected.
In some cases, applicants may be admitted to the program despite not having completed one of these pre-requisite courses in economics or political science, on the condition that the course be completed (with a grade of B- or higher) in the first year of the program. Nevertheless it is strongly recommended that students complete the prerequisites before starting the program, to ensure that their progress through the core courses is unimpeded.
Students whose first language is not English, or who have not completed a previous degree at an English speaking university, must demonstrate an adequate command of English by attaining, at least, a TOEFL score of 580 written, or 237 CBT (computer-based test) or 86 IBT (internet-based test) with a minimum score in each component (22 in writing, 22 in speaking, 20 in reading, and 20 in listening), or a CAEL score of 70, or an IELTS score of 7.0.
Students may receive advanced standing with transfer of credit for up to 2.5 credits. Advanced standing will be considered only for core courses. It will be determined on an individual basis in consultation with the M.A. Supervisor and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs and pursuant to Section 6.1 of the General Regulations section of this Calendar. In general, a grade of B+ or higher is necessary in the equivalent courses in order to receive advanced standing.
Program Requirements
The M.A. in Public Administration is a 7.5- credit program. Students must complete:
- 3.5 credits of core courses;
- 2.0 credits from courses in one of the four Concentrations offered by the School; and
- 2.0 other approved credits.
The seven core courses are listed under A, below. Full-time students normally complete the core courses during their first two semesters of study. Part-time students normally complete the core courses before proceeding to the remainder of the program.
The courses for the four concentrations are listed under B, below.
With respect to the remaining 2.0 approved credits, students may select:
- additional courses in their chosen concentration; and/or
- electives listed under other concentrations; and/or
- graduate courses in other units (with the approval of the M.A. Supervisor); and/or
- a research essay (1.0 credit), a thesis (2.0 credits), or by taking courses from the School's Ph.D. program (with the approval of the M.A. Supervisor).
- All students will graduate with at least one area of concentration, but students may structure their program to satisfy the requirements (at least 2.0 credits) for a second concentration. In this case, each course may count towards only one concentration.
- While there is no formal second language requirement, students planning careers in or with governments in Canada are strongly encouraged to develop facility with French.
- A co-operative education option is available to full-time students in the M.A. program. Students admitted to this option must satisfactorily complete two work terms in order to graduate with a co-op designation on their transcripts and diplomas. These work terms are four months in duration and locate students in government departments or other organizations in order to work at a junior officer level. They provide students with opportunities to integrate the theoretical and practical aspects of public administration. During a work term, students will register in PADM 5913. While on a work term, students are limited to an additional 0.5 credit course. It should be noted that most co-op positions in the federal public service are restricted to Canadian citizens.
A. Core Courses
PADM 5111 [0.5] | Microeconomics for Policy Analysis | |
PADM 5112 [0.5] | Macroeconomics for Policy Analysis | |
PADM 5113 [0.5] | Research Methods and Design I | |
PADM 5114 [0.5] | Research Methods and Design II | |
PADM 5115 [0.5] | Introduction to State and Society | |
PADM 5116 [0.5] | Policy Analysis and Contemporary Governance | |
PADM 5117 [0.5] | Public Management |
B. Concentrations
To complete a concentration, students must complete at least four of the courses (2.0 credits) listed as electives for that concentration. A course cross-listed between concentrations qualifies for either concentration but may count toward only one of them.
Policy Analysis Concentration
The Policy Analysis Concentration provides an understanding of approaches to policy analysis in a variety of disciplines, with insights drawn from economics, political science and the policy sciences broadly understood, from Canadian and comparative perspectives. It includes not only courses that focus on the theory, methods, or practice of policy analysis, but also courses that focus on specific policy fields. For clarity, the courses are grouped under these two categories below.
Students are required to take 2.0 credits selected from: | ||
Theory, Methods and Policy Processes | ||
PADM 5211 [0.5] | Intergovernmental Relations | |
PADM 5212 [0.5] | Civil Society and Public Policy | |
PADM 5213 [0.5] | Gender and Public Policy | |
PADM 5214 [0.5] | Budgetary Policy in the Public Sector | |
PADM 5215 [0.5] | Benefit-Cost Analysis | |
PADM 5216 [0.5] | Economic Models of Politics and Public Policy | |
PADM 5217 [0.5] | Applied Microeconomic Policy Analysis | |
PADM 5218 [0.5] | Analysis of Socio-economic Data | |
PADM 5219 [0.5] | Advanced Statistical Policy Analysis | |
PADM 5420 [0.5] | Policy and Program Evaluation | |
Field Courses | ||
PADM 5220 [0.5] | Regulation and Public Policy | |
PADM 5221 [0.5] | Health Policy in Canada | |
PADM 5222 [0.5] | Economics and Health Policy | |
PADM 5223 [0.5] | Canadian Economic Policy | |
PADM 5224 [0.5] | Aboriginal Policy | |
PADM 5225 [0.5] | Trade Policy | |
PADM 5226 [0.5] | Tax Policy | |
PADM 5227 [0.5] | Education Policy | |
PADM 5228 [0.5] | Social Policy | |
PADM 5229 [0.5] | The Health of Populations | |
PADM 5272 [0.5] | Policy Seminar (Policy Analysis Concentration) | |
PADM 5291 [0.5] | Directed Studies (Policy Analysis Concentration) | |
PADM 5616 [0.5] | Environmental Policy | |
Other courses as approved by the M.A. Supervisor |
Public Management Concentration
The Public Management Concentration provides an understanding of the institutions and practices of modern states. This includes theoretical and technical approaches to accountability, leadership, implementation and evaluation, fiscal control, ethics, and organizational development and analysis.
Students are required to take 2.0 credits from: | ||
PADM 5411 [0.5] | Organization Theory | |
PADM 5412 [0.5] | Ethics and Accountability in the Public Sector | |
PADM 5413 [0.5] | Law of Public Authorities I | |
PADM 5414 [0.5] | Law of Public Authorities II | |
PADM 5415 [0.5] | Strategic Management in the Public Sector | |
PADM 5416 [0.5] | Budgetary Management for the Public Sector | |
PADM 5417 [0.5] | Principles of Finance | |
PADM 5418 [0.5] | Human Resources Management | |
PADM 5419 [0.5] | Industrial Relations and Public Sector Collective Bargaining | |
PADM 5420 [0.5] | Policy and Program Evaluation | |
PADM 5421 [0.5] | Globalizing Public Management | |
PADM 5422 [0.5] | Urban and Local Government | |
PADM 5423 [0.5] | Third Sector Governance and Management | |
PADM 5424 [0.5] | Evaluation Cases and Applications | |
PADM 5472 [0.5] | Policy Seminar (Public Management Concentration) | |
PADM 5491 [0.5] | Directed Studies (Public Management Concentration) | |
PADM 5211 [0.5] | Intergovernmental Relations | |
PADM 5215 [0.5] | Benefit-Cost Analysis | |
PADM 5814 [0.5] | Program and Project Management | |
Other courses as approved by the M.A. Supervisor |
Innovation, Science and Environment Concentration
The Innovation, Science and Environment Concentration provides an understanding of the problems and opportunities that confront governments, firms and society in making and implementing innovation, science and environment policies in an increasingly knowledge and information-based economy and society.
Students are required to take 2.0 credits from: | ||
PADM 5611 [0.5] | Science and Technology Policies | |
PADM 5612 [0.5] | Industrial Policy, Innovation and Sustainable Production | |
PADM 5613 [0.5] | Science, Risk and Evaluation | |
PADM 5614 [0.5] | Natural Resource Management | |
PADM 5615 [0.5] | Politics and Policy of Energy in Canada | |
PADM 5616 [0.5] | Environmental Policy | |
PADM 5617 [0.5] | Implementing Sustainable Development in Industrialized Countries | |
PADM 5618 [0.5] | Environmental and Ecological Economics | |
PADM 5619 [0.5] | Urban Sustainability | |
PADM 5620 [0.5] | The Science, Politics and Economics of Global Climate Change | |
PADM 5672 [0.5] | Policy Seminar (Innovation, Science and Environment Concentration) | |
PADM 5691 [0.5] | Directed Studies (Innovation, Science and Environment Concentration) | |
PADM 5220 [0.5] | Regulation and Public Policy | |
Other courses as approved by the M.A. Supervisor |
International and Development Concentration
The International and Development Concentration provides an understanding of the problems and opportunities confronting citizens, national administrative systems and policy makers in different types of economies in an increasingly integrated and competitive world.
Students are required to take 2.0 credits from: | ||
PADM 5811 [0.5] | The International Policy Framework | |
PADM 5812 [0.5] | Governance in Developing Countries | |
PADM 5813 [0.5] | The Evolution of World Bank/IMF Policy Conditionality | |
PADM 5814 [0.5] | Program and Project Management | |
PADM 5815 [0.5] | Civil Society Organizations and Development | |
PADM 5816 [0.5] | Program Evaluation in Developing Countries | |
PADM 5817 [0.5] | Health Policy in Developing Countries | |
PADM 5818 [0.5] | Theories of Development | |
PADM 5872 [0.5] | Policy Seminar (International and Development Concentration) | |
PADM 5891 [0.5] | Directed Studies (International and Development Concentration) | |
PADM 5213 [0.5] | Gender and Public Policy | |
PADM 5225 [0.5] | Trade Policy | |
PADM 5421 [0.5] | Globalizing Public Management | |
Other courses as approved by the M.A. Supervisor |
Ph.D. Public Policy
About the Program
The Ph.D. focuses on the study of public policy, including its formation, evolution and implementation. The primary focus is on Canada in an international or comparative context, though students interested in research with an explicitly international and comparative perspective will also find the program conducive to their work, depending on the field of specialization chosen. The program is based on the view that multi-disciplinary perspectives are essential to an understanding of the public sector and public policy-making.
The program has two primary objectives:
- to contribute to the advancement of research and teaching of public policy by drawing on various theoretical frameworks, multidisciplinary perspectives, and applied methodologies
- to develop scholars and researchers for positions in universities, private research institutions, and various other public and private organizations
Academic Regulations
See the General Regulations section of this Calendar.
Admission Requirements
Admission will be judged primarily on the applicant's ability to conduct advanced research and to complete the program successfully. Applications should contain at least one essay or paper at the M.A. level written by the applicant, as well as a statement of research interests and potential thesis topics.
Admission requires completion of an M.A. degree in any of public administration, political science, economics, political economy, business administration, law, or similar degree with first class standing (A- average or higher in their M.A. work).
A working knowledge of basic calculus is required for completion of the program. Assistance in acquiring these skills is provided by the program. Students requiring additional assistance should consult the Ph.D. Supervisor.
Applicants must also successfully complete prerequisites in statistics, political science, and economics as described in detail below. These prerequisites may be satisfied by the completion of appropriate course work at the intermediate undergraduate level or higher in each of the subjects listed.
Prerequisites in political science, economics and statistics must be completed prior to entry. Completed courses in political science should be approximately equivalent to PADM 5115 or PADM 5116. With permission of the Ph.D. Supervisor, this requirement may be done, as a directed study in the summer, prior to registration in the program, under the supervision of faculty in the School. Completed courses in economics should be approximately equivalent to PADM 5111. Equivalent courses may be taken at most universities throughout the academic year. Completed course in statistics should be approximately equivalent to PADM 5114. Applicants should seek advice from the Supervisor of the Ph.D. program about whether particular courses are acceptable as prerequisites.
Students whose first language is not English, or who have not completed a previous degree at an English speaking university, must demonstrate an adequate command of English by attaining, at least: a TOEFL score of 580 written, or 237 CBT (computer-based test), or 86 IBT (internet-based test) with a minimum score in each component (22 in writing, 22 in speaking, 20 in reading, and 20 in listening); or a CAEL score of 70; or an IELTS score of 7.0.
Advanced standing will not normally be granted for any of the required courses described below. If granted, advanced standing will be limited to 1.0 credit.
Program Requirements
The program consists of the following elements:
- 3.5 credits of course work;
- Preparation for and writing of one comprehensive examination, normally written in the summer term of the first year equivalent to 0.5 credit;
- Public defence of a written thesis proposal;
- A thesis equivalent to 6.5 credits;
- A language requirement.
Course Components
Courses will normally be taken in the first year. Students in the doctoral program are required to complete the following:
- 2.0 credits in: PADM 6111, PADM 6112, PADM 6113, PADM 6114. A GPA of 9.0 (B+) or better overall must be obtained in these courses before proceeding to the comprehensive examination.
- 0.5 credit in PADM 6200 Doctoral Seminar;
- 1.0 credit that constitutes one area of specialization beyond the public policy foundations covered in the core courses. These courses will be chosen by the student after consultation with, and approval by, the student's academic supervisor and the Ph.D. Supervisor. The fields of specialization are: Public Management; Policy Analysis; Innovation, Science, and Environment; Health and Social Policy; and International and Development Policy.
- These courses will normally be graduate courses offered by the School or by the Departments of Political Science and Economics, or directed studies (PADM 6901 and PADM 6902). However, other courses may be approved. Doctoral students taking courses at the master's level will be subject to enhanced course requirements. When necessary, students must arrange formal approval from the relevant department for admission to courses.
Comprehensive Examinations
Students will write a comprehensive examination, normally in the summer term of the first year. This examination will focus on the area of specialization (including the Collaborative Ph.D. in Political Economy) they chose in conjunction with the two elective courses. In addition to those courses, each comprehensive examination will have a supplementary reading list. At the discretion of the examining board, a candidate whose performance is not fully satisfactory may be asked to take an oral examination or a second written examination. A GPA of 9.0 (B+) or higher overall must be obtained in the required courses before proceeding to the comprehensive examination.
Thesis
Following the successful completion of the comprehensive examinations, students will prepare a formal thesis proposal under a committee composed of the supervisor and two other faculty members. The thesis supervisor will normally be a faculty member from the School of Public Policy and Administration. Under normal circumstances, the proposal must be defended by the end of the spring term of the second year of full-time registration. The thesis must demonstrate an advanced ability to integrate the politics and economics of public policy. The thesis must be defended at an oral examination.
Language Requirement
Students will be required to demonstrate a reading knowledge of French. Another language may be substituted for French, if it is relevant to the thesis.
Graduate Diplomas in Public Policy and Administration
About the Program
The Graduate Diplomas serve the needs for continuous learning by working professionals who seek to strengthen or broaden their conceptual and technical skills in particular areas relevant to public policy and administration. Those areas are: Health Policy; Public Management; Public Policy and Program Evaluation; and Sustainable Development.
Academic Regulations
See the General Regulations section of this Calendar.
All candidates are required to obtain a grade of B- or higher in each course in the program.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree (or equivalent). Normally, an average of B+ or higher is required for admission.
Students taking PADM 5111 or PADM 5112 must have completed a 1.0-credit university course covering micro- and macroeconomic theory (ECON 1000 or the equivalent).
Students taking PADM 5116 or PADM 5117 must have completed a 0.5-credit university political science course at the second-year level or higher dealing with the institutions and processes by which governments legitimize and exercise power, ideally in a Canadian setting (PSCI 2003 or equivalent). Several years of relevant professional experience in the public sector may be considered as equivalent to this prerequisite.
Students whose first language is not English, or who have not completed a previous degree at an English speaking university, must demonstrate an adequate command of English by attaining, at least: a TOEFL score of 580 written, or 237 CBT (computer-based test), or 86 IBT (internet-based test) with a minimum score in each component (22 in writing, 22 in speaking, 20 in reading, and 20 in listening); or a CAEL score of 70; or an IELTS score of 7.0.
Students may receive advanced standing without transfer of credit for up to 1.5 credits. Advanced standing will be considered only for required courses. It will be determined on an individual basis in consultation with the Diploma Supervisor and the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs and pursuant to Section 6.1 of the General Regulations section of this Calendar. In general, a grade of B+ or higher is necessary in the equivalent courses in order to receive advanced standing.
Note: students in the Diploma programs are not eligible to receive university funding.
Program Requirements
Each of the Diplomas comprises 3.0 credits. The composition of the required and elective courses varies by specialization, as outlined below. The Diplomas are designed to be completed in two years while working full-time, although students may take the program on either a part-time or full-time basis.
Public Policy and Program Evaluation
The Diploma in Public Policy and Program Evaluation comprises 3.0 credits. This diploma is designed to be completed in fourteen months or eighteen months, while working full-time. Students may complete the program in one of two ways:
- Option 1 (fourteen months): Fall Term Full-time (1.0 credit), Winter Term Full-time (1.0 credit), Summer Term Part-time (0.5 credit), Fall Term Part-time (0.5 credit);
- Option 2 (eighteen months): Fall Term Full-time (1.0 credit), Winter Term Part-time (0.5 credit), Summer Term Part-time (0.5 credit), Fall Term Part-time (0.5 credit), Winter Term Part-time (0.5 credit).
Students must complete four courses (including three required) before registering in PADM 5424 [0.5 credit] Evaluation Cases and Applications.
Students must complete:
1. 2.0 credits in required courses | ||
PADM 5113 [0.5] | Research Methods and Design I | |
PADM 5114 [0.5] | Research Methods and Design II | |
PADM 5420 [0.5] | Policy and Program Evaluation | |
PADM 5424 [0.5] | Evaluation Cases and Applications | |
2. 1.0 credit in electives approved by the DPE Supervisor |
Public Management
Students must complete:
1. 0.5 credit in required course | ||
PADM 5117 [0.5] | Public Management | |
2. 2.5 credits in electives from the following list | ||
PADM 5411 [0.5] | Organization Theory | |
PADM 5412 [0.5] | Ethics and Accountability in the Public Sector | |
PADM 5413 [0.5] | Law of Public Authorities I | |
PADM 5414 [0.5] | Law of Public Authorities II | |
PADM 5415 [0.5] | Strategic Management in the Public Sector | |
PADM 5416 [0.5] | Budgetary Management for the Public Sector | |
PADM 5417 [0.5] | Principles of Finance | |
PADM 5418 [0.5] | Human Resources Management | |
PADM 5419 [0.5] | Industrial Relations and Public Sector Collective Bargaining | |
PADM 5420 [0.5] | Policy and Program Evaluation | |
PADM 5421 [0.5] | Globalizing Public Management | |
PADM 5422 [0.5] | Urban and Local Government | |
PADM 5423 [0.5] | Third Sector Governance and Management | |
PADM 5472 [0.5] | Policy Seminar (Public Management Concentration) | |
Other PADM courses as approved by the M.A. Supervisor |
Sustainable Development
Students must complete:
1. 0.5 credit in required course | ||
PADM 5112 [0.5] | Macroeconomics for Policy Analysis | |
2. 2.5 credits electives from the following list | ||
PADM 5611 [0.5] | Science and Technology Policies | |
PADM 5612 [0.5] | Industrial Policy, Innovation and Sustainable Production | |
PADM 5613 [0.5] | Science, Risk and Evaluation | |
PADM 5614 [0.5] | Natural Resource Management | |
PADM 5615 [0.5] | Politics and Policy of Energy in Canada | |
PADM 5616 [0.5] | Environmental Policy | |
PADM 5617 [0.5] | Implementing Sustainable Development in Industrialized Countries | |
PADM 5618 [0.5] | Environmental and Ecological Economics | |
PADM 5619 [0.5] | Urban Sustainability | |
PADM 5620 [0.5] | The Science, Politics and Economics of Global Climate Change | |
PADM 5672 [0.5] | Policy Seminar (Innovation, Science and Environment Concentration) | |
PADM 5220 [0.5] | Regulation and Public Policy | |
Other PADM courses as approved by the M.A. Supervisor |
Health Policy
Students must complete:
1. 1.0 credit in required courses | ||
PADM 5111 [0.5] | Microeconomics for Policy Analysis | |
PADM 5116 [0.5] | Policy Analysis and Contemporary Governance | |
2. 1.5 credits in electives from the following list | ||
PADM 5221 [0.5] | Health Policy in Canada | |
PADM 5222 [0.5] | Economics and Health Policy | |
PADM 5229 [0.5] | The Health of Populations | |
PADM 5817 [0.5] | Health Policy in Developing Countries | |
3. 0.5 credit in other PADM courses as approved by the M.A. Supervisor |
Public Administration (PADM) Courses
Microeconomics for Policy Analysis
Key concepts in microeconomic theory and their application to public policy. Topics may include incentives, rational choice theory, market structure, welfare economics, and strategic behaviour.
Macroeconomics for Policy Analysis
Theoretical foundations and current policy debates concerning economic growth and sustainable development, globalization and the open economy, stabilization policy, and fiscal and monetary policy are analyzed in the Canadian and international context.
Research Methods and Design I
Methods used in qualitative policy research. Topics may include the formulation of research problems, research design and techniques for collecting and managing evidence, and the role of qualitative research in the analysis of public policies and programs.
Research Methods and Design II
Descriptive statistics, probability theory and sampling distributions, hypothesis testing of quantitative and qualitative population parameters, and regression analysis.
Introduction to State and Society
Classic and contemporary debates about the relationship between the state, society, and economy. The development of the state, and changing conceptions of citizenship, democracy, and nationalism as well as the state's role in the post-WWII international order and the challenges of globalization.
Policy Analysis and Contemporary Governance
Policy analysis and policy processes, emphasizing the contemporary context and challenges facing decision makers. Selected policy issues.
Public Management
Principles and processes of public-sector management as they function through cabinet-parliamentary government, federalism, the public service bureaucracy and the judiciary. Institutional reforms and changes in the philosophy of public sector management.
Intergovernmental Relations
Major cost-sharing and fiscal transfer agreements. The intergovernmental mechanisms for policy and administrative coordination in selected policy fields.
Civil Society and Public Policy
The influence of various interests, social movements, voluntary organizations and citizens in the policy process in a Canadian and comparative context.
Gender and Public Policy
The impact of public policy on gender relations and how gender relations shape policy. Topics covered may include gender inequalities in earnings and employment, macroeconomic policy, gender and development, and gender-based analysis.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4213, for which additional credit is precluded.
Budgetary Policy in the Public Sector
Selected aspects of the expenditure and revenue budget and budgetary process at all levels of government. Critical review of actual budgets and budgetary processes.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4214, for which additional credit is precluded.
Benefit-Cost Analysis
Benefit-cost analysis and its application to public-sector investment, pricing policy, discount rates, marginal cost and shadow pricing, and the handling of risk and uncertainty.
Economic Models of Politics and Public Policy
Microfoundations of collective action, majority rule, political institutions and bureaucracy. Applications to various issues in Canadian and international public policy.
Applied Microeconomic Policy Analysis
Microeconomic theory applied to public policy problems and issues.
Analysis of Socio-economic Data
Correlation and regression analyses to test hypotheses about the relationships between socio-economic variables.
Advanced Statistical Policy Analysis
Econometric research on selected policy issues using selected econometric techniques.
Regulation and Public Policy
Political, economic, legal, and organizational theories of regulation in the Canadian and comparative context. Processes and consequences of regulatory practice in selected Canadian public policy fields.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4220, for which additional credit is precluded.
Health Policy in Canada
Canadian health policies and programs set in a comparative political-economic and institutional context.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4221, for which additional credit is precluded.
Economics and Health Policy
This course applies microeconomic theory to a discussion of health policy. Focus on issues of particular interest to a student of Canadian health care policy.
Canadian Economic Policy
Overview of Canadian economic development and how it has been affected by governments. Topics may be drawn from monetary, fiscal, industrial, trade, labour market or competition policies, viewed in contemporary and historical contexts.
Aboriginal Policy
Canadian policies and programs on aboriginal peoples and aboriginal peoples' own policies as nations set in a comparative political-economic and institutional context.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4224, for which additional credit is precluded.
Trade Policy
Canadian multilateral and regional trade policies and programs set in a comparative political-economic and institutional context.
Prerequisite(s): PADM 5111 or equivalent.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4225, for which additional credit is precluded.
Tax Policy
Canadian tax policies set in a comparative political-economic and institutional context.
Prerequisite(s): PADM 5111 or equivalent.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4226, for which additional credit is precluded.
Education Policy
Canadian policies and programs on education set in a comparative political-economic and institutional context.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4227, for which additional credit is precluded.
Social Policy
The nature and historical development of social programs in capitalist countries, with particular focus on Canada. The course will concentrate on developing a critical understanding of the social forces shaping these programs.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4228, for which additional credit is precluded.
The Health of Populations
Assessment of the medical model, and perspectives on the social and economic determinants of health, population health, and community health. The health of particular groups in Canada (e.g., women, Aboriginal peoples). International comparisons will be made.
Policy Seminar (Policy Analysis Concentration)
One or more selected policy areas or specialized aspects of policy analysis. The policy field or topic will change each year.
Directed Studies (Policy Analysis Concentration)
A tutorial or directed reading course on selected subjects related to policy analysis.
Organization Theory
Focusing on major theoretical approaches to organizations, the course develops practical insights into issues such as organizational design, leadership, technology, culture and diversity, motivation and power. It applies these insights to organizations in both the public and private sectors in a variety of national contexts.
Ethics and Accountability in the Public Sector
Philosophy, principles and values that have shaped Canada's framework of public sector ethics and accountability. The relationship between ethics, accountability and good governance and the reforms designed to limit unethical behaviour and strengthen accountability.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4412, for which additional credit is precluded.
Law of Public Authorities I
The legal environment of Canadian public administration, Canadian law, institutions and processes. Canadian legal history, adversarial adjudicative procedures, delegation of powers to public authorities, procedural justice in government decision making, and controls on public authorities and enforcement of ethics.
Law of Public Authorities II
Characteristics and selected problems of control of administrative action. Topics may include: varieties of constitutional, legal and judicial control, impact of the Charter, reforms to administrative law control systems in Canada, and comparisons with developments outside Canada.
Strategic Management in the Public Sector
Key concepts, principles and tools of strategic management, and their use in planning and policy implementation in the public sector. Reviews critical perspectives and cases in order to identify some of the limitations of strategic management.
Budgetary Management for the Public Sector
Theory and practice of budgeting in the public sector. From a management perspective, the course focuses on the objectives, methods and systems for the control and reporting of expenditures.
Principles of Finance
The use of financial assets to obtain funds, evaluative criteria to compare alternative uses of funds, and derivative contracts to manage risk. Public sector applications of these practices are emphasized.
Human Resources Management
The field of human resources management including the roles of human resource departments, employee motivation, staffing, compensation, benefits, training and development and employee relations.
Industrial Relations and Public Sector Collective Bargaining
The basic concepts of industrial relations, with respect to both public and private sector employees and organizations.
Policy and Program Evaluation
Selected concepts, issues, and processes in applied governmental planning and evaluation, utilizing both Canadian and comparative experiences.
Globalizing Public Management
Public sector reform has swept the developed and developing world in the last two decades. The dynamics of this global movement, the models exported and adopted, and the success and failure of these exports.
Urban and Local Government
The role of municipal government in the context of Canadian federalism. Current economic, political and social trends affecting Canada's major urban centres including growth, amalgamation, fiscal reform, immigration, housing, community engagement, and sustainable development.
Third Sector Governance and Management
Governance and management of voluntary/nonprofit organizations and their role in democracy, public policy, and service delivery.
Evaluation Cases and Applications
Selected case studies and emerging theories and issues in the development, design, management and implementation of policy and program evaluation.
Policy Seminar (Public Management Concentration)
One or more selected policy areas or specialized aspects of public management. The policy field or topic will change each year.
Directed Studies (Public Management Concentration)
A tutorial or directed reading course on selected subjects related to public management.
Energy Economics
Micro- and macroeconomic concepts and techniques applied to such topics as international energy markets, energy production, and energy consumption.
Energy Management
The fundamentals of energy management, focusing on current practices in both private and public sector organizations.
International Politics of Sustainable Energy
Recent historical and contemporary developments in the role of energy in inter- and intranational relations, involving such topics as Canada/US relations, the international political economy of oil, energy security, and climate change.
Sustainable Energy Policy
The institutions involved in energy policy, the processes through which policy is made, and the substantive energy-related issues currently preoccupying policy makers.
Policy Seminar (Sustainable Energy)
One or more selected topics or specialized aspects of sustainable energy policy. The topic will change each year.
Science and Technology Policies
Theory and practice regarding governmental policies for science and technology, and the use of scientific knowledge in the policy and regulatory processes of government. Concerns regarding the ethical issues and the transparency of science in government.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4611, for which additional credit is precluded.
Industrial Policy, Innovation and Sustainable Production
Sustainable production theory and key drivers, barriers and opportunities influencing innovation in industrial systems and processes. The relationship of public policies and industry practices are explored in a number of sectors.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4612, for which additional credit is precluded.
Science, Risk and Evaluation
Risk-benefit theories and practices and related issues in the evaluation of science and technology; how they are handled in applied regulatory and policy institutions in selected sectors (e.g. pesticides; health protection; biotechnology).
Natural Resource Management
Governance and management of natural resources from a Canadian and international perspective. The use of various management instruments, regulatory approaches and community-based and co-management institutions are evaluated with evidence from several case studies from around the world.
Politics and Policy of Energy in Canada
Dilemmas associated with energy policy in Canada. Economic, social and environmental dimensions of energy decision making; Canadian issues within the context of a changing international scene and long term energy transitions.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4615, for which additional credit is precluded.
Environmental Policy
Canadian environmental policies and programs set in a comparative political-economic and institutional context.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4616, for which additional credit is precluded.
Implementing Sustainable Development in Industrialized Countries
Genesis and evolution of the idea of sustainable development and the ways in which it is influencing public policy and public sector structures and processes. Canada's performance in implementing sustainable development will be assessed in comparison with other industrialized countries.
Environmental and Ecological Economics
Environmental and ecological economics with applications to public policy and environmental management issues. Concepts of sustainability, non-market valuation and ecological stability, the determination of environmental targets, and the use of policy instruments, incentives and emissions markets.
Urban Sustainability
Impact of economic growth and social change on cities and their attempts to forge sustainable growth. Incorporating political and fiscal issues, the focus is on 'smart growth' policies and initiatives in areas such as environmental control, transport, land use, housing and infrastructure.
The Science, Politics and Economics of Global Climate Change
Scientific issues at the core of climate change and the domestic and international policy responses. Various environmental, economic, and political implications for both the developed and developing worlds and for the various regions of Canada.
Policy Seminar (Innovation, Science and Environment Concentration)
One or more selected policy areas and topics related to innovation, science and environment. The topic will change each year.
Directed Studies (Innovation, Science and Environment Concentration)
A tutorial or directed reading course on selected subjects related to innovation, science and the environment.
Policy Seminars
The International Policy Framework
The evolution of the main international rules and institutions governing the economic relationships among nation states, with emphasis on the changing roles of the Bretton Woods institutions (IMF, World Bank, GATT/ WTO).
Governance in Developing Countries
The roles of the state and civil society in the governance of developing countries in the context of public sector reform and globalization.
The Evolution of World Bank/IMF Policy Conditionality
The changing nature of World Bank/IMF policy conditionality with emphasis on the period since the onset of the 1982 debt crisis.
Program and Project Management
The context, critical issues and methods relating to the planning and implementation of development programs and projects.
Civil Society Organizations and Development
The context, roles, structures and strategies of nongovernmental organizations in the development process at the global, national and local levels. The role of development aid and NGOs is considered.
Program Evaluation in Developing Countries
The context, critical issues and methods relating to the evaluation of development interventions.
Health Policy in Developing Countries
Debates regarding health policy in the developing world, in the context of the global health sector reform movement, trade and intellectual property regimes, and strategies of corporate and NGO actors. Issues of gender, class and the determinants of health.
Also offered at the undergraduate level, with different requirements, as PADM 4817, for which additional credit is precluded.
Theories of Development
A survey of the theories and evidence to explain processes of growth and development, and their unevenness, in low-income countries and transition economies.
Policy Seminar (International and Development Concentration)
One or more selected policy areas and topics related to policy and administration in the international and development context. The topic will change each year.
Directed Studies (International and Development Concentration)
A tutorial or directed reading course on selected subjects related to international and development issues.
Research Essay
M.A. Thesis
Co-operative Work Term
Markets, Prices and Government
The contributions and limitations of microeconomic theory for analyzing the behaviour of public and private decision makers. Issues include different forms of market failure, and different understandings of the appropriate role of government in addressing them.
Policy Institutions and Processes
Economic and political science approaches to the role of ideas, interests and institutions in the public policy process and instrument choice. Topics may include policy paradigms and political culture, interest groups, theories of state formation, behaviour of bureaucracies and legislative institutions.
Public Policy Analysis
The application of economic and political science approaches to public policy analysis in Canadian and comparative settings. The policy fields examined may include social welfare and labour market policy, tax and trade policy, science policy and environment policy.
Foundations of Policy Analysis
Assessment and comparison of key theoretical traditions in explaining and analyzing public policy.
Doctoral Research Seminar
Issues in developing research proposals and conducting public policy research; includes research presentations by senior doctoral students and faculty. Required for second-year doctoral students who present their thesis proposals. Issues surrounding quantitative or qualitative methods in public policy analysis may be discussed. Graded Pass/Fail.
Ph.D. Comprehensive Examination
Ph.D. preparation for the comprehensive examination. The grade to be awarded will be that obtained on the comprehensive examination.
Ph.D. Specialization Tutorial
A Ph.D. tutorial covering advanced theory and research in an area of specialization generally related to public policy. Specific topics will be selected in consultation with, and must be approved by, the academic supervisor and Ph.D. co-ordinator.
Ph.D. Specialization Tutorial
A Ph.D. tutorial covering advanced theory and research in an area of specialization generally related to public policy. Specific topics will be selected in consultation with, and must be approved by, the academic supervisor and Ph.D. co-ordinator.
Ph.D. Thesis
Students will normally be supervised by faculty in the School of Public Administration but may also seek supervision from faculty in other social sciences departments, schools, and institutes.
Summer session: some of the courses listed in this Calendar are offered during the summer. Hours and scheduling for summer session courses will differ significantly from those reported in the fall/winter Calendar. To determine the scheduling and hours for summer session classes, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca
Not all courses listed are offered in a given year. For an up-to-date statement of course offerings for the current session and to determine the term of offering, consult the class schedule at central.carleton.ca