Impactful Careers in Public Policy and Administration
Governments and public institutions play a central role in shaping the lives of individuals and communities. In Canada, governing bodies—Indigenous, federal, provincial, and municipal—depend on the expertise, experience, and leadership of individuals within their institutions to drive solutions for public problems, design policies, and manage programs that serve the needs of citizens.
At the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, we offer graduate programs that equip you with the skills and knowledge to become a strategic and innovative leader in public policy and administration.
Graduate Programs in Public Policy and Administration
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs prepare graduates for fulfilling careers in government and the public sector, where they contribute to effective governance and make a tangible community impact. Both programs offer comprehensive academic training and real-world policy experience.
Careers in Public Policy and Administration
Graduates from the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy have gone on to successful careers in federal, provincial, municipal, and Indigenous governments, as well as in private, non-governmental, and nonprofit organizations. Common career paths for MPA and MPP graduates include:
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Senior Government Managers and Officials: Ministers, Assistant Deputy Ministers, Indigenous Chiefs, Executive Directors, and City Administrators
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Policy and Program Managers: Senior Policy Advisors, Program Managers, Policy Analysts, Research Analysts
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Strategic Roles: Strategic Business Advisors, Strategic Business Development Officers, Economists, Public Affairs Counsellors
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Public Safety Careers: Chiefs of Police, Staff Sergeants, and Parole Officers
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Consulting: Policy Consultants and Public Sector Advisors
Our graduates are recognized for their nonpartisan leadership and problem-solving abilities, and they work in diverse roles where they contribute to the development of policies and solutions that benefit their communities and organizations.
Professional Development Programs in Governance and Leadership
In addition to its graduate programs, the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy offers a variety of professional development programs and workshops. These non-credit programs focus on essential skills in governance, leadership, and policy-making. They are tailored to address the labour market priorities identified by public sector partners and Indigenous communities.
These workshops and programs are led by former senior public servants who now serve as Executives-in-Residence at the School. In some cases, they are co-delivered with First Nations University of Canada, ensuring relevance and depth in policy discussions.
Why Choose the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy?
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Comprehensive Graduate Programs: Offering both MPA and MPP degrees that combine academic rigor with practical, hands-on policy experience.
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Diverse Career Opportunities: Prepare for impactful roles in government, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations.
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Professional Development: Access short, non-credit workshops designed to meet the evolving needs of the public sector and Indigenous communities.
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Expert Faculty and Networking: Learn from seasoned public policy professionals, and benefit from exclusive opportunities to network with senior leaders in government and industry.
- Academic Requirement: A graduating average of at least 75 per cent from a four-year baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) is required for admission to all programs.
- ELP Requirement: English Proficiency Score (Only for students of Non-English speaking countries) • IELTS: overall score of 6.5 (with no band below 6.0). • PTE: Overall 59 • TOEFL: Overall 83 ( not less than 20 ) • Duolingo : Overall 120 (not less than 105)
Tuition Deposit & Partial Refund Policy for Undergraduate International Students
Undergraduate international students on a study permit are required to pay a $1,000.00 tuition deposit upon acceptance of admission. If the student's study permit application is denied, they can request a partial refund of the tuition deposit in the amount of $500.00.
Withdrawing from Courses
When you drop one or more courses by the official deadlines for your term or “part of term,” you automatically get a full or partial refund credited to your student account.
Finding Your Deadlines
Check the Academic Schedule or log in to UR Self-Service and view My Refund Schedule (or the Class Refund Schedule) to see the exact drop dates that apply to your courses.
Automatic Refund Levels
There are three refund deadlines each term:
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Deadline 1: 100% refund of tuition and mandatory fees.
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Deadline 2: 50% refund of tuition only (other mandatory fees are not refunded).
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Deadline 3: No refund.
Additional Fee Adjustments
If you withdraw after Deadline 1 because of serious, unexpected events—such as your own serious illness or accident, a close family member’s death or illness, hospitalization, or an involuntary job transfer—you can apply for an extra tuition adjustment. You must submit a formal request with supporting documents; mandatory fees are not eligible for adjustment.
How Your Refund Date Is Set
We use the date you formally withdraw in Self-Service (or the date we receive your written request). If you stopped attending earlier for a documented reason (for example, the day you were hospitalized), we can use that date instead.
Part-of-Term 1 Refund Schedule
If you’re in Part of Term 1 (full semester) and withdraw after Deadline 1, here’s what you get back on tuition:
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Week 3: 77%
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Week 4: 69%
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Week 5: 62%
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Week 6: 54%
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Week 7: 46%
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Week 8: 38%
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Week 9: 31%
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Week 10: 23%
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Week 11: 15%
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Week 12: 8%
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Week 13 and beyond: 0%
Withdraw later than Week 13, and you’re not eligible for a tuition refund.
- Application Fee: $125
- LOA Deposit: $1,000
- Annual Tuition Fee: $17,000
- Total Tuition Fee: $34,000
- Course Duration: 2 Years
- Credentials: Master's
- Intake: Jan-2026
Checklist for Master’s:
- CV/Resume
- Passport
- Academic documents
- Proof of English Proficiency
- Visa copy, PPR letter & Study permit (If Onshore)
- Canadian address (If Onshore)
- Letter of Intent by the student (Please note student only need to answer 1-4 questions of the form)
- 02 Letter of Recommendations (Preferably form the School and College/University) Referees Email ID and Names (Emails must be official not personal)
- Signed information release form (Master’s Program)
- WES is Required for Computer Science, Education , Engineering and Applied Science Programs