Master's of Public Administration and of Public Policy: An Analysis of Academic Programs and Professional Competencies in Canada

Canadian Master’s of Public Administration and Master’s of Public Policy academic programs were reviewed by examining both general curricula but also – using a new web tool called the Public Policy and Governance Portal – the detailed content (concepts) taught in those courses and their match with »competencies« as defined by several international public administration standards setting organizations. In total, 22 academic units and 33 distinct programs were examined. Data on certificate and diploma programs and their various concentrations are provided. Several trends are identified: most programs offer concentrations; a recent trend has been »hybrid« degrees (often combining administration or management with some aspect of international relations); a general reliance on internships; a set of core courses for most programs consisting of governance, macroeconomics, theory of public administration; research methods; public policy; quantitative methods. Most Canadian programs fall short in offering (or requiring) courses in »policy analysis theory and techniques« and »implementation strategy and design«