Established in 2008 as a joint collaboration between the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina, the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS) has swiftly become one of Canada's leading policy schools for educating graduate students and public servants interested in and devoted to advancing public value. Our students can select from a number of course-based and research programs offered on either campus or online.
Program
| Program | Expected Length | Project and/or thesis | Course based |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.P.A. | 2 years |
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, accredited by the Canadian Association of Programs in Public Administration (CAPPA), is designed to prepare students for careers in public administration and policy work in diverse areas such as non-government organizations, industry associations, and, of course, the public service. MPA students are exposed to core concepts in policy formation and analysis, and have the opportunity to explore substantive areas such as social policy, health policy, innovation policy, trade and immigration policy, resource and environmental policy, and public sector management.
The standard time in program for the MPA is two years. However, the MPA can be completed in a period as short as 16 months (via an accelerated program) and as long as five years (the maximum time allowed in program for master's students).
Spring/summer registration during program
The JSGS MPA program at the University of Saskatchewan schedules an academic break during the Summer term, which runs July 1 through August 31 inclusive. There are no core course offerings available during this time.
- Students who started the MPA program on or before January 2021, have a scheduled academic break from May 1 through August 31 inclusive as per the requirement when they began their program.
- Students who started the MPA program on September 2021, and beyond, will have a scheduled academic break from July 1 through August 31 inclusive.
During a scheduled academic break, JSGS MPA students may choose to continue their studies. However, due to the limited availability of course offerings in the Summer term, there may not be courses available which are relevant to a students' program of study.
Online option
Designed for individuals working in the public and quasi-public (e.g., NGOs, non-profits) sectors, the online Master of Public Administration program provides students with the knowledge and administrative and management skills needed to address the contemporary policy challenges of an increasingly complex world.
The online option provides an applied focus, using case-studies and projects to illustrate the applications of public policy theories and models. Key features of the program include:
- Two three-to-four day residencies at the beginning and end of the program.
- Courses delivered fully online.
- Flexible study options. The online MPA program can be completed in two years of full-time or four years of part-time study.
Tuition and funding
Funding
The Johnson Shoyama Graduate School offers at least ten scholarships, minimum five awarded at each campus, to MPA applicants. Scholarships will be awarded to students based on academic standing. To be eligible for a scholarship, students must be enrolled in the school on a full-time basis. All complete applications will be considered for funding.
Graduate students at USask can receive funding from a variety of sources to support their graduate education.
Tuition
If you are offered admission into this program, a non-refundable tuition deposit of $1,000 CAD is required to save your seat. The non-refundable deposit must be paid within 30 days of the offer of admission being made. If you enroll in the program consistent with the terms of the offer, the $1,000 deposit will be applied to your student account. If you do not enroll, the deposit is retained by JSGS.
| Program | Canadian students | International students |
|---|---|---|
| Master of Public Administration (online) | ||
| Master of Public Administration |
Student fees
In addition to tuition above, students also pay fees for programs like health and dental insurance, a bus pass, and other campus services. The amount you need to pay depends on if you are taking classes full time or part time, and if you are on campus or not. The table below assumes you are on campus full-time.
| Fall 2024 | Winter 2025 | Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Student fees | $504.45 CAD | $666.08 CAD | $35.00 CAD | $35.00 CAD |
Tuition information is accurate for the current academic year and does not include student fees. For detailed tuition and fees information, visit the official tuition website.
Admission requirements
Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
- Language Proficiency Requirements: Proof of English proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English. A minimum overall TOEFL score of 86 is required with a minimum score of 20 in each area, or a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6.0 in each area, or another approved test as outlined in the College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies Academic Policies.
- A cumulative weighted average of at least a 75% (USask grade system equivalent) in the last two years of study (i.e. 60 credit units)
- A four-year honours degree, or equivalent, from a recognized college or university in an academic discipline relevant to the proposed field of study
Application deadlines
The application deadlines for September enrolment in the on campus MPA program are:
- November 1
- February 1
- May 1* (domestic applicants only)
*This deadline is for domestic applicants only, as it does not allow sufficient time for international students to apply for a visa and therefore, international applications are not accepted.
To meet the deadlines above, all components of your application must be received by 11:59 p.m. (Central Standard Time - CST) on the deadline. Applications that are incomplete will be considered at the next deadline (if applicable) if fully complete but will not be deferred to future terms.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early as it is to your advantage to submit a completed application as early as possible, as enrollment is limited. The admission process is competitive and late application submissions may be at a disadvantage.
International students are highly encouraged to apply by the November 1 or February 1 deadline to allow for sufficient time to secure all documents required to study in Canada.
Applications to the online MPA program are accepted on an ongoing basis and are reviewed in the order in which they are completed. Therefore, it is to your advantage to submit a completed application as early as possible, as enrollment is limited. The admission process is competitive and late application submissions may be at a disadvantage.
Entry is possible in any semester (September/Fall, January/Winter, and May/Spring).
- The latest application deadline for Fall entry is May 1.
- The latest application deadline for Winter entry is October 1.
- The latest application deadline for Spring entry is February 1.
To meet these deadlines, all components of your application must be received by the dates above. Applications that are incomplete will not be reviewed nor will they be deferred to future terms.
Application process
Submit an online application
Before beginning your online application, be sure that you have carefully reviewed all program information and admission requirements on this page.
During the application, you'll be asked for:
- Personal information such as your name, address, etc.
- Contact information of your three referees
- For your letters of recommendation, two of your referees must be academic contacts, and the third may be academic or professional
- Your complete academic history from all previous post-secondary institutions
The application takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may save your application and return to it later.
At the end of the application, you will need to pay a non-refundable $120 application fee. Your application will not be processed until payment is received.
Submit required documents
Once you've submitted your online application, you will have access to upload your required documents, and provide the contact information for your references. To do this, go to the "Supplemental Items & Documents" tab in your application, and upload the documents outlined below.
Preliminary Statement of Marks
- Once you have submitted your application for admission and paid the application fee, you will be required to upload unofficial PDF copies of your academic transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended. This requirement will appear as Preliminary Statement of Marks or Additional Prelim. Statement under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you check your application status.
- The uploaded transcript can be an unofficial copy of the transcript issued by the university or college, and must include a grading key/legend.
- All pages of a transcript must be uploaded as a single PDF document.
- Uploaded transcripts will be considered unofficial or preliminary. Official copies of your transcripts will be required only for applicants offered admission. This requirement will appear as Post-secondary Transcript under admission requirements on your Application Summary when you check your application status.
Post-secondary Transcripts
If you receive an offer of admission, you will then be required to have your official post-secondary transcripts sent (by mail in a sealed envelope directly from the institution) to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.
College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Room 116 Thorvaldson Building, 110 Science Place
Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9
- Transcripts usually indicate the institution’s name, grading scheme (typically on back of transcript), your name, course names, numbers, credits, and the grades you have received. Depending on the country or institution, some features may not be available.
- Transcripts in languages other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
- If you are a current University of Saskatchewan student completing your undergraduate program then a letter of completion of degree requirements will be required from your college.
Proof of English language proficiency may be required for international applicants and for applicants whose first language is not English.
For students who are required to provide proof of English proficiency:
- It is your responsibility to have completed an official and approved test with the appropriate score before the application deadline.
- Tests are valid for 24 months after the testing date and must be valid at the beginning of the student's first term of registration in the graduate program.
- Applicants will be required to upload a PDF copy of any required language test score. Uploaded test scores will be considered unofficial or preliminary.
If you receive an Offer of Admission you may be required to have your official language test scores sent to the address below. Please do not send official documents until we request them.
College of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Room 116 Thorvaldson Building - 110 Science Place
Saskatoon, SK CANADA S7N 5C9
In addition to the above official documents, please upload the following documents:
- A curriculum vitae or resume that includes background and relevant employment history.
- MPA Statement/Letter of Intent: The MPA is a professional program designed to prepare you for a career in public administration and policy work in diverse areas such as non-government organizations, industry associations, and, of course, the public service. To help the committee understand whether the MPA program is right for you, and whether you will be a good fit for our school, please address the following in your statement/letter of intent:
-
- What has motivated you to pursue an MPA degree? Why are you interested in public administration and public policy?
- How will your background and preparation, including education and professional experience, contribute to your success in the MPA program?
- What particular policy interests do you hope to explore, specifically as they relate to our three areas of research priority (Governance, Social Policy and Inequality, and Innovation, Science and Technology). Why are you interested in these areas?
- What do you hope to achieve in this program?
-
- The committee wants to see that you can clearly articulate your interests and ideas. Please restrict your comments to 500 words.
Contact
Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy
Diefenbaker Building
101 Diefenbaker Place
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B8
Graduate Chair
Michelle Prytula
Email: jsgs@usask.ca
Graduate Administrator
Email: jsgs@usask.ca
- Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy
Learn more about the academic unit offering this program - Program and Course Catalogue
To view official admission and program requirements