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Public Administration

Master of Public Administration (MPA) - on-campus

Our Master of Public Administration (MPA) thesis-based/co-op (on-campus) program prepares tomorrow’s public sector leaders to lead the change needed to address complex challenges. The MPA on-campus program focuses on strategic awareness, analytical thinking, communication, professionalism and leadership to give you the versatile toolkit you need for a rewarding and impactful career.

Learn about our vision, mission and values.

As an undergrad, I explored the experiences of female elected officials in local governments. After this project, I knew I wanted real-life work experience and additional government-related courses. The MPA program offered a combination of both. Through co-ops, I've worked for 2 rural local governments on Vancouver Island, the Village of Tahsis and the Village of Alert Bay. During both placements, I independently conducted bylaw projects but also had the opportunity to learn other areas of local government, such as running a by-election and grant writing. I feel prepared and confident for a career in local government.
Sarah Greer
More student testimonials Frequently asked questions

Program structure

This program alternates academic terms on campus with co-operative work terms. In the first fall semester, you'll enrol in 3 core courses, 1 elective and the co-op preparation seminar. You'll learn about fostering skills in collaboration, engagement, analysis, research design and policy interventions. Your co-op work term will be in the spring semester from January to April.

When you return from your co-op in the summer, you'll sign up for 3 core courses. You'll also take your second elective and begin planning your thesis research. You will have opportunities to reflect on and integrate your co-op experiences with academic course work, learning about the evolving nature of public governance work from multiple vantage points. In the fall, you'll do a second co-op work term and continue working on your research thesis, which may include a client.

Program schedule

Admissions

Learn everything you need to know about becoming a ßÉßɱ¬ÁÏ grad student, from finding a supervisor to submitting your application.

  • Next entry: September 2026
  • Next application deadline: January 31, 2026
MPA on-campus admission requirements

Funding

Every year, UVic awards $12 million to help fund graduate students through a combination of:

  • UVic fellowships and awards
  • teaching assistantships
  • research assistantships

Learn more about funding on our frequently asked questions page.

Funding and employment for graduate students

Co-op

MPA students are automatically enrolled in co-operative education, or co-op, and complete at least 2 work terms. Our students work in diverse roles for a huge range of employers. A few recent examples include:

Sample co-op positions

  • policy analyst
  • climate change research co-op
  • administrator, Indigenous relations
  • impact measurement officer
  • research assistant
  • cultural heritage policies project coordinator

Sample co-op employers

  • BC Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training
  • Tsawwassen First Nation
  • Office of the Auditor General of BC
  • United Nations Institute for Training & Research (UNITAR)
  • BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Learn more about our co-op program.

Concurrent MPA & GCE

Complete a Graduate Certificate in Evaluation program at the same time as your MPA. You’ll pay a one-time fee and can count evaluation courses as your electives in the MPA program. Please contact paservice1@uvic.ca before applying to the certificate program.

Research strengths

Learn about research our faculty members are involved with. Focus areas include:

  • public sector and public service reform
  • designing and implementing policy interventions
  • Indigenous governance
  • political economy of climate policy
  • border studies
  • comparative climate policy
  • decision-making in the public sector
  • sustainability transitions
  • decolonization of organizational structures and policy

Information sessions

Join us in an upcoming Zoom information session to see if our programs are the right fit for you.