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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 three core courses, one 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 three 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 Past MPA theses

Admissions

Learn everything you need to know about becoming a University of Victoria 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 & Graduate Certificate in Evaluation

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.