MPA course-based (online)
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Are you an active professional interested in advancing your career? The MPA course-based online option is designed for experienced administrators who plan to study towards a graduate degree while continuing to work in government at the local, provincial, federal, First Nations or international level.
You will be encouraged to explore theory and practice in both policy analysis and public management. You will acquire a mix of skills that create career opportunities as managers, analysts and consultants. Among our graduates are city managers, non-profit administrators, government administrators and leaders in the interface between business and government.
We welcome students from across Canada who are committed to developing their public sector leadership skills while combining their work and family responsibilities with graduate study.
The opportunity to discuss current policy issues with other public service leaders is awesome! The commitment of my cohort to our discussions is a great source of motivation as we manage our busy schedules. The diversity of my cohort also allows me to see the same issue from different perspectives and encourages us to learn from each other. - Rodrigo Feracini, director, Procurement Procurement Service Branch, BC Ministry of Citizens' Services
Admission
See all admission requirements on the admissions site.
Next entry is September 2025.
Application deadlines
- December 15 for international applicants
- March 15 for domestic applicants
Program synopsis
The MPA course-based (online) option focuses on the topics of governance, policy, management, research, economics, finance, human resources and communications.
This program is designed for students working full-time. You can complete this program from home while meeting your professional and personal responsibilities. Put your new-found knowledge and expertise into practice immediately in your own work environment.
This program starts in September and courses are offered in all three terms of the academic year.
By completing two courses per term, your MPA will be completed in under two years. The degree consists of 15 credit units: 10 1.5 unit courses, including eight required and two elective courses. See the program overview.
Students must follow the program as listed in the Graduate Academic Calendar or the program overview. Normally, students in this option may not take more than two courses per term. Any exceptions must be approved by the graduate adviser.
Degree requirements
MPA course-based (online) option students must complete a total of 15 units.
- Eight core courses (1.5 units each):
- ADMN 502A, 504, 507, 509 , 512, 531, 550, 556
- ADMN 502A, 504, 507, 509 , 512, 531, 550, 556
- Two elective courses (1.5 units each) from
- approved electives (Not all electives are available each term but rather on a rotating basis each year.)
or - courses from other School of Public Administration offerings; MADR (DR) or MACD (CD) courses (first preference is given to students in those programs)
or - from other academic programs: with permission of the instructor of those courses and the graduate adviser.
- approved electives (Not all electives are available each term but rather on a rotating basis each year.)
See the recommended sequence of courses in the program overview. Core courses are offered only in the terms noted. A selection of electives are offered each term of the academic year.
Program length
It is possible to complete this program within two years if the program schedule is followed.
Fees
Get the details on tuition and costs on the Graduate Studies site.
The MPA program is a minimum of five full fee installments. If you complete the program early you must pay any outstanding fee installments. You will incur more fees if you go beyond the five fee installments.
The estimates below are approximate as tuition and fees are re-evaluated every year and typically go up by 1-2% in May. This estimate doesn’t include any tuition increases, textbooks or GSS fees.
- Some courses have all open access reading materials and others require textbooks. We recommend budgeting about $150-$200 CDN per term.
- Graduate Student Society (GSS) fees are about $100.00 per term. There is also a health and dental plan that students can opt out of should they already have coverage.
For domestic students, tuition for this program is approximately $11,000.00.
For international students, tuition for this program is approximately $13,500.00 CDN. There may be additional fees for international students. Contact the International Centre for Students for more information.
Concurrent MPA Online and Graduate Certificate in Evaluation
You may choose to complete the Graduate Certificate in Evaluation (GCE) at the same time as your MPA program.
Courses for the GCE are credited as electives for the degree program and core credit for the certificate program. There is a a one-time certificate fee in addition to regular MPA online tuition, as well as tuition for additional terms of study required to complete both programs.
The current one-time graduate certificate fee for concurrent students is:
- $847.78 (domestic students)
- $1,071.98 (international students)
Please note: Tuition fees are updated annually
Taking the concurrent MPA and Graduate Certificate in Evaluation programs may extend the time of degree completion which may result in additional fees per term to complete all requirements. Before applying, or if you have questions regarding the concurrent program, please contact paservice@uvic.ca.
Student testimonials
I am able to apply the material in an integrated way to tackle difficult environmental, social and economic issues that can't be solved with simple solutions. The innovation comes from taking each course and building on the material throughout the program. Interacting with the faculty is the best part for me. Being able to present a complex problem and get back suggestions on how to deal with it is a benefit to the program. - Victoria Sakura Surry
The MPA Online program allows me to apply what I learn directly in my work. The broad range of courses in different aspects of public administration are setting me up for future opportunities in my career as a well-rounded public service professional. I enjoy learning alongside other professionals in different fields. It broadens my understanding of the public service as a whole by learning about their roles, as well as sharing my own experience. - Steven Collyer, planner II, City of Penticton
Read more student testimonials.