MPA course-based (online)

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.

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
    
    
• 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.

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.

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.

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.

Program overview

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.