Public sector management
Build transferable skills, increase your effectiveness and advance your career in the Diploma in Public Sector Management (PSM) program. The PSM Diploma consists of 10 courses (15 units of study). You'll take 7 required courses and 3 elective courses.
Delivered entirely online, you’ll be able to maintain your other commitments while completing flexible, relevant professional development.
Admission requirements
Applicants should have the equivalent of 2 years of post-secondary education, plus 3 years’ experience in the public sector. We also consider relevant public or non-profit sector work experience.
If you don't have formal post-secondary qualifications, you could be accepted as a conditional student based on your experience.
How to apply
New applicants to UVic
- Apply to UVic undergraduate studies and upload your resume and cover letter. Make sure to express your interest in the diploma program.
- Arrange for all official transcripts to be sent to Undergraduate Admissions.
Returning UVic students
Returning UVic students must apply to reregister. When you apply, please upload your updated resume and cover letter. In your cover letter, share why you’re interested in the diploma program. Learn about reregistration.
Cover letter guidance
Your 500-word cover letter should outline your specific interest in the diploma program. Explain how this program aligns with your personal and/or career goals. Address all cover letters to the director of the School of Public Administration, University of Victoria.
Please note how your personal and professional background informs your motivation to complete this program. What do you hope to learn? What do you bring to our learning community?
Application deadlines
Fall term
- May 31 for application to Office of the Registrar
- July 15 for documents and transcripts
Spring term
- September 30 for application to Office of the Registrar
- November 15 for documents and transcripts
Summer term
- February 15 for application to Office of the Registrar
- April 1 for documents and transcripts
Late applications may be accepted.
Tuition
All courses are 1.5 units. Part-time students pay fees per term, per credit unit. See fee details.
Funding
UVic offers in-course scholarships that may be GPA or application-based. Most scholarships are awarded based on recommendations made by the department. However, some may require a separate application form.
Awards for Public Administration diploma and professional specialization certificate students
Course requirements
Core courses
- ADMN 310- Public Sector Economics
- ADMN 311- Introduction to Public Administration
- ADMN 312- Leading and Managing in Public and Non-Profit Sectors*
- ADMN 420- The Public Policy Process*
- ADMN 421- Financial Management
- ADMN 431A- Public Sector Human Resource Management
- ADMN 330(or ICDG 301) - Indigenous Governance in Canada
or
ADMN 331 Governance for Planetary Health
*Courses required for external professional accreditation in local government administration by the BC Board of Examiners, Ministry of Municipal Affairs.
Elective courses
Choose 4.5 units (3 courses) from other public administration undergraduate courses:
Social/applied sciences
- ADMN 314 - Public Sector Research and Analysis
Managerial theory & practice
- ADMN 316 - Public Sector Communications
- ADMN 407 - Managing Service Delivery
- ADMN 409 - Non-profit Governance and Management
- ADMN 411 - Public Sector Project Management
- ADMN 421 - Financial Management
- ADMN 422 - Ethical Public Management
- ADMN 431B - Labour Relations Negotiations
- ADMN 437 - Program Evaluation and Performance Measurement
- ADMN 477 - Strategic Planning and Implementation
Policy areas
- ADMN 423 - Local Government and Governance
- ADMN 445 - Urban and Regional Development*
- ADMN 446 - Local Government Land Use Planning
- ADMN 452 - Local Government Law*
- ADMN 462 - Intergovernmental Relations in Canada
- ADMN 470 - Contemporary Topics in Administration (topics vary)
- ADMN 490 - Directed Studies