Public Administration

Program Description

The role of government in today’s complex society requires that public servants possess sophisticated, multi–disciplinary skills that will result in effective, competent and ethical administration. This program is designed to enable you to study the challenges associated with the myriad facets of government, including service provision, policy development and implementation, prudent fiscal management, project management, conflict resolution.

Program Learning Outcomes:

As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:

• Articulate/analyze the issues currently facing Ontario’s public sector, particularly within municipal government;
• Apply principles, including those of risk management, and practices associated with prudent fiscal management, comptrollership, governance and accountability in the municipal and broader public sectors;
• Research and draft public policies and programs ensuring that any downside risks have been minimized;
• Contribute directly to the planning and administration of organizational resources and related systems, including those associated with financial, technology and human resource management;
• Use transferable and interpersonal skills including conflict resolution, service provision, leadership, communication, ethics and team–building abilities;
• Effectively manage the performance of a municipal or other public sector program or service;
• Research, synthesize and write comprehensive program and services review reports;
• Solve problems by developing and assessing alternatives, devising effective solutions and evaluating results/outcomes;
• Prepare accurate accountability reports to public office holders;
• Manage stakeholder relations taking into consideration the political and economic environments, labour relations, media relations, etc.;
• Communicate effectively and appropriately given the audience and purpose including both written and verbal in a variety of situations.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• A diploma or a recognized degree from an accredited institution; or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older) with 3 to 5 years of documented work experience in a related field including references for relevant work experience.
• English proficiency at the college/university level.
• Competence in word–processing, Windows systems environment and basic Internet applications.

Applicant Selection:

• Students must be fluent in the English language, both written and spoken. Prospective students may be required to undergo testing to assess literacy skills.

The Importance of Learning Skills:

Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well–organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills. Seminars, workshops and tutoring are available at Seneca's Learning Centres.

Fees

Loading Tuition Costs

Your Career

As a graduate of this intensive two semester graduate certificate program you’ll be prepared to work in the municipal and non–profit sectors in particular, although you will also have the skills that are required for work at any level of government. Areas of employment or positions may include policy and compliance analysis, administrative officers, program support officers and project officers.

Affiliations and Associations

The program has close ties with the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO). Graduates of this program will have completed all of the academic credits toward AMCTO’s Certified Municipal Office (CMO) designation, and will only require the work experience element to receive this designation.

Co-operative Education

For qualified students, there is an optional four–month co–op opportunity after completion of the two academic semesters of the program. Should you be accepted into this co–op program, you will have a shared responsibility for securing employment opportunities.

Curriculum

Contact Us

Apply Online

• Canadian Students
• International Students