Carleton University - Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

Public Policy

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Program Information

School:Carleton University - Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
Faculty:School of Public Policy and Administration
Degree:Doctorate
Field of Study:Public Administration
Description:For six decades, the School of Public Policy and Administration has been the leading centre for Canadian scholarship and graduate education in policy and administration – examining what governments do, why, and how they could do it better. The PhD is an advanced research degree – the only one of its type in Canada and one of the few in the world. It produces sophisticated analysts with the abilities and experience they need to advance the state of knowledge across a range of Canadian and international public policy issues.

URL:Public Policy at Carleton University - Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
Thesis Based:Yes
Length:5 Year(s)

Admission Requirements

Test Scores:
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (Paper Based) [min. 580] or International English Language Testing System (academic or immigration) [min. 7] or Test of English as a Foreign Language (Internet Based) [min. 86] or Test of English as a Foreign Language (Computer Based) [min. 237] or Canadian Academic English Language Assessment [min. 70]
Additional Admission Requirements:
  • Letter(s) of Reference
  • Statement of Research Interests
  • Portfolio
Admission will be judged primarily on the applicant's ability to conduct advanced research and to complete the program successfully. Applications should contain at least one essay or paper at the M.A. level written by the applicant, as well as a statement of research interests and potential thesis topics. Admission requires completion of an M.A. degree in any of public administration, political science, economics, political economy, business administration, law, or similar degree with first class standing (A- average or higher in their M.A. work). A working knowledge of basic calculus is required for completion of the program. Assistance in acquiring these skills is provided by the program. Students requiring additional assistance should consult the Ph.D. Supervisor.



Applicants must also successfully complete prerequisites in statistics, political science, and economics as described in detail below. These prerequisites may be satisfied by the completion of appropriate course work at the intermediate undergraduate level or higher in each of the subjects listed.



Prerequisites in political science, economics and statistics must be completed prior to entry. Completed courses in political science should be approximately equivalent to PADM 5120 or PADM 5121. With permission of the Ph.D. Supervisor, this requirement may be done, as a directed study in the summer, prior to registration in the program, under the supervision of faculty in the School. Completed courses in economics should be approximately equivalent to PADM 5127. Equivalent courses may be taken at most universities throughout the academic year. Completed course in statistics should be approximately equivalent to PADM 5126. Applicants should seek advice from the Supervisor of the Ph.D. program about whether particular courses are acceptable as prerequisites.



Advanced standing will not normally be granted for any of the required courses described below. If granted, advanced standing will be limited to 1.0 credit.

* We make every attempt to provide accurate information on prerequisites, programs, and tuition. However, this information is subject to change without notice and we highly recommend that you contact the school to confirm important information before applying.

Modified on September 01, 2022