I look forward to welcoming you to our Graduate Certificate in Public Administration and Governance program. Newly revised and updated, the program focuses on developing core competencies and tools to better navigate in public administration. At the core of this online program is a learner-centered instructional methodology which includes simulations, experiential activities and case studies to go beyond knowledge and theory.

Our instructors and students make up a community passionate about public administration. We have created an online environment that makes learning fun, hands-on, and engaging. Classes are taught by public services experts and practitioners. Guest speakers make each class engaging and interactive. Group activities and interactions are an integral part of the program; the ability to network with like-minded individuals and learn from your peers is important. Our students come from Canada and other parts of the world, as well as from a variety of backgrounds, both those employed in public administration and those who are not.

By the end of this program, graduates will be able to analyse legal and ethical issues relevant to public services, provide leadership in equity, diversity, and inclusion practices in the workplace, build processes and systems in public organizations, and respond as appropriate to current issues and practices that affect day-to-day operations and decision-making.

Nadège Firsova, PhD
Academic Program Coordinator, Public Administration and Governance programs
Academic Director, Administration and Governance domain

This program is a good fit for you if you are:

• An early or mid-career professional who wants to begin a career in the public sector
• A professional who wants to move to mid level positions such as an Administrative Services Manager or Manager in the public sector in general

The program is designed to enable you to:

• Analyze individual, group, and organizational behaviours
• Interpret legal and ethical issues relevant to public services
• Use public sector tools to analyze and evaluate current issues
• Lead public and non-profit organizations
• Plan, schedule, and develop projects

• Analyze, evaluate, and apply lean project management techniques

Online, Full-time or Part-time, Evenings, Saturdays

1. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an approved university with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.2/4.0 in the last two years of full-time academic studies.

   * If your CGPA is lower than the above requirement, please submit the following for consideration with your application and official transcript.

   a) Letter of Intent: A letter, one to two pages in length, single-spaced, written in English or French, which addresses the following:

   • basis for interest in the program;
   • your knowledge that would be pertinent to the program;
   • your interest in the field of study and the reasons for applying to our program;
   • plans for integrating the training into your current or future career;
   • a description of your professional experience and its relevance, if applicable, to the program;
   • awards received or other contributions;
   • any additional information relevant to your application.

   b) Curriculum Vitae

   c) Two Letters of Reference: At least one should be from a current or former employer.

2. Applicants must provide proof of English Language proficiency.

• Business Administrator
• Community Worker
• Education Administrator
• Executive Assistant
• Foreign Correspondent
• Foreign Service Officer
• Government Administrator
• Immigration Officer
• Policy Advisor
• Policy Assistant
• Project Administrator

Students who have been admitted to online programs will be subject to deregulated fees if they are studying with a residence address outside the province, as the government does not fund the University for credit activities that are followed outside Quebec. All students will have to self-declare their location of study each term in Minerva. Consult the student accounts website – Online Programs page for more information.

This program is an Online (Distance Learning) program.

Since by definition distance learning does not require one to be in Canada, a study permit cannot be issued for this type of program, nor can one’s immigration status be changed (or renewed). For more information, please visit Immigration Quebec and Immigration Canada.