Public Administration

Master of Public Administration (MPA)



Program Websites


Program Contact

Heather Pierce (localgov@uwo.ca)
Graduate Assistant

Department of Political Science

Western University
Social Science Centre, Rm 7335
London, Ontario N6A 5C2

t. 519-661-2111 ext. 80501
f. 519-661-3904

Western's Masters of Public Administration (MPA) is designed for mid-career local government administrators who wish to further their public management skills, as well as for future professionals looking to enter the field. The MPA is Canada’s only public administration program with a local focus. MPA courses offer specialized education in local administration and policy analysis, thoroughly preparing students for the challenges of modern community, urban and regional governance and administration.

Program Length

  • 3 Terms (Full-time studies)
  • 7-10 Terms (Part-time studies)

Program Design

  • Full-time or part-time study
  • Project-based

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fee schedules (per term) are posted on the Office of the Registrar's website at http://www.registrar.uwo.ca/student_finances/fees_refunds/fee_schedules.html

Graduate Student Affordability Calculator

Use this helpful tool to estimate how much money you will need to pay for your tuition, fees, housing, food, and other necessities for a 12-month (three term) academic year.

Admission Requirements

  • Applicants without relevant employment experience must possess a four year honours degree in the social sciences (with at least a B+ average) and demonstrate that they have taken at least two senior undergraduate courses concerned with local government, public administration and/or urban studies.
  • Applicants who have at least five years of Canadian local government employment experience are also expected to have an undergraduate or professional degree, but recommendations for special admission can be made in exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Applicants without an undergraduate or professional degree must submit a one-or two-page statement explaining how they think their experience compensates for their lack of formal academic qualifications.

Additional Requirements

English Language Proficiency

Applicants whose first language is not English must furnish evidence of their proficiency in the use of the English language:

Application Deadline

  • February 1
Acceptance notification begins in mid-March.