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Graduate Studies Calendar 2021-2022 Program Descriptions Public Policy PPOL
Public Policy - PPOL
Contact Information

Location: School of Public Policy
Downtown Campus
906 8th Avenue SW
5th Floor
Calgary, Alberta
T2P 1H9
Program number: 403.210.3802
Fax: 403.210.6939
Email address: mpp@ucalgary.ca
Web page URL: policyschool.ca

1. Degrees and Specializations Offered

Master of Public Policy (MPP), course-based
Master of Business Administration/Master of Public Policy (MBA/MPP), combined degree, course-based
Juris Doctor/Master of Public Policy (JD/MPP), combined degree, course-based

MPP

The MPP is a 12-month professional degree program offered for full-time study with limited seats for part-time study (Director approval required).

Combined MBA/MPP

The MBA/MPP program is normally restricted to full-time study. It allows students to obtain both degrees in a significantly shorter time frame than if they are taken separately.

Combined JD/MPP

The JD/MPP program is normally restricted to full-time study. It allows students to obtain both degrees in a significantly shorter time frame than if they are taken separately.

2. Admission Requirements

Master of Public Policy

In addition to the Faculty of Graduate Studies requirements, the School requires:

a) A minimum 3.30 grade point average (on the four-point scale) in the last two years of program or over the last 60 units.

b) A current resume.

c) A personal statement outlining the applicant’s career goals and how the applied-for program would help achieve those goals.

d) For students required to prove proficiency in English, a minimum TOEFL score of 105 (Internet-based test), or a minimum score of 7.5 on the IELTS, or a minimum score of 70 on the CAEL (with a minimum of 70 on each section). This requirement can also be met by completing the Academic Communication Certificate with a minimum grade of “A-” in each course.

Combined MBA/MPP

Students must meet the admission requirements for the Faculty of Graduate Studies and those for the MBA and MPP programs. Please consult the MBA Admissions Officer or the MPP Office for more information.

A separate application for the MPP and for the MBA is required for the combined MPP/MBA program. See deadlines for each program.

Combined JD/MPP

Students must meet the admission requirements for the Faculty of Graduate Studies and those for the JD and MPP programs. Please consult the JD Student Services Co-ordinator or the MPP Office for more information.

A separate application for the MPP and for the JD is required for the combined JD/MPP program. See deadlines for each program.

3. Application Deadline

Deadline for the submission of completed applications for the MPP program is available on the Future Students website: ucalgary.ca/future-students/graduate/explore-programs/public-policy-master-public-policy-course-based.

4. Advanced Credit

The applicant must make advanced credit requests as part of the admission process. Credit will not normally be given for course work taken as part of another completed degree/diploma. If graduate-level courses are taken as post-BA courses and not used as credit towards another degree, the School may allow the student to claim up to 6 units at our graduate level towards the MPP requirements should the student be admitted into the MPP program.

5. Program/Course Requirements

In addition to the Faculty requirements, the School requires that all students complete the following:

Master of Public Policy

a) Two preparatory/foundation courses: Public Policy 601 and 603. Satisfactory performance in these courses is required for continuation in the MPP program. Those who have completed courses with a grade of "A" or better in economics, mathematics, and statistics offered by a recognized undergraduate program within the past five years may apply to the Graduate Program Director for an exemption.

b) Nine core courses: Public Policy 600, 605, 607, 609, 615, 617, 619, 621, and 623.

c) Six units in Public Policy 611 or graduate-level courses approved by the Graduate Program Director. The two elective courses should be related in such a way that they form a concentration in an area of public policy.

Combined MBA/MPP

For students enrolled in the MBA/MPP, one three-unit MBA course will be counted toward the MPP core requirements set out in (b) and one three-unit MBA course will be counted toward the elective requirement set out in (c). All other requirements set out in (a)-(c) apply to students in the joint program.

Students will normally focus on courses for the MBA during the first year and on MPP courses including Public Policy 623 (capstone) in year two. Typically, the remaining courses will be completed in the first term of year three. For MBA course requirements, see Combined MBA Programs. Please consult the MBA or the MPP Office for more information.

Combined JD/MPP

One three-unit JD course will be counted toward the MPP core requirements set out in (b) and one three-unit JD course will be counted toward the elective requirement set out in (c). All other requirements set out in (a) – (c) apply to students in the joint program

Students will normally complete all of the first-year compulsory courses in Law in the first year of their program and all MPP courses including Public Policy 623 (capstone) in year two. In their third year, they complete their JD courses. Please consult the MPP or the JD Office for more information.

Copyediting

The School of Public Policy does not allow copyediting on students' work.

6. Additional Requirements

The School hosts a variety of Community Outreach events year-round that attract global policy experts and practitioners. As a feature of the MPP program, The School also puts on a Speaker Series specifically for students in the program. These talks feature prominent policy figures in an interactive environment.

The School’s event series represents a tremendous opportunity for students to network with policy experts from business and government. For this reason, students are expected to attend as many events as possible throughout the academic year.

7. Credit for Undergraduate Courses

The School does not give graduate credit for courses taken below the 600-level, except in special cases.

8. Time Limit

Maximum completion time for the MPP is four years.

9. Supervisory Assignments

All MPP students in the program will be guided by faculty holding appointments to the School.

10. Required Examinations

No additional examinations outside of the courses are required.

11. Research Proposal Requirements

No additional research requirements outside of the courses are required.

12. Financial Assistance

Students admitted to the MPP program will automatically be considered for financial awards from the School. For information on awards, see the website for the School and the Awards and Financial Assistance section of this Calendar.