the school of political studies located in the faculty of social science offers graduate programs leading to the master of arts (ma) and the doctorate of philosophy (phd) degrees in public administration.

the main objective of the master programs is to provide students with leading-edge theoretical and conceptual knowledge to enable them to understand and analyze public administration, as well as equipping them with the know-how and skills necessary for success in a constantly changing organizational environment. emphasis is placed on the development of research skills.

the master of arts program aims to familiarize students with critical methods of knowledge production and to develop their capacity for conducting basic and applied research. furthermore, they will develop the ability to extract from research the learning necessary for undertaking their responsibilities as public managers and policy analysts.

the phd program aims to prepare students for academic and research careers. the various components of the doctoral program (courses, comprehensive examination, thesis proposal, thesis and defence) are all designed to develop the student’s capacity for high level independent research in social sciences.

the programs offer two fields or concentrations in public administration: public management and public policy. these fields are not mutually exclusive, but constitute the two main components of public administration studies.

the institute of feminist and gender studies offers students exciting interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programs that explore women, gender and feminisms. university of ottawa teaching and research deal with hot button issues such as globalization, transnationalism, sexualities, colonialism and racism. courses blend scientific, theoretical and practical knowledge that contributes toward intellectual development and collective efforts for social justice.