The primary aim of the graduate certificate is to provide students with both a strong conceptual foundation for understanding and analyzing problems of governance and an effective tool-kit of skills and techniques required to operate in an increasingly complex managerial and organizational environment.

Governance is about effective coordination and decision-making in a world where knowledge and power are increasingly distributed. In this perspective, governance challenges are increasingly important to public, private and civic organizations – both within such organizations and across them.

This program was created for students who wish to increase their skills and knowledge in public management by adding an interdisciplinary dimension via courses from the School of Management and the School of Political Studies.

Candidates must meet the normal requirements for admission in a master's level program at the University of Ottawa (namely, an honour's baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent, with at least second class "B" standing from a recognized post-secondary institution). Advanced standing for up to 4.5 credits will be given to qualified students in recognition of comparable studies as determined by the Program Committee.

Candidates are required to submit a resume as well as a narrative statement. In the narrative statement, we recommend that they identify and explain the reasons why this program is of interest to them, and highlight elements of their current or past professional experience (paid or voluntary) that may have given them some insights or sparked interest in public management and/or governance. The candidates may also wish to identify what they hope to gain from the certificate in terms of learning and/or endeavours that they believe the certificate will better position them to undertake. The statement should be between 300 and 500 words in length.

Application Deadline

To find the application deadline, please check the “program-specific requirements” under Application Procedures and Information at the following address: www.grad.uottawa.ca/apply.

The Program Committee reserves the right to not review any application received after that date.

Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is neither English nor French are required to provide evidence of proficiency in one of these two languages in accordance with the rules of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. According to university regulations, students can write their papers and exams in the official language of their choice (either English or French).

Certificate Requirements

A. Core courses (12 credits)

B. Project (3 credits)