Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy
CONTACT
Graduate Chair: Dr. Murray Fulton
Graduate Secretary: Amy Boon
Phone: (306) 966-8525
Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public PolicyUniversity of SaskatchewanDiefenbaker Building, 101 Diefenbaker PlaceSaskatoon SK CAN S7N 5B8
What I like best about the U of S is that it provides a place where I can meet new people from all over the world and we can share our ideas and grow from each other. The Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy has created many opportunities for me now and in the future.
Neil Kewistep
MPA student
BA, First Nations University of Canada
Public Administration
The Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS) is a provincial centre for advanced education, research, and, outreach and training activities with campuses at both the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan. The school provides students and faculty the opportunity to work on contemporary public policy and administration challenges in an academic environment renowned for innovation and is fast becoming a destination for students from across the country and around the world.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
Applications are accepted up to May 1 for fall (September) start. But, those received after February 1 are not guaranteed consideration for funding.
FUNDING AND SCHOLARSHIPS
All complete applications received by February 1, 2011 will be considered for funding. the number and value of scholarships vary from year to year. They are awarded to students based on academic standing.
CAREER PATH
The M.P.A. program prepares students for careers in public administration and policy work in such diverse areas as NGOs, industry associations, and, of course, the public service.
M.P.A. +
M.P.A. students are exposed to core concepts in policy formation and analysis. They have the opportunity to explore policy in such areas as higher education, health and social policy, Aboriginal peoples and public policy, the social economy, international trade agreements, innovation and science policy, regulation, and economic and cultural development. This combination of theory, application, and research ensures that graduates are well prepared to:
- Draft policy papers and decision documents;
- Engage in basic and applied policy research;
- Work with governments and advocacy groups to identify and promote specific policy measures; and
- Participate in and lead teams of individuals or groups seeking to examine problems, identify issues, promote solutions, and evaluate and assess outcomes of policy measures.
Students entering the program are required to participate in the "Get Connected" academic orientation program offered in the fall.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree from a recognized university
- average of 75 percent or better must be maintained during the final two years (60 credit units) of undergraduate program (or in the graduate program if students are coming to the M.P.A. after a graduate degree)
- students from a wide variety of disciplines are eligible ( e.g., fine arts to the social sciences to the physical sciences to the professional college disciplines)
- it is not necessary, but some knowledge of economics, statistics, and calculus is generally an advantage
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
All students must complete the GSR 960.0, and, the GSR 961.0 if research involves human subjects or the GSR 962.0 if research involves animal subjects. Students must also complete JSGS 990 or JSGS 990AB Seminar Series (continuous registration required).
MPA students are required to complete 30 credit units, consisting of:
- Five core courses (15 credit units),
- Five electives (15 credit units) from specified pools of course offerings


