Public Administration & Governance

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Public Administration and Governance program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of government institutions, principles of governance, and the policy-making process in Canada. It prepares individuals for various public sector roles by offering foundational knowledge in public finance, law, political science, and management. Key areas of study include public administration processes, ethics, leadership, public policy analysis, and the dynamics between government and society. The program emphasises practical skills in decision-making, project management, and dispute resolution while also addressing Indigenous and municipal governance systems. Graduates will be equipped to contribute effectively to governance and public service within their communities.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Analyse the relationship between local, provincial, and federal governance systems in Canada, including the role of municipal governments, to understand their role in public policy formation and community governance.
• Evaluate various models of public finance and their implementation in municipal management, with a focus on budgeting, taxation, and revenue generation, while considering the ethical implications of financial decisions.
• Apply principles of administrative law to real-world cases within public administration, ensuring ethical governance and compliance with municipal law regulations.
• Develop a comprehensive plan for managing human resources and resolving disputes in public sector organizations, using skills from leadership, organisational behaviour, and dispute resolution.
• Interpret indigenous governance structures and assess their influence on public policy and municipal government interactions in Canada, with a focus on promoting inclusive governance.
• Demonstrate effective business communication strategies in public administration settings, addressing conflict resolution and dispute management within diverse public organizations.
• Evaluate the ethical and legal implications of decisions in public administration, applying principles from business law and municipal ethics to promote transparency and accountability.
• Assess economic principles and their applications within public administration, particularly how microeconomic factors influence policy-making, resource allocation, and service delivery in the public sector.
• Apply principles of financial accounting and project management in public sector projects, ensuring fiscal responsibility, accountability, and efficient project execution within government organizations.
• Utilise management information systems (MIS) and business information technology to enhance data-driven decision-making and improve the efficiency of public administration operations.