In addition to the Faculty requirements, the School requires that all students complete the following:
Master of Public Policy
Please note: All Public Policy courses are restricted to Master of Public Policy students. Students outside of the Master of Public Policy program must obtain permission to register in courses through the School of Public Policy. Core courses are held evenings throughout the academic year. Some exceptions may apply.
a) Two preparatory/foundation courses (Public Policy 601 and 603) during the last two weeks of August and during Fall Block Week prior to the start of the Fall Term. Satisfactory performance in these courses is required for continuation in the MPP program. Exemptions will normally be given for these two preparatory/foundation courses to those who have completed courses with a grade of "B" or better in economics, mathematics, and statistics offered by a recognized undergraduate program within the past five years.
b) An effective writing and research course (Public Policy 613) during the January Block Week.
c) The following eight core courses:
Public Policy 605: Markets and Public Policy
Public Policy 607: Politics and Collective Choice
Public Policy 609: Decision Analysis
Public Policy 615: Public Finances
Public Policy 617: Regulation and the Law
Public Policy 619: Governance, Institutions and Public Policy
Public Policy 621: Communicating Policy
Public Policy 623: Capstone Project (Note: Credit/Fail – The capstone project is not included in final grade point calculation)
d) Two elective courses:
The elective courses must be selected from graduate-level courses offered at the University of Calgary. In selecting electives students need to be aware that they must satisfy the prerequisites for those courses. The two elective courses should be related in such a way that they form a concentration in an area of public policy. See “Approved Graduate Elective Courses” below for suggested electives. The choice of elective courses must in all cases be approved by the Academic Director.
Public Policy 611. Independent Study. Various sections of this independent study course covering different topic areas are typically offered. These are reserved for Master of Public Policy students. School of Public Policy permission required for all other students. Please refer to the online course listings for details on topics covered each term.
Combined MPP/MBA
Students admitted to the MPP/MBA will normally focus mostly on courses for the MBA during the first year and mostly on MPP courses in year two. Typically, the remaining courses required will be completed in the first term of year three. Please consult the MBA Admissions Officer or the MPP Program Manager for more information.
Combined MPP/JD
In the first year of the combined program students would complete all of the first year compulsory courses in Law. During the Summer term of year 1, students in the joint program would complete the two MPP Foundation courses in economics and empirical methods (these may be waived for students with adequate academic backgrounds in these areas). In the second year of the Joint Program, students would focus on completing the compulsory core Law courses and five Public Policy core courses. The latter will vary depending on the student's area of specialization but would typically include: Public Policy 605, 607, 609, 615 and 619. Up to two elective (non-core) Public Policy courses may be substituted with approval of the JD/MPP program committee, consisting minimally of the program directors of the two programs. In the Spring/Summer period between years 2 and 3 students would complete Public Policy 621 and 623. In year 3, students would complete the upper level JD compulsory course(s) and required International and Writing requirements, along with enough approved Law or Public Policy electives. It is expected that most students will complete in less than three and one-half calendar years by attending courses every session. Please consult the MPP Program Manager or the JD Student Services Co-ordinator for more information.
Copyediting
The School of Public Policy does not allow copyediting on students' work.
Program Descriptions