Degrees and Programs

Programs:

Three year  General Program
The Four Year Major Program
BA Honours Program

Visit the Academic Calendar for detailed information

Degree Requirements

Political Science 1100 is a pre-requisite or co-requisites for all other courses in the discipline unless stated otherwise. Students who intend to major in Political Science are encouraged to take 1100 during their first year. Visit the Academic Calendar for detailed degree information, admission and course requirements.

Certificate in Public Administration (CPA)

The influence of government is all around us. Governments play a major role in shaping the nature of our society, the economy, public services and the whole range of public policies designed to enhance the quality of life in this country. Whether one likes it or not, government is a major player in the life of this country and this program is designed to give students a solid understanding of the nature and working of government.

The program will provide students with an education into the theories underlying the establishment of governmental power, the structures and institutions of the modem Canadian government as well as those of the provinces, and an understanding of the policy- making and policy-implementation process within this country.

Special attention will be devoted to public sector financial management, personnel management, governmental ethics and administrative law.

The program will also address issues respecting the roles of elected politicians and professional public servants, as well as the roles of interest groups, community groups, the media, and individual citizens in the governmental process.

This program is designed for all those interested in political power and the governmental application of such power. The program will prepare students for a potential career as well as career advancement within government departments, agencies, crown corporations, social service agencies and para-public organizations.

Students may arrange their political science courses so they can acquire a general certificate in public administration. This would involve the completion of certain required courses together with electives. Visit the Academic Calendar for detailed degree information, admission and course requirements.

Our goal is to equip our students with the skills of research, analysis, and critical thinking to better prepare them for careers in public administration field.

The Learning Process

The courses in the Certificate in Public Administration program are designed to maximize the students learning experience. Most are structured around a seminar format which allows for optional student participation interchange. Instructors are available for consolation by appointment, and CBU boasts a fine library to assist students in their research projects. As well, Computer Labs, including Internet, are available evenings and weekends.

As another option, students may arrange their political science courses so that they can acquire a Certificate in Public Administration, with a particular concentration. The specializations are as follows:

• Law and Policy Studies
• International Studies
• First Nations Affairs
• Municipal Government

For more information, please contact Dr. Andrew Molloy.

Diploma in Public Administration and Management

We are proud to offer this program designed to provide both students and public service employees with a wonderful opportunity to further their knowledge and understanding of government and public policy while also enhancing professional managerial skills.

Canada is on the cusp of one of the great periods of hiring for the public sector nationwide. With relatively healthy and stable finances, governments are now preparing themselves to make a major reinvestment in the intellectual capital of their public sectors, with such personnel and managerial decision-making likely to be felt throughout this first decade of the new century and beyond.

This diploma is designed to give students and current public service employees a strong foundation in the nature and working of Canadian government and public administration while also providing them with the opportunity to study, learn and become knowledgeable and conversant with the latest theories and practices respecting Canadian public sector management.

The federal government and most all provincial governments have now adopted policies of “public sector renewal”. The Federal Government is committed to hiring tens of thousands of young Canadians over the next decade to replenish its staff and managerial ranks. Most of the provinces have launched or will be launching similar initiatives in coming years with these governments, cumulatively, anticipating the hiring of further tens of thousands of new employees both to replace retirees and to compensate for past reductions in employee numbers.

This program will enable students to broaden and deepen their knowledge of government and public administration while also providing them with an opportunity to develop awareness and expertise specifically in the “techniques and practices” of public sector management, organizational theory, administrative law, policy development, public sector leadership and the management of organizational change.

Diploma Requirements:

The Diploma in Public Administration and Management has been designed to meet the changing needs of students and the public service by providing students as well as public service practitioners with the requisite skills package that is required for the new public administration.

The program is composed of 42 credits, of which 30 are deemed compulsory. These courses are derived from the fields of Political Science and Business Administration, providing students with a solid inter-linkage of knowledge respecting public sector management from both these fields of study. Students can choose electives from amongst a range of Political Science, Business Administration and Economics courses. Flexibility is built into the diploma through various course options and students can also take courses on site or through online education courses.

The Public Administration program allows students to set their own goals and study at their own pace. Students can also apply for credit or advanced standing based on past educational and career accomplishments. Students may also substitute up to six credits from relevant and pertinent courses from other disciplines. All credits earned can be applied toward a relevant degree.

Visit the Academic Calendar for detailed degree information, admission and course requirements.

For more information, please contact Dr. Andrew Molloy or Dr. David Johnson.