Public Administration
Experience real politics as an assistant to a member of the Legislative Assembly. Understand how the Canadian system of government works. Learn from a former Premier of Saskatchewan. Participate in the Work Experience Career Internship Program and learn first-hand about a career in public administration. These opportunities and more are available to you when you choose public administration at the University of Saskatchewan.
What is Public Administration?
Public administration combines courses in several disciplines including business, economics, law, political studies and sociology.
The program provides students with an understanding of the structures and operations of the public sector in Canada at the federal, provincial and municipal levels. Students examine the institutions and processes through which policies and programs are formulated and implemented in the Canadian public sector. Students develop their analytical capabilities and judgement, which are useful in policy research and management-related positions.
The U of S Advantage
The University of Saskatchewan is one of few universities in Canada that offer an undergraduate program in public administration. Professors have excellent reputations in teaching, publication and research.
Former Saskatchewan Premier, Roy Romanow, is a member of the Department of Political Studies. One of his principal roles is to share his extensive insights with students on various aspects of governance, including public administration, public policy and public management.
New to the program is the Legislative Internship Program. Senior and graduating public administration students may apply for this program, which provides them with an opportunity to work as assistants for individual members of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly. Students may also apply for similar internship programs with other governments and national and international organizations.
Public administration students may also apply to the Career Internship Program to gain practical skills and experience in a workplace setting while receiving credit by completing projects relevant to various potential career options.
The course work and mentoring found in the public administration program provided the foundation for me to be accepted into a strong Master's program, and land a great job with the Federal Government.—John Slocombe,
Student
A Stepping Stone...
A degree in public administration prepares students for a career in the governmental, not-for-profit and business sectors. Graduates pursue studies in public administration, law, business administration, political science and public policy. Graduate schools from across the country recruit University of Saskatchewan graduates because of the broad set of academic skills students gain from the program.
Career Opportunities
Public administration graduates go on to careers in federal, provincial and municipal public services as well as private corporations that deal with government and its agencies. They are hired as administrators, managers and policy analysts.
Graduates have worked for governmental organizations such as the Canadian Foreign Service, the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, the Organization for Economic Co-operation & Development, Saskatchewan Economic & Cooperative Development, and municipal governments. Others have worked in the business community for organizations such as the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce.
Choose Your Program!
The public administration program allows students to take courses that examine a range of topics such as: administrative law, financial resources management, human resources management, business-government relations, industrial relations, public finance, public management, public policy, public administration and local, provincial and national government.
I chose public administration because I was interested in government and how it works. It helped me accomplish my goal of getting a job in government. In the future, there are going to be more opportunities for new graduates to come into the public service and affect the policy process.—Lyndon Epp, B.A.,
M.P.A.,
Tax Policy Analyst
A Major in Public Administration
Students majoring in public administration can choose from one of the following degrees:
- B.A. Four-year
- B.A. Honours
Outstanding Students
- Murray Long has served as Director of Governance and Fiscal Relations Table for the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations
- Melana Soroka has served as the Director of Alumni Relations, University Advancement at the University of Saskatchewan
- Alan Thomarat has served as Executive Director of the Saskatoon and Region Homebuilders' Association
- Lyndon Epp has served as an Analyst in the Office of Budget and Management for the Alberta Ministry of Finance
- James Turner has served as a Policy Analyst for Saskatchewan Municipal Affairs and Housing
- Scott Decksheimer has served as the Director of Alumni & Development at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary
- Kirk Eaton has served as a Performance Budgeting Analyst for B.C. Ministry of Finance
Getting Involved!
As a student in public administration, you will find many opportunities to get involved.
The Political Studies & Public Administration Students' Society organizes academic and social events for students. From political film and speaker nights to hockey trips and pool nights with the professors, you will have the opportunity to interact with other students and faculty.
Join the University of Saskatchewan Debate Society and compete in tournaments across Canada, and around the world. Debaters have competed in tournaments such as the Diefenbaker Cup at the U of S and the World Championships in Africa! The Society has joined the American National Parliamentary Debate Association, making the U of S one of the top Western Canadian universities to host American competitors.
Admission Requirements
The following is a list of high school subjects required for admission. Please select the province/territory where you completed high school.
Additional Information
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