Master of Public Service in Waterloo Canada | University of Waterloo

As a joint initiative in the Faculty of Arts, Waterloo's Master of Public Service (MPS) program was established to address the demand for focused, practical training in the public sector. The inaugural cohort of graduate students commenced their studies in September 2010. Over the years, numerous participants have forged valuable relationships with government agencies, graduating equipped with the expertise, competencies, and hands-on experience required for careers across municipal, provincial, and federal public service roles in Canada. From September through April, MPS candidates undertake ten rigorous graduate-level courses instructed by faculty spanning diverse fields including Accounting, Economics, English, French, Political Science, and Sociology. The curriculum is further enriched by contributions from high-ranking public officials who conduct specialized seminars and classroom sessions. Following this academic phase, students engage in an eight-month cooperative work term from May to December, gaining practical experience within government departments or agencies. The program culminates with a Major Team Project, where student groups tackle simulated public service challenges, producing comprehensive, professional analyses of pressing policy matters.