Master of Public Service (Co-Op) in Waterloo Canada | University of Waterloo

As an interdisciplinary initiative in the Faculty of Arts, Waterloo's Master of Public Service (MPS) program was established to address the growing demand for practical public sector education. The inaugural cohort of graduate students commenced their studies in September 2010. Over the years, our graduates have forged valuable relationships with government institutions, emerging with the expertise, competencies, and hands-on experience necessary for careers across municipal, provincial, and federal public service sectors in Canada. MPS candidates undertake ten intensive graduate-level courses from September through April, learning from faculty across 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 instructional sessions. Following this academic phase, students engage in an eight-month cooperative work term from May to December with government departments or agencies. The program culminates with a comprehensive Team Project, where student groups tackle simulated public service challenges, producing in-depth, professional assessments of pressing policy matters.

This full-time Master of Public Service Co-op program spans 20 months, comprising ten core courses, an eight-month cooperative work placement, and a significant team project. Alternatively, candidates with at least one year of public sector employment experience may opt for a 12-month, non-cooperative version of the program.
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