Master of Public Policy and Administration, (MPPA)

Program Overview

The Master of Public Policy and Administration develops leaders who are sensitive to issues of social justice and capable of addressing today’s complex policy problems. The program shapes future policymakers, public administrators, and community-based professionals seeking to impact systemic social change. Students in the program participate in small, dynamic classes with a cohort of learners and receive individualized attention to support their learning. Graduates are prepared for diverse career pathways including with municipal, provincial, and federal governments and agencies, as well as with nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, and research institutes.  The Master of Public Policy  and Administration program offers two concentrations, the Social Change Leadership concentration and the International Justice Studies  Concentration.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Execute the core facets of the policymaking process.

• Analyze how social and economic structures contribute to contemporary social issues and experiences of marginalization and inequity.

• Develop appropriate leadership skills for public and/or nonprofit organizations.

• Identify the impact of key developments and contextual factors on Canadian governance and leadership in public and nonprofit organizations.

• Apply a range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies in the development, analysis, and evaluation of public policy.

• Apply the associated standards of ethical behavior for professionals in the public and/or nonprofit sectors.

• Construct strategies to engage diverse stakeholders in collaborative program, policy, and governance processes.

• Communicate respectfully and professionally with a diverse and changing citizenry.

Students graduating from the Social Change Leadership concentration will also be able to:

• Examine current and historical tactics for the advancement of social justice within a public policy framework.

• Design community development initiatives to improve the lived experiences of marginalized populations.

Students graduating from the International Justice Studies concentration will also be able to:

• Evaluate international governance mechanisms, legal agreements, and policy frameworks affecting Canada.

• Critically assess contemporary global issues, international social justice responses, and Canada’s role in achieving global justice.

Admission Requirements

At Adler University, we take great pride in our diverse student body. Students represent a wide range of professional interests, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and academic and work histories. We admit individuals with a strong record of academic achievement and a commitment to social responsibility.

Applicants to the program must have the following:

• A baccalaureate degree or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Evidence of interest and experience in social change efforts
• A GPA of 3.0 or higher for all undergraduate or graduate coursework.
• Completion, with a grade of C or better, of two, three-credit courses (six credits total) in program-relevant areas such as political science, sociology, women’s or gender studies, economics, policy, community development, research methods, and statistics; equivalencies are considered.
• International students must have a minimum score in one of the following English proficiency tests:
  • 92 or better on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) with no band lower than 22
  • 7.0 IELTS overall with no bands below 6.5
  • PTE must have a minimum score of 62

Applicants are required to submit the following items to be considered for admission:

• Application and application fee
• Statement of Intent answering the following questions:
  • Why are you interested in your chosen field and program?
  • Why is Adler University’s program a good fit for you?
  • What are your career goals and interests?
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended (U.S and Canada)
  • Please have official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions
  • Unofficial transcripts are accepted for any schools in which a degree was not received
  • Applicants with international (outside the U.S. or Canada) post-secondary education should send a scan of their official transcript to the admissions office as this program is exempt from the requirement to complete a transcript evaluation. Please speak to your Admissions Advisor if you require more details.

All applicants who meet the minimum admission requirements will be required to interview with a program representative. Applicants will be assessed on their academic background, work and/or volunteer experience, fit with university mission and the program of interest. Based on the interview, the decision will be (a) direct admission to the graduate program of interest (MPPA), or (b) admission to the Graduate Preparatory Program (GPP) + MPPA or (c) denied admission.

International applicants without a social sciences background or with an overall IELTS score of 6.5 and a writing band score of 6.5, or an Internet-based TOEFL of 88 and a writing band of at least 22, may also be considered for admission with a requirement to start in the Graduate Preparatory Program to fulfill the language and/or prerequisite requirements.

Students who are admitted to the GPP are required to successfully complete this 12-week, non-credit program.

*Applicants submitting admission documents (transcripts, bank documents, English proficiency scores, etc.) that are found to have been altered or fabricated will be denied admission. Denials based on fraudulent documents cannot be appealed.

International Applicants

Applicants with international (outside the U.S. or Canada) post-secondary education should send a scan of their official transcript to the admissions office as this program is exempt from the requirement to complete a transcript evaluation. Please speak to your admissions advisor if you require more details.

*Applicants submitting admission documents (transcripts, bank documents, English proficiency scores, etc.) that are found to have been altered or fabricated will be denied admission. Denials based on fraudulent documents cannot be appealed.

Program Requirements and Policies

Academic Status

ACADEMIC GOOD STANDING

1. To remain in academic good standing in the MPPA Program, a student must:
2. Maintain consistent enrollment.
3. Take a course load that ensures steady movement toward degree completion within the maximum time limits outlined in the catalog.
4. Meet all academic, comportment, and professional standards, as well as applicable program requirements.
5. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.25 scale.

ACADEMIC PROBATION

Students will be referred by the Office of the Registrar to their academic advisor for Academic Probation if any of the following conditions occur:

1. Earn two grades or more in the range of C to B-.
2. Earn a single D, F, or NC grade without a prior history of low grades (B- or below).
3. Fall below a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.25 scale.

The transcript of a student who has been referred to the faculty/academic advisor based on the above criteria will carry the notation of “Academic Probation” for a minimum of two consecutive terms.

ACADEMIC DISMISSAL

Students will be referred to the program director for consideration of Academic Dismissal based on the following:

1. Earn two or more grades of D, F, or NC.
2. Earn a third grade of B- or C.
3. Fail to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 out of 4.25 scale for two semesters.
4. Fail to comply with any prior academic remediation plan.

The transcript of a student who has been dismissed will carry the notation “Academic Dismissal.” Students who have been dismissed for academic reasons are ineligible to reapply to Adler University.

Satisfactory Progress

To maintain Satisfactory Progress, students must remain consistently registered until completion of all degree requirements and take a course load that ensures steady movement toward degree completion within the maximum time limits for the program.

Students who fail to register each term may be administratively withdrawn from the University, and “Administrative Withdrawal” will be indicated on the transcript.

Practicum - Vancouver Campus

Social Justice Practicum (SJP)

In their first year of the MPPA program, students will spend approximately eight to 10 hours per week over the course of six months at an approved Social Justice Practicum (SJP) site, and must concurrently enroll in required coursework. A minimum of 200 clock hours of SJP is required. For more information, students should contact the Manager of Community Action & Engagement, Vancouver Campus. 

Policy Internship

Students in the MPPA program are required to complete a 300-hour on-site internship that provides an opportunity to build professional competence, including hands-on application of their studies, network development, and direct experience of an organizational culture. Working in an organizational setting enables students to develop the ability to bring their academic training to bear on practical problems in diverse situations and develop a critical appreciation of the roles and functions of public policy practitioners in organizations and the community. Students also gain insight into the application of theory and best practices in work environments, and the relationships that exist between theory and practice. Student practica are supported by an academic supervisor who actively engages them in reflective learning and serves as a key contact for the internship host.

Graduation Requirements

1. Satisfactory completion of all required credit hours, including all required courses.
2. Satisfactory completion of 200 hours of the Social Justice Practicum.
3. Satisfactory completion of 300 hours of the Policy Internship.
4. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and no more than two courses or six credits with a final grade of C.
5. Successful completion of the Capstone paper.
6. Submission of completed Graduation Application and full payment of all outstanding tuition and fees.
7. Faculty approval for graduation and recommendation for the conferral of the Master of Public Policy and Administration degree.