Lead with Purpose
The Master's of Public Administration (MPA) program prepares future policy leaders by building strong skills in policy analysis and practical implementation. Our program focuses on public policy and the social, economic, and political environments in which public organizations operate. Recognizing that policy and management are inseparable, the program equips graduates to turn sound ideas into effective action and meaningful goals into real-world results.
Queen's MPA ProgramWhere Public Service Leaders are Made
Established in 1976, the Master of Public Administration program at Queen's University was one of the first of its kind. It was originally designed for working professionals in government, the public sector, and non-profit organizations, allowing them to combine classroom learning with discussion and debate outside of class.
For 50 years, the program has prepared students for leadership roles in public service and policy-making. Our students benefit from close interaction with instructors and classmates from diverse academic, professional, and personal backgrounds. The interdisciplinary program offers a strong learning community and a broad network of policy expertise, helping students gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to advance their careers in the public service and beyond.
Our graduates hold senior positions across all levels of government and in organizations across Canada and beyond, including roles as ministers, senior officials, healthcare leaders, and leaders of community and national organizations.
The MPA program has given me the tools and confidence to approach policy issues with both analytical and practical rigour to design and implement changes. Not only did it provide me with an understanding of government institutions and processes but also an appreciation for the iterative process to policy development. I loved the dynamic instructor-facilitated discussions, variety of guest speakers, and opportunities to participate in competitions. The size of the cohort fostered a supportive environment where we got to know one another well and could build upon networking relationships that may serve us well into our careers.
Judy Ng
MPA '21
Apply Now!
The MPA Program is a one-year, full-time, in-person program.
Please submit applications for the MPA Program through the Queen's University School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs online platform.
Admission Requirements:
- A four-year undergraduate degree, with a minimum upper second class standing (B+ standing; 3.3 GPA) in each of the last two years of study (or the equivalent). Most successful applicants hold at least an A- standing (3.7 GPA) in their last two years of study.
- GRE test examination (for applicants who earned their previous degree from a university outside of North America).
Required Documentation:
- Application form (online)
- Two academic recommendations, typically from professors under whom the applicant has studied
- Statement of Interest (4000 characters)
- Official transcripts
The School of Policy Studies is committed to equity and diversity in education. We welcome applications from individuals from equity-deserving groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the 2SLGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.
For further information, please contact the MPA Program Advising Coordinator: mpa.coordinator@queensu.ca
Deadline:
For the September 2026 Intake
February 23, 2026
Applications received after the deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Awards and Bursaries
While MPA students are not guaranteed a minimum level of funding, there are a limited number of internal Queen’s and departmental awards available, with values ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, that are distributed on a competitive basis. Prospective MPA students are strongly encouraged to apply for external funding and other sources of financial support. For information on external awards, please consult the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs’ awards and scholarships resources.
Additional Information
Transcripts: A complete application must include official, up-to-date transcripts for all current and previous study the applicant has listed in the Academic Background section of the application. Acceptable methods for submitting transcripts:
- Transcripts can be uploaded to the online application, as PDF files. The transcripts must be scanned (black and white recommended) and saved as a PDF file, and uploaded successfully. Complete instructions are available to applicants on the Transcript Upload section of the online application.
- If a transcript or transcripts cannot be successfully uploaded to the online application, applicants are responsible for ensuring that an official transcript or transcripts of all current and previous university-level studies are sent to the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs by all universities previously attended. All hard copy transcripts received as part of an application for admission must be received in sealed envelopes.
Final Transcripts: Hard copy original official transcript showing degree completion and conferral, will be required from all applicants who accept an offer of admission to graduate studies at Queen's University. These final transcripts are to be sent directly from the issuing institutions to the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs in sealed envelopes:
School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs
Queen's University
Gordon Hall Room 425
74 Union Street
Kingston, Ontario
Canada K7L 3N6
If your previous degree is NOT from a Canadian or U.S. university, you will be required to submit a GRE score. There are no exceptions to this rule.
The minimum GRE score requirements are:
- Verbal Reasoning - 152
- Quantitative Reasoning - 149
- Analytical Writing - 3.8
We are unable to comment on the competitiveness of scores as this depends on the annual pool of applicants.
GRE scores must be sent directly by the issuing agency to the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs:
School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs
Gordon Hall, Room 425
74 Union Street
Queen's University
Kingston, ON K7L 3N6 CANADA
Admission decisions are made on a competitive basis among qualified applicants each year. As the number of applications greatly exceeds the number of available places, not all qualified candidates will be offered admission. An applicant should note that no decision on admission can be made until the applicant's file is complete. It is the responsibility of the applicant to verify that Queen's has received all documents. You may check online to see if your file is complete.
The review of MPA applications will take place in March. Successful MPA candidates may expect to receive notice of their admission no later than 15 April. A second review of MPA applications, being held on a waiting list, may take place in the early summer or later, as places become available prior to the start of classes in September.
Formal offers of admission are issued by the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.
Queen's University graduate student tuition fees can be found on the Registrar & Financial Aid Services website.
Questions?
Contact the MPA Program Advising Coordinator:
Email: mpa.coordinator@queensu.ca
Office: Mackintosh-Corry Hall, Room B411
Meet a Current Student
Want to learn more about grad student life at Queen's?
Request to meet a current MPA student, in person or online, through the Meet a Graduate Student Mentor program.
Connect with a Student