The 2023–2024 academic year marked another milestone for the School of Public and International Affairs and its master’s program.
As Canada’s only bilingual graduate program of its kind, the master in Public and International Affairs (MPIA) prepares students for leadership in public service, diplomacy, and governance.
Here's a look at what shaped this exceptional year.
Experiential Learning in Action
Twenty graduate students took part in a transformative study trip to the United Nations (UN) in New York. Highlights included sessions with senior UN officials and a private meeting with Canada’s UN Ambassador, The Honourable Bob Rae.
Weekly Colloquium Series
Led by Professor Francis Garon, the 24-week colloquium series brought students into small-group discussions with national and international experts. Notable speakers included:
- Col. Malin Persson, Swedish Armed Forces
- Aleqa Hammond, former Prime Minister of Greenland
- Canadian Ambassador Jon Allen
Capstone Seminar: Policy in Practice
The Capstone Seminar gave students the tools to develop Cabinet-ready policy submissions. Topics ranged from justice reform to taxation and diversity initiatives.
Internships That Make a Difference
Internships spanned the federal and provincial governments, NGOs, and international organizations, including NATO and the UN. Students described their placements as “transformative”.
Glendon Global Dialogues & Case Competitions
Events like the Glendon Global Dialogues and the National Public Administration Case Competition enriched academic life while showcasing student talent and fostering debate on urgent issues—from Arctic security to international contracting.
By the Numbers
- 34 students enrolled in the MPIA program in 2023–2024
- 10 graduates received their Master’s degree in June
- 87% of internship supervisors rated student performance as Outstanding or Excellent