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Program Details

In this fully bilingual two-year program, you’ll focus on the relationship between public institutions and their larger environment from a global perspective, paving the way for a career in a leadership role in public life. Your studies will focus primarily on policy-making and administration, as well as international issues and Canada’s role in global affairs. Courses draw from many disciplines and areas, including Canadian studies, economics, history, international studies, law, philosophy, political science, sociology and women’s studies. 

You’ll find flexibility and hands-on learning are strengths of the program. You can tailor your studies by selecting elective classes of your interest and by choosing from one of three streams: course work, which features a capstone seminar; research, which involves writing a major research paper; or a dual degree program with the Institut d’études politiques de l’Université de Strasbourg. Internships will expose you to direct practical experience in public affairs, and you’ll benefit from expert guest speakers on international issues, particularly as they affect domestic policy. 

In intimate classes of 15 to 25 students, you’ll enjoy the program’s innovative approaches to learning, including team teaching, student conferences and opportunities to work through problems, individually and in teams. 

Courses


Throughout your degree, you’ll find a curriculum that offers an in-depth and balanced approach to Public & International Affairs. Core courses explore the links among social, economic and environmental policies, and between international and domestic issues. You’ll be introduced to topics such as public management, policy-making, research methodology and international organizations. 

View course timetables on York University’s site

Students in a classroom.

PIA 6000 3.0 – PUBLIC MANAGEMENT

(offered in English)

Course Description

This course examines the principles and processes of public management. It covers specific topics such as financial management, budget process, personnel management, political and administrative control. Analysis of proposals for public sector reform. Canadian and comparative experiences are studied.

PIA 6002 3.0 – THE ECONOMICS AND PUBLIC POLICY

(offered in English)

Course Description

Application of fundamental economic principles to the design and analysis of government programs and policies. The dilemma between equity/efficiency faced by governments in their interventions is addressed, as well as how economics devises optimal practical solutions to this problem.

PIA 6100 3.0 – CAPSTONE SEMINAR

(offered in English)

Course Description

Students pursue individual projects, starting with policy briefs and culminating in Major Research Papers (MRPs) or a Policy Analysis Exercise. A Major Research Paper is an independent examination of an issue in public affairs. A Policy Analysis Exercise is developed in collaboration with a public sector organization, or client, exploring issues that confront the client and proposing recommendations. Drafts of texts are presented in the weekly seminars and the completed papers are presented in a year-end colloquium, attended by the full student body.

PIA 6200 1.5 – COLLOQUIUM – CANADA AND ITS PLACE IN THE WORLD

(offered in English and French)

Course Description

Critical reflection on challenges facing Canada and the Canadian state, from both domestic and international perspectives. Sessions involve faculty members, visiting faculty, practitioners, members of School advisory committee, etc. Weekly sessions to be attended by all students in the program.

PIA 6400 6.0 – INTERNSHIP

Course Description

A four-month full-time internship with an appropriate governmental or non-governmental unit. the program will assist students in locating appropriate internships. The internship will be remunerated and be an integral part of the overall student financial assistance package. In close collaboration with the coordinator, students will define objectives and prepare an analysis of their experience. Students not undertaking an internship will complete two additional half-courses, during the summer session.

PIA 6300 3.0 – STATE AND SOCIETY

(offered in English)

Course Description

The nature of civil society and alternative theorizations of the relationship between civil society and the state. The continuing validity of the private-public division. Examination of new forms of governance that transcend the two spheres. Comparative examples will be examined.

PIA 6303 3.0 – GLOBAL IMMIGRATION AND CANADIAN LAW & POLICY

(offered in French)

Course Description

An overview of Canada’s legislation and policy relating to immigration and exploration of the challenges facing policymakers. Examination of current debates regarding international migration, related issues of state sovereignty, demographic trends, migration control and human rights obligations.

PIA 6308 3.0 – INTERNATIONAL LAW AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

(offered in English)

Course Description

This course deals with public international law and the law of international organizations. It explores principles and processes of the international legal order so that students will understand how international law affects public affairs and the work of international organizations.

PIA 6339 3.0 – THE DYNAMICS OF INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

(offered in English)

Course Description

Since the end of the Second World War, the international community has dedicated trillions of dollars towards the modern enterprise of international development. At the same time, internal forces and historical legacies influence a country’s developmental trajectory. This course endeavours to understand the interplay of these dynamics through a social scientific lens. It explores the various conceptions of “development” and considers both internal and external determinants of development, specifically examining current debates in the field surrounding the roles of foreign aid, states and colonial legacies in shaping modern development.

PIA 6343 3.0 – GOVERNANCE AND DIGITAL PLATFORMS

(offered in French)

Course Description

Since the end of the Second World War, the international community has dedicated trillions of dollars towards the modern enterprise of international development. At the same time, internal forces and historical legacies influence a country’s developmental trajectory. This course endeavours to understand the interplay of these dynamics through a social scientific lens. It explores the various conceptions of “development” and considers both internal and external determinants of development, specifically examining current debates in the field surrounding the roles of foreign aid, states and colonial legacies in shaping modern development.

Other Program Details

Student Awards

We want to recognize your academic success and commitment to excellence in the Master’s in Public & International Affairs program. Not just a financial boost, awards and scholarships are a great way to show your hard work on your resumé and university transcript. Check out the available awards, which include the Russell David Smith Graduate Award.


Students on Glendon Campus.

Join Our Student Association  

For students in the program, the Public and International Affairs Student Association (PIASA), is a student-run group that offers opportunities to meet your classmates, learn new skills and get peer support.   


Meet Our Alumni

Discover the careers some of our alumni have excelled in, and find out how their experience at Glendon gave them an advantage in the job market. 

Students on Glendon Campus.


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