Students may choose to attend classes on campus, complete the program online, or choose a combination of both in-class and web-based courses. The flexible delivery format accommodates students who are working full-time or who otherwise could not attend classes on a full-time basis. The program is five semesters long and will take students approximately three years to complete. Most courses are six weeks long unless otherwise indicated. Courses are offered sequentially, one-at-a-time, year-round.

The Public Administration diploma program provides students with an exciting platform for rapid entry into the public sector. Program flexibility includes the ability for students to study while working, the opportunity to take part in an interactive and blended learning environment, and the option of remaining in their community to complete their diploma. The program is based on modules that emphasize administrative skills, leadership, project planning, and organizational management.

This new program is based on direct public sector input and partnerships, with the curriculum grounded in the real needs of the employers. Demand for workers in this sector is increasingly growing and this program is designed with the goal of allowing students to gain entry level employment while studying, facilitating a fast track to enhanced challenges and opportunities.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates will gain the opportunity to explore careers in the public sector, organizational management and leadership within the public and private sector, non-profit organizations and all levels of government.

Admission Requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Grade 12 English (C, M, U)
Grade 12 Math (C, M, U) (MCT4C is highly recommended)

Or equivalent.

Or mature student status (an applicant who does not have a high school diploma or equivalent, and will have reached the age of 19 years on or before the start of the program). Mature students must undergo academic testing prior to admission into a program. Call the Admissions Office at 705-235-7222 for more details.

Note: Academic prerequisites for this program may be obtained free of charge through Academic Upgrading. Refer to the Post-Secondary Preparation section in this calendar for more details.

Program of Study

Note: All courses are six weeks in length unless otherwise noted, and are taken sequentially. All courses are taught using Centra and Blackboard.

Semester I
AC1303 Understanding and Using Financial Information (8 weeks)
CM1903-A Communications I
MA4004 Business Statistics
SE1003 Leadership
SE5023 Project Planning and Management

Semester II
AC3073 Accounting III for Public Administration (8 weeks)
BU5003 Operations Management
CM2903-A Communications II
SE3004 Community Social Development I
SE6023 Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution

Semester III
AC3054 Managerial Accounting I (8 weeks)
AC3064 Finance I (8 weeks)
BU1133 Introduction to Business Management and Organizational Behaviour
MR1005 Marketing I
SE6003 Developmental Research and Statistics

Semester IV
AC4054 Management Accounting II (8 weeks)
AC4064 Finance II (8 weeks)
BU3013 Macroeconomics
BU3043 Purchasing / E-Procurement
MR2005 Marketing II

Semester V
BU2003 Human Resource Management I
BU4303 Organizational and Operational Management
PF3013 Principles of Ethical Reasoning

For program information:
Andrew Fitch
Professor, Business Department
(705) 567-9291 ext. 736
fitcha@northern.on.ca