Master of Public Policy in Digital Society
M.P.P.Master of Public Policy in Digital Society
The Master of Public Policy in Digital Society is a professional graduate degree program that offers an innovative curriculum which seeks to bridge public policy thinking with technical expertise. The program trains prospective policy leaders to navigate the rapidly changing dynamics of the technological landscape so as to more effectively address the complex social, political, and economic challenges that have accompanied the digital age.
The MPP in Digital Society employs an innovative approach to learning which involves a mix of formats including traditional seminar-style courses, skills development labs, and professional development workshops. Collectively these formats allow for self-directed, team-based, experiential learning opportunities that address real-world problems and which draw on McMaster’s signature problem-based learning approach.
The program welcomes applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree in fields such as political science, economics, sociology, communication studies, public policy, public administration, judicial studies, psychology, computer science, engineering, information science or related disciplines.
The Master of Public Policy in Digital Society is a full-time program which runs from May to April.
Students will complete three semesters across 12 continuous months. Each semester is a four-month term consisting of three 3-unit seminar courses and three 1.5-unit skills development labs for a total course load of 13.5 units per semester.
All seminars and skills development labs are required to graduate from the program. There are no electives offered.
Admission criteria include:
- Honours Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least a B+ average (equivalent to a McMaster 8.5 GPA out of 12) in the final year of study. This requirement is consistent with the Faculty of Graduate Studies admissions requirements.
- For applicants whose first language is not English and who did not attend an English-speaking university for their undergraduate degree, a test of English language proficiency is required. Minimal score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language TOEFL are: written score 600 or computer 250, or Internet-based test IBT = 92; reading = 22, speaking = 24, listening = 24, and writing = 22.
Applicants will be asked to submit the following documents with their application:
- A curriculum vitae or résumé.
- A personal statement approximately 500 words in length that speaks to a particular digital technology of interest to the applicant, its associated opportunities and challenges, and what policymakers do to try to limit harms while promoting the benefits of said technology.
- Two letters of reference from academic referees (i.e. professors or research supervisors). If the applicant has relevant work experience, one of the two letters of reference may be from an employer.
- Official transcripts from every degree-granting institution attended.
The admissions committee will review every application to the program to ensure that prospective students have the necessary academic background, proficiency in English, and relevant experience to enrol in the MPP in Digital Society.
Those students who are short-listed based on this review will be offered an interview. Interviews will be conducted via video conference or telephone.
Tuition
The fee for the MPP-DS is $9,700 on a per-term basis. As there are three terms, the total tuition is $29,100.
International tuition is $18,500 on a per-term basis. As there are three terms, the total tuition is $55,500.
Information on Graduate Program fees can be found on the Student Accounts and Cashier's website. To visit this page, click here.
Financial Aid
Internal
Students to whom we offer admission are automatically considered for financial assistance. No special forms need be filled out. Funding is awarded on academic excellence and the availability of funds. Funding is open to all domestic and international students.
External
Information on external scholarship support can be found at the following sites:
University Graduate support services include:
For information on seminars, workshops and skills development labs see course listings.
- For more information:
-
Vass Bednar, Executive Director
L.R. Wilson Hall, Suite 5021D
(647) 801-5856
vass.bednar@mcmaster.ca
- Length:
- 12 months (continuous)
- Required Credential:
- Honours Bachelor’s degree
- Program Type:
- Coursework
- Program Options:
- Full-time
- Typical Entry:
- May
- Current Deadline:
- February 28