Master of Public Policy in Housing Policy
Master of Public Policy (MPP) in Housing Policy: Shaping Tomorrow’s Communities
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) in Social Sciences at McMaster University is excited to announce a new Housing Policy stream, now accepting applicants for a May 2025 start.
This new specialization allows graduate students to focus their policy studies on the complexities of contemporary housing policy within a Canadian context. The first cohort from this focus area will graduate in June 2026.
Why Choose the Master of Public Policy in Housing Policy?
Building on the success of the MPP Digital Society stream, the Housing Policy stream offers a unique curriculum with four distinct required courses. Students will engage in two new seminar courses: PUBPOL 713: Fundamentals of Housing Policy and Governance and PUBPOL 714: Cross-Sectoral Perspectives on Housing Policy. These seminars are delivered through our pioneering co-teaching model, pairing an anchor academic with a policy practitioner (the Professor of Practice), providing a rich blend of theoretical and practical insights.
In addition to the seminars, students will participate in two skills labs distinct to the Housing Stream during the Fall and Winter terms: PUBPOL 758: Stakeholder Management and PUBPOL 760: Informatics for Public Policy. These labs are designed to equip students with the practical skills needed to navigate and influence the housing policy landscape effectively.
Integrated Learning Experience
In the initial semester, all students in both the MPP Digital Society and Housing Policy streams will take a common curriculum of three seminars and three skills labs. This integrated approach fosters a collaborative learning environment, allowing students to benefit from diverse perspectives.
In the Fall and Winter terms, students will continue with a mostly common curriculum, with each stream having one unique seminar and one unique skills lab tailored to their specialization.
Core Expertise and Leadership
We train prospective policy leaders to effectively address the multifaceted challenges of the digital age. Our comprehensive curriculum ensures that you gain both the technical expertise and policy acumen needed to excel in various sectors.
Whether you aim to influence government policy, drive change in non-profit organizations, or lead initiatives in private industry and academia, our program equips you with the tools to succeed.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Housing Policy stream will be well-prepared for careers in public policy, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private sector roles focused on housing and urban development. They will possess the knowledge and skills to influence housing policy, advocate for affordable housing solutions, and contribute to sustainable urban planning initiatives.
The optional co-op semester, available in the Spring-Summer term following the completion of the core curriculum, provides valuable hands-on experience. This practical component allows students to apply their academic learning in real-world settings, enhancing employability and practical skills. The combination of academic rigor and practical experience ensures that graduates are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their chosen careers.
Strong Professional Development Explore Our Advisory Board
Our approach to learning includes professional development workshops that enhance your skills and prepare you for leadership roles. These workshops cover a range of essential topics, from strategic communication and project management to ethical decision-making and policy analysis.
You’ll benefit from McMaster’s strong connections with industry and community partners, providing valuable networking opportunities and real-world insights. These connections not only enrich your learning experience but also open doors to internships, collaborative projects, and potential career opportunities. By engaging with professionals and experts in the field, you’ll build a robust network that supports your career growth and development.
Information Box Group
Application Information
For entry in May 2025, the application portal opened on October 1, 2024. Submit your application by 11:59pm ET on Monday, January 27, 2025. Please note that we do not offer September and January start dates.
To begin your application, filter for ‘May’ and ‘Social Sciences’ and review the ‘Admissions and Applications’ drop-down menu below for detailed instructions. The School of Graduate Studies also has a How to Apply page that we encourage you to review.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Program Information
The Master of Public Policy 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 seminar courses (three units each) 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
- 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 School of Graduate Studies admission 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.Minimum scores 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.Minimum scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language IELTS are: 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four components (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening); results valid for 2 years.For a complete list of acceptable language tests and minimum scores, please visit: English Proficiency – Future Students | McMaster University
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 public policy 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 policy.
- 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.
- Transcripts from every degree-granting institution attended. NOTE: Unofficial transcripts can be submitted with the application for review purposes. Official transcripts will only be required if applicants accept an offer to the program
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 Master of Public Policy.
Prospective students may be invited to a virtual interview as part of the application process.
For entry in May 2025, the application portal opened October 1, 2024. Submit your application no later than 11:59pm ET on Monday January 27, 2025.
Please note that your referees are encouraged to submit their letters of reference no later than February 3, 2025.
To begin your application, you must first filter out “May” and “Social Sciences”. Also note that May 2025 entry is within the 2024-25 academic year.
Tuition
The fee for the Master of Public Policy program 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 Office of the Registrar’s website.
Regarding Supplementary Fees, there are certain fees that are compulsory and there is no opt-out provision. However, in recognition of the online nature of the program, MPP students will be charged the same rate as part-time graduate students, which is approximately 50% of the full-time rate. When the nature of the program changes in the future (i.e., more in-person components), the supplementary fee structure will be re-evaluated at that time.
Financial Aid
Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)
The Master of Public Policy program is eligible for loans under the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).
Internal
Students to whom we offer admission are automatically considered for a merit-based graduate scholarship. 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.
In addition to these merit-based scholarships, the MPP program has limited supplementary funds that are awarded to students on a needs-basis. These funds are adjudicated through the AwardSpring platform and applications close in mid-September.
McMaster Bursaries
MPP graduate students who demonstrate financial need can apply for the McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program.
Please note: The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program is not open to international students enrolled in graduate studies, MBA, medicine or physician assistant programs.
Students in the MPP are also eligible for the Rainbow Fund. By having financial need and applying to the General Bursary, students will automatically be considered for certain bursaries like the Rainbow Fund Bursary (to be considered for the Rainbow Fund Bursary the student must also self-identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ in the main application).
Details about these bursaries can be found on the Graduate Studies website. How to Apply instructions are available on the Office of the Registrar website.
Wilson Leadership Scholar Award (WLSA)
We also refer students to the Wilson Leadership Scholar Award. There are up to a total of 10 awards available each year, valued at $12,000 in direct funding and up to $2,000 in experiential funding. Each cohort will include both undergraduate and graduate students.
Questions? Contact wilsonleader@mcmaster.ca
TA/RA Work
Teaching and Research Assistantships are not guaranteed for MPP students, but positions are possible in a range of Social Sciences Departments and will be circulated by email to students as they become available.
Student Work Program
The McMaster Work Program gives students who demonstrate financial need opportunities to work on campus part-time (max 10 hours/week) during the fall/winter terms.
Students can apply via AwardSpring, and applicants will be required to demonstrate financial need through an assessment that is similar to the one through OSAP.
Emergency Financial Support
Students experiencing a financial emergency can apply to this program through Mosaic. This support is run solely through the Office of the Registrar so you would need to follow the instructions posted on their website/connect with Student Services to unlock this support.
External Aid & Awards
Information on external scholarship support can be found at the following sites:
University Graduate support services include:
Our Courses
The Master of Public Policy programs employ an innovative approach to teaching which involves a mix of learning formats from traditional seminar-style courses to skills development labs and professional development workshops.
Collectively these formats allow for self-directed, team-based, experiential learning opportunities that address real-world problems by drawing heavily on McMaster’s signature problem-based learning approach.
Resources
Quick Links
MPP-DS Co-Op Learn More
Learn more about qualifying for the co-op stream.
Advisory Board Learn More
Explore the Master of Public Policy advisory board.
Graduate Courses Learn More
View our graduate courses and course descriptions
Our Location
Master of Public Policy
L.R. Wilson Hall (LRW), 5021
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8S 4M4
Contact Information
General Inquiries:
Email: pubpol@mcmaster.ca