Program Overview

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Public Administration (PAD)

Overview

This eight-month graduate certificate program provides students with the multi-disciplinary skills and experience required to become or grow their career as a public sector employee.

Skills

Throughout this program, students will develop the following skills:

• Research
• Policy analysis
• Critical thinking
• Writing, presenting, and problem-solving for a public sector audience
• Financial planning and analysis
• Project planning
• A comprehensive understanding of the Canadian government structure with an emphasis on the Ontario municipal sector

Program Details

• Duration: 2 Semesters (8 Months)
• Credential: Ontario College Graduate Certificate
• School: School of Arts & Science
• Delivery: Online
• Campus: Online

Work Experience

Optional Work Term

This program offers the option to complete a work term, providing valuable hands-on experience in the field of study. Students interested in completing a work term should apply to the Public Administration (Work Term) (PADC) program.

Students who select the work term stream will have the opportunity to participate in a work term(s) if eligibility requirements are maintained. Students will have the flexibility to transfer to the non-work term stream at any time. The work term(s) is similar in length to an academic semester and is typically a full-time position that may be paid or unpaid.

Program Availability

• Canadian Applicants: Available
• International Applicants: Available

Start Dates and Locations

Start Date	Location	Availability
September 2025	Online	Open

Career Options

Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:

• Leadership roles in public administration
• Policy analyst
• Project management officer
• Administrative officer
• Legislative co-ordinator
• Constituency assistant

Affiliations/Associations

Seneca's partnership with the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) will allow students to complete and receive certificates of completion for AMCTO's Municipal Administration Program (MAP) and Municipal Accounting and Finance Program (MAFP).

Completion of the MAP program is one of the necessary prerequisites to apply for the Certified Municipal Officer (CMO) designation with the AMCTO.

Transfer Credit and Recognition for Prior Learning

Individuals who have completed MAP, MAFP, and other courses through the AMCTO, as well as those with significant municipal work experience, are eligible for course exemptions. In addition, students with previous postsecondary courses may also be eligible.

Testimonials

Janean Currie

Graduate, Public Administration

"The Public Administration program is a comprehensive learning experience providing invaluable opportunities to interact and work directly with municipal professionals. The professors are knowledgeable, dedicated, and invested in their student's success, offering incredible guidance and support. Hands-on experience with real municipal issues gave me the skills required to succeed in the municipal sector. The flexible approach to course delivery also allowed me to balance work and other personal obligations."

David Arbuckle, MPA

Executive Director, AMCTO

"AMCTO is proud to partner with Seneca on the Public Administration (PAD) program. The PAD program offers students real-life examples and insights of what to expect in a career of local government administration while simultaneously allowing them the opportunity to earn their AMCTO Municipal Administration and Municipal Accounting and Finance program certificates — pre-requisites of our Accredited Municipal Professional (AMP) and Certified Municipal Officer (CMO) accreditations — recognized credentials for sector professionalism and advancement. The practical and flexible approach to learning offers graduates the skills to be successful in the municipal public sector with the benefits of association membership for their ongoing professional and personal growth."

Jamie Boyle

Seneca Professor & Supervisor of Customer Service, Town of Newmarket

"As an educator and trainer specializing in Public Sector Customer Service, I am thrilled to collaborate with Seneca's Public Administration program. I am dedicated to helping students enhance their passion for public service and develop practical skills to tackle the challenges faced by the municipal sector. Through the Work Integrated Project course, students have the unique opportunity to work on real-business cases and present well-researched recommendations to Newmarket's management team. This collaboration allows Seneca's students to gain valuable work experience while our staff directly mentors them, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement."