Public Administration Royal Military College of Canada

Overview

The Public Administration programme at the Royal Military College of Canada provides a sophisticated interdisciplinary framework for understanding the complexities of modern governance and national security. This academic degree integrates expertise from political science, economics, and military leadership to prepare students for high-level decision-making roles.

Students can choose from three distinct pathways to complete their degree: the Course Pattern, the Project Pattern, or the Research Pattern. The Course Pattern requires five core modules and seven electives, while the Research Pattern involves a comprehensive thesis. The Project Pattern balances five core subjects with five electives and a dedicated capstone project.

Full-time students typically complete the requirements within five academic terms, spanning two years.

Why Public Administration at Royal Military College of Canada?

This programme is uniquely positioned at the intersection of civilian public policy and military strategic management. It draws extensively on the resources of the Departments of Business Administration and Military Psychology to provide a robust educational experience. The curriculum is specifically tailored to address traditional defence issues alongside emerging global security challenges.

The institution offers a collaborative environment where students interact with faculty from the MBA and War Studies departments. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that graduates possess a well-rounded understanding of the Canadian government and the international security landscape. Facilities and teaching staff are dedicated to supporting both military and civilian practitioners.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 8345 per semester
• National fee: CAD 2800 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Canadian Government and Public Policy
• Economics
• Strategic Management for Defence
• Organizational Theory
• Decision and Policy Analysis
• Professional Ethics and Defence Management
• Defence Decision Making
• Cyber Challenge
• Economics of Defence
• Performance Audit in the National Security Sector
• Strategic Foresight and Horizon Scanning
• Intersection of Social Capital and Health
• Economics of National Security
• Management Information Systems for Defence Management
• Project Management
• Conflict Analysis and Management
• Defence Technology: Strategy and Policies
• Leading and Working in a Diverse Environment
• Interagency Coordination
• Government Procurement
• Issues in the Health of Military Personnel, Veterans and their Families
• Cost-Benefit Analysis
• Strategic Geopolitical Analysis
• Cyber Statecraft and National Security
• Health Economics and Policy
• Public Policy Implications of Emerging Technologies
• Foundations of Canadian National Security: Operational, Legal and Policy Perspectives

Careers with Public Administration

Graduates are well-equipped for leadership roles within the Canadian Armed Forces and various federal government departments. The programme prepares individuals for careers in policy analysis, strategic planning, and national security oversight. Many alumni find success in interagency coordination and international security organisations.

The curriculum also supports transitions into the private sector, particularly in industries related to defence procurement and cyber security policy. By mastering economic reasoning and strategic management, graduates can pursue roles as performance auditors or project managers. The focus on diverse environments also opens opportunities in global multinational organisations.