Public Policy (Non-Thesis) (M.P.P.) (45 credits)
Offered by: School of Public Policy (Faculty of Arts)
Degree: MPP
Program credit weight: 45
Program Description
The Max Bell School of Public Policy's teaching program is a one-year Master of Public Policy; Non-Thesis, with a small student cohort to optimize learning and exchange. Combining courses in the theory of public policy with those covering the complexities of the real-world policy process, the program approaches today's most important policy issues in Canada and around the world from varied perspectives to prepare the next generation of policy leaders. The MPP program aims to place more emphasis than is usual in such programs on developing practical skills crucial to future policy leaders, including conflict resolution, persuasive writing, effective presentations and the briefing of officials.
The Master of Public Policy; Non-Thesis, is directed at early career professionals, normally with two to five years' professional experience, who are interested in developing expertise in the field of public policy. Recent graduates with an exceptional academic record will also be considered. A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent as recognized by McGill University) is required. The ideal applicant will have completed undergraduate courses in Political Science, Economics, Quantitative Methods, and/or Statistics.
Note: For information about Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 course offerings, please check back on May 8, 2025. Until then, the "Terms offered" field will appear blank for most courses while the class schedule is being finalized.
Required Courses (21 credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PPOL 602 | Microeconomics for Public Policy. | 3 |
Microeconomics for Public Policy. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Examines the essential microeconomic principles for analyzing market behaviour and the consequences of government policies. Emphasis is placed on contrasting competitive markets with oligopolistic and monopolistic ones. Examines the case for relatively free markets and the many situations that suggest a case for government intervention. | ||
| PPOL 604 | Law and Policy. | 3 |
Law and Policy. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to the role of law in public policy, asa policy driver, a policy outcome, and a tool of statecraft. | ||
| PPOL 606 | Experts, Science and Evidence. | 3 |
Experts, Science and Evidence. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. The role of experts, science and evidence, and their utility for public policy. A survey of how policy leaders explore the theory of science, scientific evidence in practice, evidence in the marketplace of ideas, and human fallibility. | ||
| PPOL 609 | Reasoning About Public Policy. | 3 |
Reasoning About Public Policy. Terms offered: Summer 2025 The investigation of what is involved in reasoning well about public policy, including some of the heuristic tools that have been developed; cost-benefit analysis, harm reduction, the precautionary principle, compromise, "ideal observer". Determining the appropriate sphere of application and how it can be brought together into an overall, coherent conception of practical rationality in the policy context. | ||
| PPOL 620D1 | Client-Focused Policy Laboratory . | 4.5 |
Client-Focused Policy Laboratory . Terms offered: Winter 2026 Students will work in teams with real clients to analyze and address an actual policy problem, delivering a full policy briefing to their client. Clients will include government departments, private businesses, international institutions, and non-profit organizations. | ||
| PPOL 620D2 | Client-Focused Policy Laboratory. | 4.5 |
Client-Focused Policy Laboratory. Terms offered: Summer 2025 See PPOL 620D1 for description. | ||
Complementary Courses (24 credits)
3 credits selected from the following courses:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PPOL 611 | Canadian Political and Policy Landscape. | 3 |
Canadian Political and Policy Landscape. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. The complexities of the Canadian political and policy landscape including Westminster parliamentary system, multiple major political parties spanning the political spectrum, the relationship to the Crown and the historical treaties with the indigenous peoples of Canada, and Quebec’s Francophone culture and status as a nation within Canada. | ||
| PPOL 613 | Global Political and Policy Landscape. | 3 |
Global Political and Policy Landscape. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Introduction to global institutions and agencies, and to the body of applied research on how policy is formulated in the global policy landscape. | ||
3 credits selected from the following courses:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PPOL 605 | Analytical Methods for Policy Evaluation . | 3 |
Analytical Methods for Policy Evaluation . Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Concepts and analytical techniques necessary for the evaluation of specific public policies, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Specific topics include sampling theory, applied statistical inference, applied regression analysis, the use of surveys and interviews, and randomized controlled trials. | ||
| PPOL 608 | Theory and Practice of Program Evaluation. | 3 |
Theory and Practice of Program Evaluation. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Exploration of the need for and the practice of rigorous program evaluation for the improvement of public policies. Specific analytical tools will be examined, including logic models, stakeholder engagement and reporting, data collection, performance indicators, and cost-benefit analysis. | ||
6 credits from the following:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PPOL 601 | Global Macroeconomic Policy. | 3 |
Global Macroeconomic Policy. Terms offered: Summer 2025 Development of the key elements of a macro model used by mainstream policymakers in central banks and finance ministries. Examination of important and contentious policy issues, such as the effectiveness of fiscal stimulus, the consequences of high government debt, the case for low inflation, the challenges of inflation targeting, and the policy approaches to enhancing long-run economic growth. | ||
| PPOL 603 | Comparative Democracies. | 3 |
Comparative Democracies. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Comparison of the structures of government and policy processes in a number of developed democracies including Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. Examination of the relationship between the political and bureaucratic structures, the civil service, the role of citizens, stakeholders, lobbyists, policy institutes and legislators, and the policy development process. | ||
| PPOL 607 | Information and Media Literacy. | 3 |
Information and Media Literacy. Terms offered: Summer 2025 Examines the development, role and impact of mass media on the policy process, including an exploration of the nature of the role of the media in shaping public opinion, policy agendas, and political debate; the use of information in new communications technology; and the relationship between news media and social media in the digital information age. | ||
| PPOL 610 | Science and Policy. | 3 |
Science and Policy. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Exploration of the tensions at the science-policy interface, both domestically and internationally. | ||
| PPOL 612 | U.S. Political and Policy Landscape. | 3 |
U.S. Political and Policy Landscape. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Examination of the complexities of policymaking and policy implementation arising from the dynamism of the U.S. political landscape, including the interaction of the Presidency, the Congress, and the Courts, and how this interaction has shifted over time. | ||
| PPOL 614 | Canada-U.S Policy Relationship. | 3 |
Canada-U.S Policy Relationship. Terms offered: Summer 2025 Brief historical review of the Canada-U.S. bilateral relationship, and an examination of several important current policy issues. | ||
| PPOL 615 | Climate Policy. | 3 |
Climate Policy. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Review of the basic science of climate change, including the wide range of policies. | ||
| PPOL 616 | Human Rights and Policymaking. | 3 |
Human Rights and Policymaking. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Critical analysis of the roles that human rights play informing public policy and responding to the central challenges of the 21st century. | ||
| PPOL 617 | Indigenous Public Policy. | 3 |
Indigenous Public Policy. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Examination of the nature of the relationship between Canadian governments and Indigenous communities through an approach that deals with history and contemporary issues. Examination of policies that can improve the living standards of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples and the challenges inherent in adopting them. | ||
| PPOL 618 | Special Topics in Pub Policy 1. | 3 |
Special Topics in Pub Policy 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Selected special topics in public policy. | ||
| PPOL 619 | Special Topics in Pub Policy 2. | 3 |
Special Topics in Pub Policy 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Selected special topics in public Policy. | ||
4 credits from the following courses:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PPOL 631 | Policy Case Study 1. | 1 |
Policy Case Study 1. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Selected case studies in public policy based on the experience of a policy practitioner. This course will develop the complete narrative arc of a specific policy and provide its multi-dimensional complexity in an interactive environment between the practitioner and students. | ||
| PPOL 632 | Policy Case Study 2. | 1 |
Policy Case Study 2. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Selected case studies in public policy based on the experience of a policy practitioner. This course will develop the complete narrative arc of a specific policy and provide its multi-dimensional complexity in an interactive environment between the practitioner and students. | ||
| PPOL 633 | Policy Case Study 3. | 1 |
Policy Case Study 3. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Selected case studies in public policy based on the experience of a policy practitioner. This course will develop the complete narrative arc of a specific policy and provide its multi-dimensional complexity in an interactive environment between the practitioner and students. | ||
| PPOL 634 | Policy Case Study 4. | 1 |
Policy Case Study 4. Terms offered: Summer 2025 Selected case studies in public policy based on the experience of a policy practitioner. This course will develop the complete narrative arc of a specific policy and provide its multi-dimensional complexity in an interactive environment between the practitioner and students. | ||
| PPOL 635 | Policy Case Study 5 . | 1 |
Policy Case Study 5 . Terms offered: Summer 2025 Selected case studies in public policy based on the experience of a policy practitioner. This course will develop the complete narrative arc of a specific policy and provide its multi-dimensional complexity in an interactive environment between the practitioner and students. | ||
| PPOL 636 | Policy Case Study 6. | 1 |
Policy Case Study 6. Terms offered: Summer 2025 Selected case studies in public policy based on the experience of a policy practitioner. This course will develop the complete narrative arc of a specific policy and provide its multi-dimensional complexity in an interactive environment between the practitioner and students. | ||
| PPOL 637 | Policy Case Study 7. | 1 |
Policy Case Study 7. Terms offered: Summer 2025 Selected case studies in public policy based on the experience of a policy practitioner. This course will develop the complete narrative arc of a specific policy and provide its multi-dimensional complexity in an interactive environment between the practitioner and students. | ||
| PPOL 638 | Policy Case Study 8. | 1 |
Policy Case Study 8. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Selected case studies in public policy based on the experience of a policy practitioner. This course will develop the complete narrative arc of a specific policy and provide its multi-dimensional complexity in an interactive environment between the practitioner and students. | ||
8 credits from the following courses:
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PPOL 640 | Policymaking in a World of Business . | 2 |
Policymaking in a World of Business . Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Influence of business on public policy. Policy examples to examine the complexity of the policymaking process in contexts where decision-makers and leaders from the private sector play a key role. | ||
| PPOL 641 | Rhetoric and Communication of Public Policy. | 2 |
Rhetoric and Communication of Public Policy. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. The art of persuasive speaking and writing and its impact on the policymaking process. | ||
| PPOL 642 | Policy and Globalization. | 2 |
Policy and Globalization. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Exploration of how international rules, norms, markets, funding, and knowledge may influence the development and implementation of policies at the domestic level. | ||
| PPOL 643 | Ethical Dimensions of Policymaking . | 2 |
Ethical Dimensions of Policymaking . Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Extralegal ethical issues inherent to setting and administering policy: the types of conflicts of interest that policymakers encounter, moral principles policymakers adopt to govern their own behaviour, the importance of the power of administrative discretion and its impact on the implementation of policy, how power should be exercised, and what constitutes an abuse of this power. | ||
| PPOL 644 | Stakeholder Management. | 2 |
Stakeholder Management. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Managing stakeholders in the policy development process, including the management process from the perspectives of government and lobbyists. | ||
| PPOL 645 | Partisan Politics and Policy Process . | 2 |
Partisan Politics and Policy Process . Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. The role of partisan politics in the policy process and examination of how partisanship can be navigated or harnessed in the development and implementation of policy. | ||
| PPOL 646 | Budgeting and Fiscal Policy. | 2 |
Budgeting and Fiscal Policy. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Exploration of key variables in a budget, budget rules, the internal and external dynamics of budgeting, and the impact of debt burdens on countries. | ||
| PPOL 647 | Achieving Policy Transparency . | 2 |
Achieving Policy Transparency . Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. A survey of an array of transparency challenges related to public finance, central banks, trade, income inequality, climate change and access to information laws. | ||
| PPOL 648 | Race, Inequality, and Public Policy. | 2 |
Race, Inequality, and Public Policy. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. This seminar examines the dynamics and persistence of racial inequality in Canada and other advanced industrialized societies. Students will explore the ways that public policy has worked to aggravate and/or ameliorate these circumstances and analyze the impactof racial inequality on democratic norms and institutions. | ||
| PPOL 649 | Regulatory Systems. | 2 |
Regulatory Systems. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Survey of the history of regulation in several areas, key institutions, and the major challenges in developing effective regulatory frameworks. | ||
| PPOL 650 | Special Topics in Policy Complexity 1. | 2 |
Special Topics in Policy Complexity 1. Terms offered: Summer 2025 A selected topic of public policy complexity. | ||
| PPOL 651 | Special Topics in Policy Complexity 2. | 2 |
Special Topics in Policy Complexity 2. Terms offered: Summer 2025 A selected topic of public policy complexity. | ||
| PPOL 652 | Special Topics in Policy Complexity 3. | 2 |
Special Topics in Policy Complexity 3. Terms offered: Summer 2025 A selected topic of public policy complexity. | ||
| PPOL 653 | Digital Governance. | 2 |
Digital Governance. Terms offered: this course is not currently offered. Examination of the growing role of digital technologies in governments’ access to information, use of information, and the design and implementation of public policies. Draws on examples from many different policy areas. | ||