The only program of its kind in Canada, Humber’s Public Administration certificate provides the knowledge, skills, and experience to launch your career as a public servant. It’s designed and taught by public administration professionals—which puts you on the fast track. It also gives you access to guest lecturers addressing relevant and current issues. You’ll get advanced training in:
The Public Administration certificate program focuses on the practical knowledge, skills, and experience you will need to work successfully in all areas of the public sector. Experienced faculty, most of whom currently work in the public sector, will guide you through the core of the curriculum, with guest speakers addressing specific topical issues.
Humber, a member of the Canadian Association of Programs in Public Administration, has designed the curriculum to address the needs of the profession.
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Students gain on-the-job work experience with an eight-week (minimum) work placement within the public sector. Students find placements with an appropriate organization, with faculty support. The foundation for the work placement is established over the winter semester.
Public administration careers could involve anything from helping with city planning, budgeting, drafting press releases, running cultural or civic programs, advising on or developing public policy, or managing any number of government programs. Your role is determined largely by your interest, commitment, and willingness to make a difference. Humber has built a paid work placement in government or the broader public sector into the program to provide you with the training and experience you need to gain a competitive advantage upon entering the field.
Representative careers include:
Potential employers may include:
The skills you develop in the Public Administration program will serve you well in the broader economy considering that governments run many services—from essential ones such as health care and road safety to cultural ones such as museums. The federal government is the largest single employer in Canada with provincial governments a close second. As well, municipal governments employ hundreds of thousands nationwide. Public sector employees account for almost 20% of all employment across Canada, tending to earn above-average salaries, with excellent benefits and working conditions.
Qualified graduates of this program may be eligible to apply their academic credits toward further study at many postsecondary institutions. Check the transfer guide for detailed information.
