Economics
What determines the prices of goods and services? How do individuals decide how much to spend and save? How can government policies help reduce environmental pollution? These are questions we all face every day. Economics is our attempt to analyze and understand them. Often seen as being all about money, at its more basic level, economics is concerned with the material well-being of human societies. Economics at Queen’s is widely recognized as one of the leading Economics departments in Canada. The programs are challenging, rigorous, and of small to medium size.
Industrial Relations
Our Master of Industrial Relations (MIR) program will prepare you to embark on an exciting career in the broad and dynamic field of Employment Relations. Whether you work in labour relations or human resource management, you will have a direct and positive impact on the productivity and quality of life in contemporary workplaces. Our reputation for an exceptional educational experience and unparalleled alumni network attracts new graduates as well as individuals with extensive work experience. Since it was established in 1983, the Queen’s MIR has become the leading graduate degree in its field. More than 1000 graduates have gone on to shape the world of work - contributing significantly to their workplaces in private and public sector organizations, both in Canada and abroad.
Public Administration
The Public Administration graduate program is a bridge between the academic world and the world of public affairs. Our multi-disciplinary MPA programs are focused on policy analysis, development and implementation, preparing new and experienced professionals for rewarding careers in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Our graduates have gone on to hold positions as ministers and senior officials in municipal, provincial and federal governments. They also provide leadership in hospitals, community organizations and national associations across Canada. Others still work for consulting firms in the private sector.
In 2023, the School of Policy Studies underwent its regular cyclical review. The external reviewers' report acknowledged the clear strength of the school's current programs, but also observed that the school requires an increased level of resources to maintain and build on the excellence of its programs.
Program renewal is essential to ensure the School of Policy Studies remains strong going forward. As a result, the Faculty of Arts and Science at Queen's has temporarily suspended admissions to our Professional Master of Public Administration (PMPA) program for Fall 2024. The temporary suspension of admissions will last for two years, as per the Senate Guidelines.
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program will be offered as usual in 2024-25, and we welcome and encourage applications to this program.
The School of Policy Studies offers a rich and rewarding learning experience that is unsurpassed in Canada and matched only by the best public policy programs in the world. Through high quality interactive teaching and integrated learning, we enhance leadership in public policy by providing students the inspiration, skills, competencies and connections to become better contributors to the public good. The MPA curriculum includes core courses in economics, policy analysis, governance, management and quantitative methods. Through elective courses, students apply their skills to the analysis and resolution of concrete policy and management problems.