Public Administration (PAD)

Work Term Option (PADC)

Starts in September

Campus

Online

Delivery

Online

Duration

2 Semesters (8 Months)

Study Option

Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Graduate Certificate

School

School of Arts & Science

About the Program

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

You will receive advanced training in communications, policy analysis, project management, information technology, finance, governance, leadership and dispute resolution. The program was developed by municipal government professionals and is regularly updated to ensure you have the necessary skills to be successful upon graduation and throughout your career.

You will learn in a small class setting from expert faculty who have a variety of experience in the public sector.

Skills

Throughout this program you 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

Work Experience

Optional Work Term

This program offers the option to complete a work term, providing valuable hands-on experience in your field of study. Students interested in completing a work term should apply to the PROGRAMNAME 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. The work term job search is student-driven and participation in the work term stream does not guarantee that a work position will be secured. However, students will receive guidance and support through in-class career workshops and one-on-one coaching to help prepare for the work term.

Review eligibility requirements for the optional work term

Start in	Location	Availability
Sept. 2026	Online	Open

Availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.

Start in	Location	Availability
Sept. 2026	Online	Open
Jan. 2027	Online	Open

Availability is subject to change and a seat is not guaranteed.

International students applying for a Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Studying online will impact your PGWP eligibility. Please review the in‑person requirements related to PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.

Program and Course Delivery

This program is offered online. Students learn remotely and do not need to come to campus. Online learning can be synchronous – scheduled class time with professors – or asynchronous – no scheduled class time, with all learning independent. The optional work term is in-person or online.

Learn more: Seneca’s program delivery options and how courses in this program will be delivered each term.

Your Career

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

AMCTO

Seneca's partnership with the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO) will allow you 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.

Individuals who have already completed MAP, MAFP or other courses through the AMCTO, or those with significant municipal work experience, may be eligible for course exemptions through Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition.

Town of Stouffville

Seneca’s partnership with the Town of Stouffville provides PAD students with hands‑on, career‑focused learning through the program’s Work Integrated Project course. Stouffville serves as the host municipality, giving you the opportunity to work directly with municipal partners to conduct research, analyze real‑world challenges and develop evidence‑based recommendations that support local government innovation and workforce development.

The Seneca Polytechnic Difference

This is where university meets college. Where theory meets practice. Where ambition meets flexibility.

Experiential Learning

Graduate career ready and world ready. This program has an optional work term to help you hone essential skills for the workplace.

Prior Experience

Earn credit for previous studies, work experience or training through Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition and transfer credits.

Career Support

Seneca Works offers students and graduates lifelong access to an exclusive job board, career coaching, networking and more.

The Service Hub

The Service Hub is your one-stop source of information about everything from registering and paying fees to student services and life on campus.

What Our Graduates Say

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.”

What Our Partners Say

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."