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.
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
2 Semesters (8 Months)
September
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.
Throughout this program you will develop the following skills:
Through a formal partnership with the Town of Newmarket, students who have successfully completed their first semester will enter a four-month, comprehensive policy project focused on solving current challenges faced by the municipality in the second (winter) semester. The PAD 280 - Work Integrated Project course is co-taught by faculty from Seneca Polytechnic and the Town. Upon completion, this unparalleled experience will equip students with the skills, knowledge and work experience required to succeed in the dynamic field of public administration.
Students meeting all academic requirements may have the opportunity to complete an optional work term(s) in a formal work environment. The work term(s) is similar in length to an academic semester and typically involves full-time work hours that may be paid or unpaid. In programs with limited work term opportunities, additional academic requirements and a passing grade on a communication assessment may be required for eligibility. Eligibility for participation does not guarantee a work position will be secured. Additional fees are required for those participating in the optional work term stream regardless of success in securing a work position.
Graduates of the program can explore the following career options:
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 completed MAP, MAFP and other courses through the AMCTO as well as those with significant municipal work experience are eligible for course exemptions. In addition, students with previous postsecondary courses may also be eligible.
| Course Code | Course Name | Weekly Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| PAD110 | Municipal Issues and the Evolution of Local Government | 4 |
| PAD130 | Public Sector Financial Management | 3 |
| PAD140 | Public Sector Governance and Systems | 3 |
| PAD150 | Communications in Public Administration | 3 |
| PAD220 | Municipal Management and Administrative Structures | 2 |
| PAD230 | Project Management | 3 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| PAD120 | Municipal Law and Ethics in Government | 3 |
| PAD160 | Municipal Revenues | 3 |
| PAD210 | Human Resources and Municipal Management | 3 |
| PAD250 | Dispute Resolution in Municipal Government | 3 |
| PAD260 | Public Policy Research and Analysis | 3 |
| PAD280 | Work Integrated Project | 3 |
| WTP100 | Work Term Preparation * | 1 |
| Work-Integrated Learning Term | ||
| PAD441 | Public Administration, Work Term * | 30 |
Work-Integrated Learning option only
This Seneca program has been validated by the Credential Validation Service as an Ontario College Credential as required by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
Canadian citizens or permanent residents educated outside of Canada must provide a World Education Services (WES) or ICAS Canada credential evaluation.
As a leader in academic pathways, we offer a range of options that will allow you to take your credential further in another Seneca program or a program at a partner institution.
To learn more about your eligibility, visit the Academic Pathways web page.
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