Public sector management

The Professional Specialization Certificate in Public Sector Management program consists of one required course and three elective courses.

Delivered completely online, you’ll be able to maintain your other commitments while completing flexible, relevant professional development. After completing this certificate program, you may ladder into the Diploma in Public Sector Management or Diploma in Local Government Management programs.

I completed the professional specialization certificate in public sector management. It was a great complement to my BSC as it gave me some practical knowledge I could apply in government. I was able to obtain a management position in the Ministry of Finance with this certificate. I enjoyed the online discussion and flexibility of the program. I completed it while working in government and with a young family.

Heidi Scott, manager, divisional operations, Ministry of Finance

Admission requirements

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree, plus approximately 2 years of relevant public or non-profit sector work experience.

If you don't have a bachelor’s degree, you could be admitted if you have an academic and professional background that is considered equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.

How to apply

New applicants to UVic

1. Apply to UVic undergraduate studies and upload your resume and cover letter. Make sure to express your interest in the certificate program.
2. Arrange for all official transcripts to be sent to Undergraduate Admissions.

Returning UVic students

Returning UVic students must apply to reregister. When you apply, please upload your updated resume and cover letter. In your cover letter, share why you’re interested in the certificate program. Learn about reregistration.

Cover letter guidance

Your 500-word cover letter should outline your specific interest in the certificate program. Explain how this program aligns with your personal and/or career goals. Address all cover letters to the director of the School of Public Administration, University of Victoria.

Application deadlines

Fall term

• May 31 for application to Office of the Registrar
• July 15 for documents and transcripts

Spring term

• September 30 for application to Office of the Registrar
• November 15 for documents and transcripts

Summer term

• February 15 for application to Office of the Registrar
• April 1 for documents and transcripts

Late applications may be accepted.

Tuition

All courses are 1.5 units. Part-time students pay fees per term, per credit unit. See fee details.

Funding

UVic offers in-course scholarships that may be GPA or application-based. Most scholarships are awarded based on recommendations made by the department. However, some may require a separate application form.

Awards for Public Administration diploma and professional specialization certificate students

Course requirements

One core course:

• ADMN 312 - Leading and Managing in Public and Non-Profit Sectors

Complete 3 of the following:

• ADMN 310 - Public Sector Economics
• ADMN 316 - Public Sector Communications
• ADMN 330 (or ICDG 301) - Indigenous Governance in Canada
• ADMN 331 - Governance for Planetary Health
• ADMN 407 - Managing Service Delivery
• ADMN 409 - Non-profit Governance and Management
• ADMN 411 - Public Sector Project Management
• ADMN 420 - The Public Policy Process
• ADMN 421 - Financial Management
• ADMN 422 - Ethical Public Management
• ADMN 431A - Public Sector Human Resource Management
• ADMN 431B - Labour Relations Negotiations
• ADMN 437 - Program Evaluation and Performance Measurement
• ADMN 462 - Intergovernmental Relations in Canada
• ADMN 470 - Contemporary Topics in Administration
• ADMN 477 - Strategic Planning and Implementation