The Master of Public Policy in Digital Society is a full-time program which runs from May to April.

Students will complete three semesters across 12 continuous months. Each semester is a four-month term consisting of three 3-unit seminar courses and three 1.5-unit skills development labs for a total course load of 13.5 units per semester.

All seminars and skills development labs are required to graduate from the program. There are no electives offered.

Applicants also have the option of applying to take the program on a part-time basis, completing the identical course load over two scholastic years and participating in two different cohorts.

Admission criteria include:

1. Honours Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with at least a B+ average (equivalent to a McMaster 8.5 GPA out of 12) in the final year of study. This requirement is consistent with the Faculty of Graduate Studies admissions requirements.
   
   
2. For applicants whose first language is not English and who did not attend an English-speaking university for their undergraduate degree, a test of English language proficiency is required. For example, minimum scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language TOEFL are: written score 600 or computer 250, or Internet-based test IBT = 92; reading = 22, speaking = 24, listening = 24, and writing = 22. For a full list of all acceptable language tests and minimum scores, please visit: English Proficiency - Future Students | McMaster University

Applicants will be asked to submit the following documents with their application:

1. A curriculum vitae or résumé.
   
   
2. A personal statement approximately 500 words in length that speaks to a particular digital technology of interest to the applicant, its associated opportunities and challenges, and what policymakers do to try to limit harms while promoting the benefits of said technology.
   
   
3. Two letters of reference from academic referees (i.e. professors or research supervisors). If the applicant has relevant work experience, one of the two letters of reference may be from an employer.
   
   
4. Official transcripts from every degree-granting institution attended.

The admissions committee will review every application to the program to ensure that prospective students have the necessary academic background, proficiency in English, and relevant experience to enrol in the MPP in Digital Society.

Those students who are short-listed based on this review may be offered an interview. Interviews would be conducted via video conference or telephone.

*NEW DEADLINE* For entry in May 2023, the application portal closes January 23, 2023. View the step-by-step How to Apply Guide. Your referees are encouraged to submit their letters of reference no later than January 30, 2023.

Be sure to filter out "May" start date and "Social Sciences" Faculty to find the MPP admissions portal. Also ensure you select the 2022-2023 academic year for May 2023 entry. NOTE: We do not offer September or January start dates.

 Please contact pubpol@mcmaster.ca with any additional inquires.

Tuition

The fee for the MPP-DS is $9,700 on a per-term basis. As there are three terms, the total tuition is $29,100.

International tuition is $18,500 on a per-term basis. As there are three terms, the total tuition is $55,500.

Information on Graduate Program fees can be found on the Office of the Registrar's website. To visit this page, click here.

Regarding Supplementary Fees, there are certain fees that are compulsory and there is no opt-out provision. However, in recognition of the online nature of the program, MPP students will be charged the same rate as part-time graduate students, which is approximately 50% of the full-time rate. When the nature of the program changes in the future (ie. more in-person components), the supplementary fee structure will be re-evaluated at that time.

Financial Aid

Internal

Students to whom we offer admission are automatically considered for a graduate scholarship. No special forms need be filled out. Funding is awarded on academic excellence and the availability of funds. Funding is open to all domestic and international students.

McMaster Bursaries

MPP graduate students who demonstrate financial need can apply for the McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program.

Please note: The McMaster Graduate General Bursary Program is not open to international students enrolled in graduate studies, MBA, medicine or physician assistant programs.

Students in the MPP are also eligible for the Rainbow Fund. By having financial need and applying to the General Bursary, students will automatically be considered for certain bursaries like the Rainbow Fund Bursary (to be considered for the Rainbow Fund Bursary the student must also self-identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ in the main application).

Details about these bursaries can be found here: https://gs.mcmaster.ca/current-students/scholarships/

How to Apply instructions are included here: https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/aid-awards/how-to-apply/

Wilson Leadership Scholar Award (WLSA)

We also refer students to the Wilson Leadership Scholar Award. There are up to a total of 10 awards available each year, valued at $12,000 in direct funding and up to $2,000 in experiential funding. Each cohort will include both undergraduate and graduate students.

Questions? Contact wilsonleader@mcmaster.ca 

TA/RA Work

Teaching and Research Assistantships are not guaranteed for MPP students, but positions are possible and will be circulated by email to students as they become available.

Student Work Program

The McMaster Work Program gives students who demonstrate financial need opportunities to work on campus part-time (max 10 hours/week) during the fall/winter terms.

Students can apply via AwardSpring, and applicants will be required to demonstrate financial need through an assessment that is similar to OSAP’s.

Emergency Financial Support

https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/aid-awards/emergency-financial-support/  

Students experiencing a financial emergency can apply to this program through Mosaic. This support is run solely through the Office of the Registrar so you would need to follow the instructions posted on their website/connect with Student Services to unlock this support. 

Emergency Food Program (NEW!)

This is a newer program whereby students may be able to access grocery gifts cards. This is accessed through Emergency Financial Support. Main campus also has the McMaster Community Fridge that is free and open to all. It is located outside the McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC) and Mills Memorial Library, near Parking Lot B.

External

Information on external scholarship support can be found at the following sites:

• Student Financial Aid and Scholarships
• School of Graduate Studies Scholarship Information
• Commonwealth Scholarships

*Due to current caps on provincial government funding for new graduate programs at Ontario universities, the Master of Public Policy program is not presently eligible for loans under the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).*

University Graduate support services include:

• Graduate Student Association (GSA)
• Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)
• Graduate Student Services
• Graduate Community Resources
• Student Success Centre