About
A Degree That Meets The Moment
Digital innovations are actively reshaping our societies. Governments, industry, and civil society are grappling with ways to develop effective public policy responses to the opportunities and challenges presented by digital technology.
The MPP in Digital Society is a professional degree that combines seminar-based learning, case studies, skills labs, and experiential education opportunities to develop a set of core competencies at the intersection of digital technology and public policy. The interdisciplinary curriculum focuses on developing the theory and skills necessary to ensure that students develop, and are able to demonstrate, mastery of public policy fundamentals, foundational informatics, and the base mechanics of digital technologies. Successful students may also enroll in our co-op stream and spend an additional summer semester in a work placement.
The aim of the program is to train prospective policy leaders to navigate the rapidly changing dynamics of the technological landscape so as to more effectively address the complex social, political, and economic challenges that have accompanied the Digital Age. By leveraging their training as both technologists and policymakers, graduates of the program will be prepared to lead interdisciplinary teams in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. They will be well placed to advance innovative solutions to complex public policy challenges resulting from the advancement of digital technologies.
Our Location
Master of Public Policy in Digital Society
L.R. Wilson Hall (LRW), 5021
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
L8S 4M4
Contact Information
General Inquiries:
Email: pubpol@mcmaster.ca
Administrative Contacts
Vass Bednar Learn More
Executive Director, Core MPP
L.R. Wilson Hall (LRW), 5021C
Phone: (905) 525-9140, ext. 26493
Email: vass.bednar@mcmaster.ca
Greg Flynn Learn More
Acting Academic Director & Assistant Professor
L.R. Wilson Hall (LRW), 5021G
Phone: (905) 525-9140, ext. 24741
Email: flynngl@mcmaster.ca
Brenda McPhail Learn More
Director of Executive Education
L.R. Wilson Hall (LRW), 5021D
Phone: (905) 525-9140, ext. 26493
Email: brenda.mcphail@mcmaster.ca
Laura Johnson
Coordinator, MPP Program and Digital Society Lab
L.R. Wilson Hall (LRW), 5021F
Phone: (905) 525-9140, ext. 21873
Email: pubpol@mcmaster.ca
Associated Groups
Graduate Student Association (GSA) Visit the GSA
The GSA of McMaster University advocates for the needs of the collective, acts as a resource, and provides support and services that improve the graduate student experience.
Graduate Student Support Visit the SSC
Connect to learn more and stay on track to complete your program requirements and plan for what happens after graduation.
Provided in partnership by the Student Success Centre (SSC), School of Graduate Studies (SGS) and Graduate Students Association (GSA).
Class of 2023 Join the 2023 Group
The Class of 2023 has a closed LinkedIn group where they can stay in touch.
Class of 2022 LinkedIn Group Join the 2022 Group
The Class of 2022 has a closed LinkedIn group where they can stay in touch.
Class of 2021 LinkedIn Group Join the 2021 Group
Our inaugural class has a closed LinkedIn group where they can stay in touch as they carve out their careers.