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 seminar courses (three units each) 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.

Admission Criteria

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 School of Graduate Studies admission 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.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.Minimum scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language IELTS are: 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each of the four components (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening); results valid for 2 years.

   For a complete list of 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 public policy 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 policy.
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.

Prospective students may be invited to a virtual interview as part of the application process.

For entry in May 2025, the application portal opened October 1, 2024. Submit your application no later than 11:59pm ET on Monday January 27, 2025.
Please note that your referees are encouraged to submit their letters of reference no later than February 3, 2025.

To begin your application, you must first filter out “May” and “Social Sciences”. Also note that May 2025 entry is within the 2024-25 academic year.

View The Step-By-Step How To Apply Guide

Tuition

The fee for the MPP in Digital Society 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.

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 (i.e., more in-person components), the supplementary fee structure will be re-evaluated at that time.

Financial Aid

Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

The Master of Public Policy program is eligible for loans under the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).

Internal

Students to whom we offer admission are automatically considered for a merit-based 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.

In addition to these merit-based scholarships, the MPP program has limited supplementary funds that are awarded to students on a needs-basis. These funds are adjudicated through the AwardSpring platform and applications close in mid-September.

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 on the Graduate Studies website. How to Apply instructions are available on the Office of the Registrar website.

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 in a range of Social Sciences Departments 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 the one through OSAP.

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.

External Aid & Awards

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

• Student Financial Aid and Scholarships
• Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program
• School of Graduate Studies Scholarship Information
• Commonwealth Scholarships

University Graduate support services include:

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