Diploma in Public Administration and Management (closed for admission)

Please note that this program is closed for admission. This program has been changed to Diploma in Government (see below)

Power, Politics, Public Policy, Law, Public Administration, Public Sector Management.

The Diploma in Public Administration and Management introduces you to the nature and working of the public sector in Canada, what it does, how it relates to the private sector, and how and why public policies and public administration touch every part of Canadian life – social, economic, cultural, environmental, and political.

The Diploma is ideally suited for students of Political Science with an interest in Canadian Politics and Government, Public Administration and Public Policy. But it’s also designed to appeal to students interested in Business Administration, Management theory and practice, and Business-Government Relations.

This Diploma can be taken as a two-year, stand-alone endeavor, earning the successful student a CBU Diploma in Public Administration and Management credential. The Diploma, however, can also be taken as part of a Cape Breton University BA/BACS program (either 90 credit or 120 credit degree programs) where the student Majors in Political Science. For students taking the Diploma as part of broader studies toward a CBU degree, the successful student will graduate with accreditation for both a Degree and the Diploma.

Admission Requirements

Admission into the program requires grade 12 academic/advanced English and four other grade 12 academic or advanced courses.

Students can apply for credit or advanced standing based on past educational and career accomplishments. They may also substitute up to six credits from the relevant courses in other disciplines.

Program Requirements

Key Features of the Diploma

• A 60 credit (20 course) program

• 12  3-credit required courses drawn from Political Science and Business studies

• 8  3-credit elective courses drawn from Political Science, Business studies and such disciplines as Sociology, Communication, History and Philosophy

• A Co-Op Work-Term option

• A special Certificate in Management elective option

Required Courses: 36 credits

Diploma in Government Management

Cape Breton University will not be offering admission into the Post-Baccalaureate Diplomas in Business Management or Healthcare Management, or the Diploma in Government Management, for May 2025 and September 2025.

Developed for those with a career or academic interest in Canadian governance, public administration, and public sector management, the focus of the 42-credit Diploma in Government Management is on the intersections between public administration, public policy, management, administrative law, rights, power and justice in Canada.

The Diploma in Government Management has been designed to help you get a better understanding of governing bodies and programs, service delivery in complex settings, legal obligations, and how operations are generally managed in the public sector. This is incredibly helpful for those with an interest in working for, or with, government and community-based organizations managing groups of people.

Carve your own path into the future while developing expertise in the techniques and practices of public sector management. This diploma offers the chance to take a deep look at the nature of Canadian government and public administration at the national, provincial and local levels. Study comprehensive subjects such as management, law, organizational theory, policy development, quantitative and qualitative research methods, leadership, ethics and more.

This diploma can be completed on a full or part-time basis.

Required courses: 42 credits