Master of International Public Policy

16 students standing in two rows - one standing on grass, one on a concrete bench - all in front of a tree and building windows

Develop a Career in International Policy Development

Wilfrid Laurier University offers an interdisciplinary one-year Master of International Public Policy (MIPP). The program provides graduate training for individuals looking to pursue or enhance careers in international or global policy development, implementation and evaluation. A multidisciplinary and integrated curriculum delivered by our world-class faculty through small scale and integrative seminars, hands-on learning and skill development is combined to achieve the program’s objectives. Our expanding alumni network, now hundreds strong - can be found throughout the policy universe, from local food security networks and refugee settlements to municipal, provincial, and national policy branches (both in Canada and abroad) to UN agencies around the globe.

MIPP students complete three terms of intensive course work, each of which builds a specific skill set. The first term emphasizes core skills in public sector economics, policy analysis and research tools (statistics), and also in international relations and globalization. These core skills are then applied during the following two terms to the interdisciplinary study of a selected field of concentration in international public policy.

Each field of concentration comprises a multidisciplinary suite of courses – involving faculty members from political science, economics, global studies, environmental studies, geography, among others – which ensures students gain a comprehensive understanding of the various perspectives and interests that shape international public policy. An interdisciplinary seminar provides a unique forum for making those connections. Guest lectures and workshops from policy experts and practitioners supplement the student’s formal study, providing valuable insights on current issues and on the practice of international public policy as well as expanding the students' network.

Laurier's Career Services for MIPP students

Making connections and readying you for your career is an important part of the MIPP degree. In addition to the services provided by Laurier's Career Centre, you will participate in specific professional development classes with the MIPP career consultant. Early on in the program you will be introduced to the Career Planning Process, a four-step workshop designed to help guide you through the degree experience.

Your career consultant is available to provide feedback and coaching throughout your program. Appointments are one-on-one sessions, either in person or virtually, and will cover all areas of career development: job search and networking, mock interviews, resume and cover writing, and salary negotiations.

Many of our MIPP graduates have exciting careers as Senior Special Assistant in the Office of the Prime Minister; Senior Trade Policy Officer, at Global Affairs Canada; Policy Analyst, Emergency Management Modernization with Public Safety Canada; Monitoring and Evaluations Consultant, with UNDP Cambodia; and Junior professional Consultant as Gender Equity intern with UNICEF.

Career statistics from 2021 indicates that 82% of our graduates found full time positions within the first year after graduation.

Learn about Admissions

“The MIPP program gave me the practical training I wanted to hone my professional writing and analytical skills. I had close contact with influential and remarkable policy leaders and diplomats who, by sharing their experience and friendship with me, have made me a better humanitarian and policy analyst.”

—Virgil Haden-Pawlowski, MIPP Graduate (2014)

Colleen Loomis, Director, MIPP and Co-Director, PhD in Global Governance

Colleen Loomis standing with her arms crossed in front of windows.Thank you for considering applying to the School of International Policy and Governance at Wilfrid Laurier University and the Balsillie School of International Affairs. I am so glad you are here to learn more about how to make a difference in the world.

As you explore the various aspects of our graduate programs, you will see that our course offerings are relevant to current global issues such as humanitarian crises, social and economic stability, digital espionage, and environmental degradation. We review and update our course offerings regularly to provide you with the best and most current program possible. You will be taught by leading scholars from multiple disciplines and can expect a network of support to help guide your academic journey.

We appreciate that learning can also happen through interactions with students, faculty and the wider Laurier community. Within our program, we have invited international guests, including diplomats in residence, and visiting scholars who share their field expertise in formal and informal conversations with students. Our doctoral program in global governance and master program in international public policy are known for building relationships with peers within and across the years, enriching your intellectual community and professional network. In addition to the accomplishments of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni, they are empathic, have a sense of humour, and manage a healthy work-life balance.

Within the School of International Policy and Governance, we aim to provide you with a great environment for learning both hard and soft skills and co-creating a meaningful life. When you take the next step in your education to support your future solving large-scale, complex problems, I hope you will consider applying to one of our programs.

I look forward to seeing you at the Balsillie School.

If you would like more information or a pre-assessment of your credentials, please contact our Program Officer,
Maureen Ferraro at [email protected].

Program Information

Additional program information is available at the Wilfrid Laurier University website.

See Program Information
Maureen Ferraro

Learn More

For more information, please contact Maureen Ferraro, Program Officer, Master of International Public Policy.

Contact Maureen
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