Close
Applying as a Canadian applicant
Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.
Applying as an International applicant
International students should apply online.
Close
Campus tours
Campus tours are one of the best ways to experience Conestoga. During this time, we are offering online guided tours to show you all Conestoga has to offer.
Book your tourVirtual tours
If you can't make an on-campus tour or attend one of our events, the virtual tour is a great way to visit us.
View our Virtual tourCourses - September 2024
Level 1
Course details
Career Management
CDEV8132
Description:
This course focuses on career management skills needed to navigate the evolving workplace. Students will evaluate their skills, attitudes, and expectations within their chosen careers and explore emerging trends in the workplace. Students will refine their networking strategies and create marketing documents to position them for success. Mock interviews will provide the opportunity for practice, feedback, and reflection as students prepare for future interviews. Students will explore communication strategies that support workplace success and advancement. By the end of this course, students will have created a personalized career management plan.
- Hours: 28
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: The cost is included in the course fee. View the eText fee.
Communication in the Public Sector
COMM8085
Description:
This course will cover the practical aspects of public sector communication skills both in written and oral presentation forms. In the written form, students will practice letter writing, on-line communication procedures and etiquette, the preparation of briefing notes, reports to committees or councils, meeting minutes, media releases, Question and Answer documents for senior managers or political leaders, and grant applications.
- Hours: 70
- Credits: 5
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Conestoga 101
CON0101
Description:
This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
- Hours: 1
- Credits: 0
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.
Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320
Description:
This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct themself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines for the workplace. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while engaged in an unpaid placement as well as guidelines to follow in the event of an incident, injury or illness.
- Hours: 14
- Credits: 1
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.
Strategic Planning and Implementation
PLAN8050
Description:
In this course, students learn to create government department, section or unit mission, vision and value statements. Budgetary planning and financial management, information and data management, investment planning, and personnel planning and management will be considered from the perspective of not-for-profit and public sector financial and personnel structures. The need for increased public accountability and public service or ministerial responsibility will be evaluated. Management tools such as balanced score card logic, management and planning models, performance indicators, budget proposal development and tracking systems, program audit processes and evaluations, and timely and appropriate goods and services procurement methods will also be introduced.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Introduction to Politics and Government
POLS8080
Description:
This course will explore Canadian democracy providing students with an understanding of the Canadian systems of government at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels. Students will also examine the distributions of powers and responsibilities in the Canadian federal structure, as well as the social, cultural and economic factors and related issues that influence federal-provincial-municipal relations. The course will also examine how the civil service, interest groups, the media, and political parties contribute to the overall functioning of governments.
- Hours: 28
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Public Policy
POLS8090
Description:
This course will introduce the policy cycle by examining agenda-setting, policy formulation, government decision-making, policy implementation, and the evaluation of policies. These theoretical lessons will create an understanding of how the public policy process operates and, thereby, how to influence policy decisions. The complex relationships that exist both between politicians and public servants as well as between the public sector and the private sector will be discussed. Students will also practice consultation methods and develop policy recommendations.
- Hours: 70
- Credits: 5
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites: LIBS8080 OR POLS8080
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Level 2
Course details
Ethics, Diversity and Government
ETHS8100
Description:
In this course, students learn ethical theories and critical reasoning tools to identify and analyze situations and to make defensible ethical decisions working in the public service. Practical, real-life dilemmas are simulated in class to support individual and team learning of specific duties and obligations of a public servant. Students explore how individual values and self-awareness underpin the development of an ethical style and how behaviour is affected by both ambiguity and diversity. A survey of colonialism, the resulting challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples of Canada, and Canada's unique approach to multiculturalism, pluralism and patterns of accommodation is offered to reflect upon ethical relativism and who defines 'the public interest.' Finally, this course encourages comparative discussions between theoretical ethical frameworks, existing government policies, and how current trends impact on the ethical practices of Canada’s public service practitioners.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Introduction to Project Management
MGMT8300
Description:
This course provides the practical knowledge to prepare for starting and completing a project successfully. It will cover the components and tasks related to complex projects that often involve multiple functional teams and departments. You will explore how the knowledge areas of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) are applied during each phase of a project's life cycle as well as the processes related to successful project management. An overview of status reporting and the use of MS Project will be covered. This knowledge will help establish priorities and effectively manage your projects. It will be of particular interest to those students who have a long-term goal of attaining the Project Management Professional (PMP)® designation certified by the Project Management Institute.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: The cost is included in the course fee. View the eText fee.
Leadership and Public Administration
MGMT8781
Description:
By examining contemporary leadership models and existing organizational systems in the public service environment, students will learn about the theories and practices associated with facilitating and leading productive operational teams. Students will learn and practice conflict resolution management and negotiations skills, as well as dispute resolution approaches. With the objective of understanding what makes a high-performance team, existing or potential partnership and team-building processes will be evaluated. Students will develop practical skills related to the administration of government and the non-profit sector, while learning how to be a ‘reflective practitioner' within the public service.
- Hours: 70
- Credits: 5
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Public Service Capstone
POLS8120
Description:
The capstone project is an experiential learning project during the second semester of the program that enables students to practice in a group setting their skills of research, analysis, communication, project management, and evaluation. Students will model and apply the skills learned throughout the Public Service program to a specific project for a government, non-profit, or social purpose organization. Students will enhance their writing and presentation skills as well as their analytical and team building skills.
- Hours: 70
- Credits: 5
- Pre-Requisites: COMM8085
- CoRequisites: MGMT8300
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Level 1
Course details
Communication in the Public Sector
COMM8085
Description:
This course will cover the practical aspects of public sector communication skills both in written and oral presentation forms. In the written form, students will practice letter writing, on-line communication procedures and etiquette, the preparation of briefing notes, reports to committees or councils, meeting minutes, media releases, Question and Answer documents for senior managers or political leaders, and grant applications.
- Hours: 70
- Credits: 5
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Conestoga 101
CON0101
Description:
This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
- Hours: 1
- Credits: 0
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.
Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320
Description:
This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct themself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines for the workplace. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while engaged in an unpaid placement as well as guidelines to follow in the event of an incident, injury or illness.
- Hours: 14
- Credits: 1
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.
Strategic Planning and Implementation
PLAN8050
Description:
In this course, students learn to create government department, section or unit mission, vision and value statements. Budgetary planning and financial management, information and data management, investment planning, and personnel planning and management will be considered from the perspective of not-for-profit and public sector financial and personnel structures. The need for increased public accountability and public service or ministerial responsibility will be evaluated. Management tools such as balanced score card logic, management and planning models, performance indicators, budget proposal development and tracking systems, program audit processes and evaluations, and timely and appropriate goods and services procurement methods will also be introduced.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Introduction to Politics and Government
POLS8080
Description:
This course will explore Canadian democracy providing students with an understanding of the Canadian systems of government at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels. Students will also examine the distributions of powers and responsibilities in the Canadian federal structure, as well as the social, cultural and economic factors and related issues that influence federal-provincial-municipal relations. The course will also examine how the civil service, interest groups, the media, and political parties contribute to the overall functioning of governments.
- Hours: 28
- Credits: 2
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Public Policy
POLS8090
Description:
This course will introduce the policy cycle by examining agenda-setting, policy formulation, government decision-making, policy implementation, and the evaluation of policies. These theoretical lessons will create an understanding of how the public policy process operates and, thereby, how to influence policy decisions. The complex relationships that exist both between politicians and public servants as well as between the public sector and the private sector will be discussed. Students will also practice consultation methods and develop policy recommendations.
- Hours: 70
- Credits: 5
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites: LIBS8080 OR POLS8080
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Level 2
Course details
Co-op and Career Preparation
CEPR8200
Description:
This series of modules will prepare graduate certificate students for job searching for their co-op work terms with the guidance of a Co-op Advisor. Students will familiarize themselves with the co-operative education policies and procedures and will learn the expectations, rules, and regulations that apply in the workplace regarding social, organizational, ethical, and safety issues while deepening their awareness of self- reflective practices. Students will critically reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and evaluate available opportunities in the workplace. Successful completion of these modules is a requirement for co-op eligibility.
- Hours: 14
- Credits: 1
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.
Ethics, Diversity and Government
ETHS8100
Description:
In this course, students learn ethical theories and critical reasoning tools to identify and analyze situations and to make defensible ethical decisions working in the public service. Practical, real-life dilemmas are simulated in class to support individual and team learning of specific duties and obligations of a public servant. Students explore how individual values and self-awareness underpin the development of an ethical style and how behaviour is affected by both ambiguity and diversity. A survey of colonialism, the resulting challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples of Canada, and Canada's unique approach to multiculturalism, pluralism and patterns of accommodation is offered to reflect upon ethical relativism and who defines 'the public interest.' Finally, this course encourages comparative discussions between theoretical ethical frameworks, existing government policies, and how current trends impact on the ethical practices of Canada’s public service practitioners.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Introduction to Project Management
MGMT8300
Description:
This course provides the practical knowledge to prepare for starting and completing a project successfully. It will cover the components and tasks related to complex projects that often involve multiple functional teams and departments. You will explore how the knowledge areas of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) are applied during each phase of a project's life cycle as well as the processes related to successful project management. An overview of status reporting and the use of MS Project will be covered. This knowledge will help establish priorities and effectively manage your projects. It will be of particular interest to those students who have a long-term goal of attaining the Project Management Professional (PMP)® designation certified by the Project Management Institute.
- Hours: 42
- Credits: 3
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: The cost is included in the course fee. View the eText fee.
Leadership and Public Administration
MGMT8781
Description:
By examining contemporary leadership models and existing organizational systems in the public service environment, students will learn about the theories and practices associated with facilitating and leading productive operational teams. Students will learn and practice conflict resolution management and negotiations skills, as well as dispute resolution approaches. With the objective of understanding what makes a high-performance team, existing or potential partnership and team-building processes will be evaluated. Students will develop practical skills related to the administration of government and the non-profit sector, while learning how to be a ‘reflective practitioner' within the public service.
- Hours: 70
- Credits: 5
- Pre-Requisites:
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Public Service Capstone
POLS8120
Description:
The capstone project is an experiential learning project during the second semester of the program that enables students to practice in a group setting their skills of research, analysis, communication, project management, and evaluation. Students will model and apply the skills learned throughout the Public Service program to a specific project for a government, non-profit, or social purpose organization. Students will enhance their writing and presentation skills as well as their analytical and team building skills.
- Hours: 70
- Credits: 5
- Pre-Requisites: COMM8085
- CoRequisites: MGMT8300
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: Not available at this time.
Level 3
Course details
Co-op Work Term (Public Service)
COOP8040
Description:
This co-op work term will provide students with college-approved work experience in an authentic, professionally relevant work environment. Students will be provided the opportunity to connect theory and practice by leveraging their academic knowledge to develop specialized vocational skills. The practical applications of this work term will promote students’ awareness of key concepts and terminology in their field, improve their competencies in problem-solving and decision-making, further their application of professional judgement, hone their leadership skills (independently or as part of team), and enhance their capacity to critically analyze and reflect on their demonstrated abilities in the workplace.
- Hours: 420
- Credits: 14
- Pre-Requisites: CDEV8200 OR CEPR8200
- CoRequisites:
- Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs: No cost.
Please note:
Estimated required text and/or learning resource costs are based on the most recent available data through the Conestoga Campus Store.
Program outcomes
- Explore governmental systems and inter-governmental relations and the role that government plays in delivering public goods and services.
- Apply systems theory models to solve public sector organizational challenges with consideration of unions and multicultural environments.
- Comply with and support others to work in accordance with general leadership principles, relevant professional association and industry codes of ethics, and legal obligations, protocols and policies.
- Develop the advanced oral and written communications and interpersonal skills required of a public servant, including communications with the public, media and stakeholders.
- Plan and adapt the implementation of strategies and tactics to inform communication objectives, decision-making, and project management goals.
- Use research and analytical skills to examine legislation and regulations to evaluate their impact and support organizational objectives.
- Analyze Canadian social and cultural frameworks within public service.
- Investigate the various human resources and financial system processes within the Canadian public service environment.
- Use current and emerging technologies to interpret and present data and communicate effectively.