MRPE
Build a better society and community with the MA in Research for Policy and Evaluation
Join the MA in Research for Policy and Evaluation (MRPE), at Western University. MRPE is a one-year (three term) Professional Master's program with an emphasis on developing social science research skills that can be applied in government, non-profit and private settings.
Develop quantitative and qualitative skills
Receive training on how to do research and evaluation in the community, including communicating research findings to non-academic audiences.
Professional development
Each year, MRPE welcomes in a small cohort of students who develop lasting professional relationships. Students receive personal support and attention from staff and faculty who are committed to student success.
Professional development courses prepare students to succeed in their career, including guidance on deciding on your career path and goals; preparing a resume and highlighting your skills; finding positions that match your skills and goals; the interview process; first days on the job; time management; navigating organizational power structures; managing your career over time; and ensuring you follow EDI guidelines throughout your work.
Paid internships
Students complete a four-month internship providing hands-on learning opportunities. Previous students have completed internships with government ministries and departments such as Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Department of Justice, Privy Council and Indigenous Services Canada; non-profits, such as the Mosaic Institute and Prosper Canada; and think-tanks, such as the Northern Policy Institute.
Hear from our students:
"I entered the MRPE program after an undergrad in sociology and I am so grateful for where it’s taken me. I was attracted to the hands on aspect of the program as well as the experience I would get from the internship from May-August. Most importantly, being in the MRPE program introduced me to the nonprofit sector and the important work that is done there. I spent my summer working with The Mosaic Institute in Toronto researching inequities related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, I work at United for Literacy as part of their fundraising team. I would have never expected to be in a role like this before applying to the MRPE program, but I find it incredibly rewarding and hope to continue with nonprofit work in the future.”
Riley McLaughlin – 2021-22 Cohort
"Throughout the course of the year, the MRPE program has given me opportunities to fully dive into a fully encapsulating approach to research. The courses themselves allow you to emerge your learnings into different aspects of conducting and analyzing research. The smaller cohort allowed for collaboration between my peers and my professors, and made for a fulfilling experience. From traditional understandings of qualitative and quantitative research, to research design, knowledge mobilization and program evaluation, I was able to deeply enhance the skills I learned in my undergraduate degree in a more hands-on and realistic environment. Furthering on that, the internship aspect of MRPE has been an incredible opportunity to expose myself to research in the real world and really put the tools I learned in action. This program has created exciting opportunities for future work in a very interdisciplinary manner!"
Tayler Mizzi – 2022-23 Cohort
Learn More:
Visit the MRPE website to learn more about the program including core courses, internships, faculty and how to apply. Applications for the Fall 2024 start will open October 1, 2023.
Join us for an Information session to learn more about the program and have your questions answered. Dates to be announced shortly.
