Since its establishment, it has produced several prominent leaders within the Canadian public and non-profit sectors, and has led research activities in this area.

[3] Creating an institute for public administration was one of the key visions of the Ottawa Association for the Advancement of Learning, the community group responsible for establishing Carleton University in 1942.

[7] Students are required to complete four core courses, three electives, a comprehensive exam, a research seminar, and a thesis, which can be done within five years of full-time study.

As of the 2020–21 academic year, these areas include:[9] The Master of Arts in Sustainable Energy is offered jointly between the SPPA and the Faculty of Engineering and Design.

[14] The SPPA offers graduate diplomas geared toward mid-career professionals to upgrade their skills and knowledge in different areas relating to public policy and management.

Graduate diplomas are delivered at a slower pace compared to Master's and doctorate programs, allowing students to balance both classroom and work obligations.

This executive training program brings about 200 professionals from 80 countries to Carleton for up to a month every summer to acquire practical skills for conducting and managing evaluation in a development context.