Through the completion of this certificate, students will gain in-depth knowledge of how law intersects with and influences the practice of public administration and public policy-making and implementation. Students will learn how public administrators can work more effectively with knowledge of legal history and legal policy, how law shapes managerial processes, how it shapes government and the system of justice, and how it affects ordinary people in every walk of life. The knowledge gained through the courses in the Law and Society certificate will prepare students for work in a variety of settings, including criminal justice organizations, non-profits, policy think tanks, political institutions, and public administrative agencies of all kinds. While all students are welcome to apply, this graduate certificate's course work is only offered at the Edwards Campus.
Admission to Graduate Studies
An applicant seeking to pursue graduate study in the College may be admitted as either a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking student. Policies and procedures of Graduate Studies govern the process of Graduate admission. These may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.
Please consult the Departments & Programs section of the online catalog for information regarding program-specific admissions criteria and requirements. Special admissions requirements pertain to Interdisciplinary Studies degrees, which may be found in the Graduate Studies section of the online catalog.
The Law & Society graduate certificate is undergoing discontinuance and is no longer admitting students.
The School of Public Affairs & Administration (SPAA) accepts students on a rolling admissions basis. Students may apply to be admitted for either the fall, summer or spring semesters. Applicants for the certificate are required to meet the following program requirements:
- An undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.0 (if the undergraduate degree was awarded in the last three years);
- at least three years of managerial experience or be already admitted to any graduate programs of KU or already have a graduate management or leadership degree from an accredited institution; and
- the University requirement that Non-native speakers of English meet Graduate Studies English proficiency.
Current graduate students who wish to earn a graduate certificate credential in any of the SPAA certificates must submit a graduate application for the specific certificate program no later than enrollment in the final course that will count toward the certificate.
Individuals who are not already enrolled as KU graduate students must complete an application to Graduate Studies for admission into the certificate program and submit an application fee along with the following materials:
• A current resume.
• A statement of interest in the graduate certificate program. This 1-2 page narrative should summarize your education, employment history, career goals, and how this certificate will bolster your professional aspirations.
• Official transcripts of baccalaureate degree/s and any post-baccalaureate course work.
The admissions committee may request additional materials if needed to assess an applicant’s ability to be successful in the coursework.
Certificate Requirements
The certificate requires 4 courses for a total of 12 graduate credit hours. Other courses may be substituted with the approval of the MPA Faculty Director. Student pursuing more than one SPAA certificate may use a maximum of one course to count towards both certificates.
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| |
| PUAD 842 | Law and Public Management | 3 |
| PUAD 849 | Law, Courts, and Public Policy | 3 |
| |
| PUAD 701 | Administration of Justice | 3 |
| PUAD 702 | Diversity and Social Equity in Public Administration | 3 |
| LWS 743 | Theoretical Foundations of Law and Society | 3 |
| LWS 794 | Topics in Law & Society: _____ | 3 |
