Public policy shapes the behavior of individuals, organizations, and corporations and affects almost every aspect of society. The ability to develop “good” public policy requires both a strong analytical base and political astuteness. The required courses in the certificate establish a contextual and analytical foundation, equipping students with the ability to both prospectively assess and retrospectively evaluate public initiatives. Electives enable additional exploration of particular policy areas.

Admission to Graduate Studies

Admission Requirements

• All applicants must meet the requirements outlined in the Admission to Graduate Study policy. 

• Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required.  

• English proficiency: Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required. There are two bands of English proficiency, including Admission and Full proficiency. For applicants to online programs, Full proficiency is required. 

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); 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.

More information about SPAA graduate certificates can be found on the SPAA Graduate Certificates pages.

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. While completing the following degree requirements, graduate students are expected to understand and follow Office of Graduate Studies policies relevant to their student status and academic standing.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required Courses:
PUAD 853	Policy Analysis	3
PUAD 863	Program Evaluation	3
Electives
2 courses selected from the following:		6
PUAD 825	Urban Policy and Administration
PUAD 828	Nonprofit Management and Policy
UBPL 710	Housing Policy and Planning
or UBPL 720	Sustainable Land Use Policy and Planning
or UBPL 750	Transportation Policy and Planning
or UBPL 764	Real Estate Development
Total Hours		12

At the completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• Effectively develop high-quality policy recommendations applicable to a particular public problem and desired aims.
• Design a high-quality evaluation of a public program or policy.