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
- 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.
All graduate students and applicants must complete an application to Graduate Studies for admission into the certificate program and upload:
- 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 the certificate will bolster your professional aspirations; and
- 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.
These are the admission requirements in place at the time this catalog content was published.
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 |
| PUAD 853 | Policy Analysis | 3 |
| PUAD 863 | Program Evaluation | 3 |
| |
| Collaboration in Public Administration | |
| Urban Policy and Administration | |
| Nonprofit Management and Policy | |
| Performance Management and Governance | |
| Housing Policy and Planning | |
| Sustainable Land Use Policy and Planning |
| Transportation Policy and Planning |
| 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.
