The University of West Florida's Acquisition and Contract Administration Certificate equips students with the knowledge and skills to manage public contracts throughout their lifecycle. The curriculum covers legal and theoretical foundations, as well as practical aspects from planning to close-out. Graduates are prepared for careers as contract specialists, buyers, negotiators, and purchasing managers in government, nonprofits, and civilian contractors.

Degree Overview:

• The University of West Florida’s Acquisition and Contract Administration Certificate prepares you to enter positions in public acquisition management.
• The curriculum acquaints you with contracting from pre-award to contract close-out, providing both practical and theoretical knowledge to create a solid foundation for a rewarding career in government contracting, nonprofits or with civilian contractors who engage in public sector contracts.
• Your coursework will study the entire public contracting life cycle, including planning, solicitation, selection, negotiation, award, post-award administration and close-out.
• Your classes will also examine the underlying legal and theoretical basis of public purchasing, considering the place and importance of acquisitions within the larger government structure.
• Through individual work products and team-based interactions, you and your classmates will apply your knowledge to real-world circumstances.
• The Acquisition and Contract Administration Certificate is one of two certificate options included in the MSA in Public Administration program.
Graduate non-degree seeking students may also opt to complete the certificate independently. Students selecting this path who later enroll in the degree program may be able to apply the credits to the degree.

Outline:

Required Courses (9 credit hours)

• PAD 5635 - Government Contract Law (3.0 Credit Hours)
• PAD 5855 - Contract Planning and Formulation (3.0 Credit Hours)

Careers:

• Contract Specialists
• Buyers and Purchasing Agents
• Contract Negotiators
• Purchasing Managers

University of West Florida

Overview:

The University of West Florida (UWF) is a public university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It prides itself on providing a personalized learning experience with small class sizes and dedicated faculty. UWF emphasizes a strong student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring individual attention and support.

Services Offered:

Student Life and Campus Experience:

UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources. Students can explore the Pensacola campus, UWF Emerald Coast in Fort Walton Beach, UWF Historic Trust in Historic Pensacola, and UWF's downtown Pensacola facilities. A virtual tour is available to experience the campus remotely.

Key Reasons to Study There:

Personalized Attention:

UWF boasts a 100:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and support from world-renowned professors.

Diverse Programs:

Over 110 undergraduate and graduate programs cater to various interests and career aspirations.

Strong Reputation:

UWF is ranked #100 in the "Top Public School – Regional Universities South" by U.S. News and World Report.

Engaging Campus Life:

UWF offers a vibrant campus community with various facilities and resources, including a virtual tour for remote exploration.

Academic Programs:

Other:

UWF actively engages in research and community outreach. Recent initiatives include:

Archaeology Institute Field Schools:

Offering students hands-on experience in archaeological investigations.

HeirStory Project:

Collaborating with a renowned journalist to develop technology for preserving family legacies.

Galapagos Islands Study Abroad:

Providing students with immersive cultural and historical experiences.