Program Overview

---

Public Administration (Graduate Certificate)

The Public Administration (Graduate Certificate) program is designed to give students a solid foundational understanding of administration, leadership, and policy analysis in service to the public good. Through comprehensive coverage of topics in public administration, management, and policy, students discover the challenges of management, learn how to lead a public organization, and understand the process of policy development.

Program Description

Turn your passion for service into a career in the public or nonprofit sector. Be the change you wish to see by driving positive outcomes from complex societal challenges. This certificate will complement your existing skills and education, and expose you to various career opportunities in this in-demand sector.

At a Glance

• College/school: Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions
• Location: Downtown Phoenix
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Degree Requirements

15 credit hours

• Required Core (6 credit hours)
  • PAF 503 Public Affairs (3)
  • PAF 505 Public Policy Analysis (3)
• Electives (9 credit hours)
  • Electives are chosen from a list of preapproved courses and are selected with the faculty advisor.
  • The faculty advisor directs the selection of the electives to ensure they focus on a common theme and to see that the student's experiences in the courses align with the learning goals outlined for the certificate.
  • For the electives, the student must select any three 3-credit PAF courses at the 500 level.
• Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") and to have no more than one grade below a "B-" in courses taken to complete the certificate program.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
• Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
• Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution.
• Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
• All applicants must submit:
  • Graduate admission application and application fee
  • Official transcripts
  • Statement of career and educational goals
  • Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: Rolling
• Spring: Rolling
• Summer: Rolling

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:

• Interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.
• Employ analytic frameworks for supporting decision-making in public organizations and contributing to the policy process.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared to pursue a career in a field related to public administration or public policy, particularly in the areas of participatory governance and public engagement. Possible positions include manager or policy analyst in a local, state or federal agency; nonprofit organization; or private organization that interfaces with the public sector.