Certificate of Graduate Study in Public Sector Management
Program Overview
Certificate of Graduate Study in Public Sector Management
Overview
The Certificate of Graduate Study in Public Sector Management is designed for professionals in or aiming to obtain management positions who wish to enhance their formal training. The graduate certificate's five-course program of study offers four areas of specialization.
Program of Study
The certificate program is designed to provide highly practical knowledge that can help professionals reach their career goals in public service. The program can be completed entirely online or with a combination of online and on-campus classes. The program does not require previous graduate study.
Required Courses
- Quantitative Methods Requirement (choose one)
- Public and Nonprofit Financial Management
- Data, Models, and Decisions
- Statistics for Public Managers and Policy Analysts
- Theory and Practice Requirement (choose one)
- Foundations of Public Administration
- Principles of Public Economics
- Foundations of Public Management
- Concentration Requirement
- Choose three electives from one of the concentration areas below.
Concentration Areas
Public Management
Prepare for managerial and supervisory careers by learning about organizational behavior, budgeting, planning, and decision-making within the sphere of public service.
- Electives (choose three)
- Foundations of Public Administration
- Valuing People in Public and Nonprofit Organizations
- Foundations of Public Management
- Performance Measurement and Contracting in Government
- Managing Diversity and Inclusion in Public and Nonprofit Organizations
- Managing Behavior in Public and Nonprofit Organizations
- Strategic Planning and Management
Public Economics and Finance
Strengthen your skills in budgeting and financial analysis by improving your understanding of public economics and finance.
- Electives (choose three)
- Public and Nonprofit Financial Management
- Principles of Public Economics
- Performance Measurement and Contracting in Government
- Nonprofit Financial Management
- Public Budgeting
- Economics of Public Policy
Information Technology and Management
Deepen your understanding of information technologies and learn how to develop policy, management, and technology solutions that support public services.
- Electives (choose three)
- Data, Models, and Decisions
- Strategic Management of Information Technology
- Comparative Digital Government
- Business Dynamics: Simulation Modeling for Decision-Making
- Leading Transformation in the Digital World
- Data Science for the Public Good
Public Policy
Intensify your economic and analytic skills and learn how to be a more effective policy administrator or advocate.
- Electives (choose three)
- Principles of Public Economics
- Statistics for Public Managers and Policy Analysts
- Politics and Policy
- Public Policy Analysis
- Inequality and Public Policy
- Evaluation of Public Sector Programs
- Economics of Public Policy
- Public Health Politics and Policy: Domestic and Global Perspectives
Admissions Requirements
Deadlines
- Fall: August 1
- Spring: January 1
- Summer: May 1
Required Application Materials
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Resume
- Statement of goals
- The statement is generally one to two pages discussing what you have to offer the program and what you wish to get out of the program. It should include a brief description of the applicant's field of interest, related background, desired area of study and research emphasis or career goals.
- One or two letters of recommendation are encouraged but not required for admission.
Additional Information
See the Graduate Bulletin for details.
Program Outline
Outline:
Program of Study:
The Public Sector Management certificate comprises five courses spread across four specializations: Public Management, Public Economics and Finance, Information Technology and Management, and Public Policy. Students choose three electives from their chosen concentration area alongside two required courses: one from Quantitative Methods and one from Theory and Practice.
Concentration Areas:
- Public Management: Prepares students for managerial and supervisory roles, covering organizational behavior, budgeting, planning, and decision-making within public service.
- Public Economics and Finance: Strengthens budgeting and financial analysis skills for those working in both public and private sectors through a deeper understanding of public economics and finance.
Careers:
- Public Management: Positions in management and supervision across public service organizations.
- Public Economics and Finance: Roles in budgeting, financial analysis, and economic policy within both public and private sectors.
- Public Policy: Opportunities in policy administration, advocacy, and analysis across various public sectors.
Other:
- Program Format: Offered online, on-campus, or through a combination of both, catering to working professionals.
- Program Length: Can be completed as a standalone certificate or as a stepping stone towards the MPA program at UAlbany.
- Previous Graduate Study: Not required for admission.
- Application Deadlines: Fall - August 1, Spring - January 1, Summer - May 1.
Overview:
University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.Libraries:
Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.Career Services:
Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.Student Life:
Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.Residential Life:
Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.Dining:
Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.Athletics:
Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.Commitment to Public Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.Faculty Access:
The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.Graduate Programs:
A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.Online Learning:
Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Other:
The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.
