Program Overview

Graduate Certificate: Public Policy

The Public Policy certificate program is designed to provide students with a foundation in the themes, concepts, and tools of public policy. This program is intended for graduate students who seek preparation for better jobs in the public and nonprofit sectors, as well as academia.

About the Certificate

Public policy plays a crucial role in virtually every aspect of social life, and governments at all levels make laws, issue regulations, levy taxes, and spend money in ways that can have profound impacts on various important and challenging issues. The Public Policy certificate's curriculum gives students a foundation in the themes, concepts, and tools of public policy, orienting them to the activities of federal, state, and municipal governments and the nonprofit and for-profit organizations that work closely with them.

Program Details

• Time Limit for Certificate Completion: 2 years
• Campus Location: Center City for in-person instruction or Online with a combination of asynchronous and synchronous evening components
• Full-Time/Part-Time Status: The graduate certificate can be completed on a part-time basis
• Job Prospects: The Public Policy certificate program is intended primarily for graduate students who seek preparation for better jobs in the public and nonprofit sectors, as well as academia

Admission Requirements and Deadlines

• Bachelor's Degree in Discipline/Related Discipline: Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited university with an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Additional Requirements:
  • Two letters of recommendation from persons in a position to evaluate the applicant's academic ability and accomplishments
  • A personal statement of approximately 250 words indicating interests, plans, and objectives within the field of public policy
  • Current resume

Certificate Requirements

• Number of Credits Required to Complete the Certificate: 12
• Required Courses:
  • ECON 5102: Economic Decisions and Public Policy (3 credits)
  • GUS 5165: Community Based Program Evaluation (3 credits)
  • PLCY 8118: The Policy-Making Process (3 credits)
  • PLCY 8119: Policy Analysis (3 credits)
• GPA Required to be Awarded the Certificate: 3.0 minimum

Program Overview

The Public Policy certificate program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in concepts, knowledge, and practical tools of public policy making, including creation, implementation, evaluation, and analysis. Completion of the certificate signals to employers that the student has a solid foundation in public policy, making them more competitive in the job market.