Program Overview

Department of Political Science and Public Administration

The Department of Political Science and Public Administration offers a Graduate Certificate in Public Management. This certificate provides skills and insights necessary to plan and manage public organizations.

Graduate Certificate in Public Management

The Graduate Certificate in Public Management is geared towards professionals seeking upward mobility within their organizations and students seeking to enter the workforce at the local, city, state, and federal level. This program serves those who wish to gain specialized knowledge in the field of public management without committing to a full graduate program.

Specialized Knowledge

Specialized knowledge may include:

• Resource management
• Intergovernmental relations
• Administrative law
• Program evaluation
• Public finance

Potential Employers

Potential employers seek out applicants with these specific skills, making graduates more attractive for higher than entry-level positions in the local, state, or federal government, as well as private industry.

Certificate Requirements

The Certificate is earned after completion of five (5) courses totaling 15 credit hours. Classes are offered online and on campus.

Applying for the Graduate Certificate

To complete the Graduate Certificate in Public Management, students must apply to UAB Graduate School. Application deadlines are:

• August 1 for Fall admission
• December 1 for Spring
• April 1 for Summer

Application Requirements

Applications must include:

• Undergraduate transcripts from accredited institutions
• A statement of interest that addresses the prompt: In 1-2 single-spaced pages (200-500 words), please share why the Graduate Certificate in Public Management at UAB is right for you. Address motivations, ways you want to make change, and vision for your career after obtaining the Certificate. If you have prior academic deficiencies, please also address those in this statement.
• One (1) letter of recommendation that meets the criteria:
  • This letter must be an academic or professional reference. Academic examples include those from professors or faculty advisors; professional examples include those from supervisors in either a work or volunteer position. Letters from peers, co-workers, friends, etc. are not acceptable.

Future Graduate Work

Sometimes, students who begin a graduate certificate program want to continue and earn their MPA degree. To do this, students must complete all application requirements as outlined in the Graduate School guidelines. A maximum of four (4) courses (12 hours) with a grade of B or better may be applied toward the MPA degree if the student is accepted in the program.

MPA Degree Requirements

Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Public Management does not automatically admit a student into the MPA program. All application materials must be completed. Students who pursue the MPA degree following certification must complete all course work within five years of the first course taken in the certificate program.

Graduate Program

The Graduate Program offers:

• Master of Public Administration
  • Admissions
  • Program Requirements
  • NASPAA Accreditation
  • MPA Internships
• Accelerated Learning Opportunities
• Dual Degree Programs
  • Criminal Justice
  • Public Health
  • Juris Doctorate/Samford
• Graduate Certificates
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Nonprofit Management for Social Work Professionals
  • Public Management
• Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies Degree (IGS)
• Advising
• MPA Alumni Society
• Scholarships

Public Management

The Graduate Certificate in Public Management provides skills and insights necessary to plan and manage public organizations. This certificate is designed to serve those who wish to gain specialized knowledge in the field of public management without committing to a full graduate program.