Public Administration Graduate Certificates

General Program Information

• The certificates will be completed in one (1) academic year.
• Courses are offered across two accelerated terms (A Term and B Term), and are delivered online.
• The 12 credit hours (4 courses) may be applied toward the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program upon admission. Students must earn a grade of B or higher in each course to qualify.

Certificate Requirements

• Successful completion of 12 credit hours (4 required courses).
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in certificate coursework.

Program Admission Information

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
• Official transcript sent from all colleges and universities attended.
• A minimum 2.5 cumulative grade-point average (on a 4.0-point scale) for course work completed at the undergraduate level is required for regular admission. No provisional admission.
• Submission of a completed graduate admissions application with a $25 processing fee requesting admission to one of the following graduate certificate programs: Health Services Management, Human Resources Management, Local Government Management, Nonprofit Management.

The Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management equips students with the knowledge and competencies required for leadership roles in healthcare organizations. Emphasis is placed on financial management, public health administration, health policy, and delivery systems serving diverse and underserved communities. The certificate may be earned independently or applied toward the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree.

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management provides advanced knowledge and practical competencies in labor relations, diversity management, human capital development, and contemporary HR issues in public and nonprofit organizations. This certificate may be completed as a standalone credential or applied toward the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree.

The Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management prepares current and aspiring public service professionals with the specialized knowledge, skills, and competencies required to effectively lead and manage operations at the local government level. The certificate provides focused preparation in areas such as local governance structures, public budgeting and finance, community engagement, service delivery, policy implementation, and intergovernmental relations. The certificate may be earned independently or applied toward the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree.

The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management equips students with foundational and advanced competencies for leading and managing nonprofit organizations. The program emphasizes nonprofit administration, grant writing, program evaluation, and community development—key skills for professionals working in public, nonprofit, and community-based organizations. The certificate may stand alone or be applied toward the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree.