Report an accessibility problem

Public Administration (Graduate Certificate)

Public Administration (Graduate Certificate)

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Public Administration (Graduate Certificate)

Administration, Governance

Interested in turning your passion for public service into a career in the public or nonprofit sector? Complement your existing skills and education with this graduate certificate and get a head start on an advanced degree while determining the best path for you.

Program description
Degree awarded: Certificate  Public Administration (Certificate)

Through comprehensive coverage of topics in public administration, management and policy, students in the graduate certificate program in public administration discover the challenges of management, learn how to lead a public organization and understand the process of policy development.

The program is designed to give students a solid foundational understanding of administration, leadership and policy analysis in service to the public good.

At a glance
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)

Additional Curriculum Information
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

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:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. statement of career and educational goals
  4. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

International students who need an F1 or J1 visa first need to apply to and be accepted into a graduate degree program prior to being considered for the certificate program. International students residing in the U.S. on other types of visas must adhere to all Graduate College policies and procedures regarding admission to be considered for admission to this certificate program.

Students from related fields such as public policy, political science, planning, urban and metropolitan studies, sociology, as well as other social science degrees might be interested in this program. However, all eligible students are considered.

Students should see the program website for application deadlines and admission terms.

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.
Program learning outcomes

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

  • 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. This may include opportunities as either a manager or policy analyst in local, state or federal agencies; nonprofit organizations; and private organizations that interface with the public sector.

Contact information

School of Public Affairs | UCENT 400
spa@asu.edu
602-496-0450

What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

click back to top