College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Department of Politics and International Affairs
Election Administration in Public Administration, Graduate Certificate
Overview
In addition to University Requirements:
- Complete individual plan requirements.
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion |
15 |
| Additional Admission Requirements |
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Some online/blended coursework |
Required |
Purpose Statement
The Election Administration in Public Administration (EAPA) graduate certificate is designed to train future and current public sector employees who have a bachelor's degree and currently work for or want to develop a career in election administration within federal, state, county, local, or tribal governments.
The program covers topics critical to the democratic process and essential for effective election administration, including logistics, cybersecurity, and legal analysis. Students will develop skills to manage election logistics, voter registration, and alternative voting methods, evaluate best administrative practices for their population and area, select technologies, evaluate cybersecurity threats, and apply audits to ensure election accuracy.
Graduates of this certificate program will be well-prepared for various roles in the field of election administration. The field of public administration and policy, including election administrators, is experiencing higher-than-average job growth, with clearly defined career paths available in government. The program aims to equip public/nonprofit sector employees with the knowledge and skills to advance in their careers and take on different job titles and roles within election administration. The workforce in this field includes full-time staff, temporary employees hired during election periods, and poll workers who assist voters, manage polling locations, and ensure the integrity of the voting process.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Develop Competence in Election Logistics
- Effectively manage election logistics and ensure that all aspects of the election process, from voter registration to ballot counting, are conducted smoothly and efficiently.
- Enhance Cybersecurity Skills
- Acquire the necessary skills to safeguard election systems against cyber threats and ensure the integrity and security of election data and processes.
- Understand Policy and Legal Frameworks
- Perform comprehensive legal/policy analyses related to election administration, understand and apply relevant laws and regulations to ensure compliance, and uphold democratic principles.
More Information