The Public Administration Certificate is targeted toward students who are currently employed, part- or full-time; those who wish to upgrade their professional skills; those contemplating a graduate program who wish to 'test the waters' first in a graduate certification program; and those already enrolled in another graduate program who wish to obtain an additional professional credential. Students who successfully complete the Public Administration Certificate may apply all credits earned in the program toward a Public Administration emphasis in the Master in Administration degree. Successfully completing four Political Science courses earns you the certificate. All courses for the certificate are offered regularly, can be completed entirely via web-based instruction, and may be taken in any order.
You may enroll in certificate courses during any semester, including summer, after first being admitted to NAU through the Graduate College as either a non-degree graduate student (minimum requirement is a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 2.5 or above), or as a student pursuing a graduate degree. There are no prerequisites for admission to the certificate program. This program also offers optional field work experience or independent study credit.
Note: Please remember - the completion of this program does not automatically provide any form of endorsement or certification in AZ or elsewhere.
Federal financial aid is not available for some certificates if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the “Details” tab for additional information.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 12 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Fieldwork Experience/Internship may be required by chosen emphasis or offered as an option. |
Purpose Statement
This certificate program provides a comprehensive examination of how governments use fiscal resources to plan their activities. Major topics include taxation, budgets, programs, management, and fiscal transfer payments.
Courses introduce students to public sector management, dynamics of modern complex organizations, and bureaucratic organizations.
This program is targeted toward students who are currently employed, part- or full-time; those who wish to upgrade their professional skills; those contemplating a graduate program who wish to 'test the waters' first in a graduate certification program; and those already enrolled in another graduate program who wish to obtain an additional professional credential.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will learn incremental and rational approaches to decision-making, influences of bureaucratic routines, strategies for increasing organizational effectiveness, and how to conduct analyses of the administration of human resources in public organizations.
The NAU graduate online application is required for all programs. Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.
Admission requirements include the following:
Visit the NAU Graduate Admissions website for additional information about graduate school application deadlines, eligibility for study, and admissions policies.
Ready to apply? Begin your application now.
International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy.
Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
Take the following 12 units:
3 units may be transferred into this program from another university.
This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Under both circumstances, federal financial aid can be used for this certificate.
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.