2025-2026

Election Administration in Public Administration, Graduate Certificate

Department of Politics and International Affairs

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Election administration in the United States is unique. While most democracies rely on a central government to administer elections, responsibility for election management and delivery in the United States is decidedly local. In this certificate, students will learn how to run and manage an election through the lens of public administration.

    • Graduate certificate programs require a minimum of 12 credit hours. Many graduate certificate programs require more than 12 credit hours.
    • No more than one 400-level NAU course (3 - 4 units) may be used on a graduate certificate program.
    • No more than twenty-five percent of the units required for the certificate program may be transferred from another university.
    • A 400-level course (undergraduate course) completed at another university is not eligible for transfer credit.
    • A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be achieved to obtain a graduate certificate. No more than three units of coursework with a Grade of "C" may be used in a certificate program.
    • A graduate student may pursue a graduate certificate concurrently with a graduate degree. Each graduate degree program must decide which, if any, certificate courses can be counted toward the graduate degree.
    • Students who are admitted to a graduate certificate program will be eligible for the official posting of the graduate certificate to their transcripts when all applicable coursework has been successfully completed and approved by the academic unit and the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies.

  • 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:

  • 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.

Graduate Admission Information

  • 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:

    • Transcripts.
    • Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale ("A" = 4.0), or the equivalent.


    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.

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

    • Resume or Curriculum Vitae
    • Personal Statement or Essay
      • Personal Statement
        • 500 Words
        • Applicant's Career Goals
        • Applicant's Reason for Applying
Certificate Requirements

  • This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.

Additional Information

  • Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.