2025-2026

Election Administration, Undergraduate 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. This certificate will enable students to pursue careers in election administration at the state or federal level in the United States.

  • To receive an undergraduate certificate (at least 15 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.
     

    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
Some online/blended coursework Required

Purpose Statement

The Election Administration undergraduate certificate is an excellent pathway for undergraduate students to prepare them to be election administrators or for public sector employees who currently work for or want to develop a career in election administration at the federal, state, county, local, or tribal government and are seeking an undergraduate credential.

The program covers a range of 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, including voter registration and alternative voting methods, evaluation of administrative practices, selection of technologies, evaluation of cybersecurity threats, and application of 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, which includes 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 needed 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.

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.