Graduate Certificate in Public Management

Program Description: The graduate professional certificate program will provide students with a thorough understanding of the concepts and techniques of public management. It is designed particularly for those who are uncertain whether they wish to apply for admission to the MPA program, or those who wish some advanced professional certification but not a complete graduate degree.

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with an undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or better. Students must be admitted to the program by the director, who will also serve as their faculty advisor. Admission to a certificate program does not ensure admission to the MPA program. However, students in the certificate program who meet admissions requirements for the MPA may transfer up to 12 graduate credits taken in the certificate program into the master’s degree program, subject to approval by the director. The full 18 credits obtained in the degree program may be used towards the MPA provided the student is admitted to the degree program prior to completion of no more than 12 certificate credits.

To enroll in the certificate program, complete a graduate certificate application and submit it with a photocopy of your BA or BS diploma to the School of Public Administration. If your undergraduate degree was from FIU you don’t need to do this because your student records are accessible by computer from the School. Then use this form to keep track of the courses you complete. When you have completed all certificate courses, turn in this form to the School of Public Administration. You will receive your Certificate by mail. If you are also enrolled in the MPA program, you may receive your Certificate before or after you receive the MPA degree (depending upon when you complete the certificate program requirements).

Curriculum: To be awarded the Certificate, five courses in the following list should be completed. Students must complete their program of study within three years from the date of admission and receive no less than a 3.0 GPA.