Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access and Leadership (IDEAL)

Co-Chair: Dr. Susannah Ali, MPA Director
Co-Chair: Dr. Meredith Newman

The Graduate Certificate in Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access and Leadership
(IDEAL) is designed to develop public, private, and nonprofit leaders and enable change makers
by equipping them with increased awareness, working knowledge, analytical skills, policy
options, and best practices for identifying and overcoming multi-faceted disparities in Inclusion,
Diversity, Equity, and Access.

The certificate is devoted to developing the next generation of
problem solvers, policy innovators, and change makers. It provides professional training and
career preparation for those seeking careers and advancements in the design, implementation,
evaluation, and advocacy of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access, as analysts, consultants,
public administrators, and elected officials in the local, state, and federal governments. This certificate program is open to both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students.

Curriculum

  • Core Courses

    Required Courses (9 credits)

    • PAD 5187 Cultural Competency
    • PAD 5043 Equitable and Inclusive Governance
    • PAD 5435 Gender Equity Leadership in Public Administration
  • Elective Courses

    Elective Courses (6 credits

    • PAD 5416 Social Equity and Human Resource Management
    • PAD 5805 Economic Development and Urban Revitalization
    • PAD 6436 Professionalism and Ethics
    • PAD 6807 Urban and Municipal Government Administration
    • PAD 5934* Contemporary Issues in Public Administration
    • PAD 6946 Internship

    Students may take up to two electives outside the Department. These electives must be selected from a list of approved electives or must be approved by Certificate Co-Chairs.

    *Depending on the topic of the course and pending MPA Program approval, PAD 5934 (Contemporary Issues) may be counted as a certificate elective.

  • Eligibility

    In order for you to be officially considered for admission to a Graduate Certificate program, you must complete the graduate certificate application and submit the $30 application fee to FIU's Office of Graduate Admissions. This certificate program is open to both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students.