Master of Public Administration - Certificate Program

The graduate certificate in Public Administration serves as an option for those individuals who wish to expand their education beyond the undergraduate level, but do not wish to engage in a full Masters degree program.

Many public managers, both in South Carolina and beyond, are interested in employing individuals with this type of high-level specialized training. Furthermore, attaining a graduate certificate can be the first step toward a full Masters degree, as the credits earned during the Certificate program are fully transferable.

Thus the Certificate Program is an excellent option for those who wish to expand both their educational and professional opportunities.

Coursework

The Certificate Program is a four class, 12 credit sequence. Students are required to take one course from the core sequence, and another three courses from either the core sequence or the elective list. Students have up to four calendar years to complete these four courses, and must maintain a 3.0 average throughout in order to be granted a certificate. Students will also submit a Certificate Portfolio, which will represent the sum of the coursework completed by the student during the program.

Core Courses

POSC 821 Perspectives in Public Administration
POSC 822 Public Policy Process
POSC 827 Public Personnel Administration
POSC 829 Public Financial Management
POSC 862 Administrative Leadership

Elective Courses:

POSC 867 State Government Administration
POSC 868 Local Government Administration
POSC 877 Public Policy Evaluation
POSC 878 Entrepreneurial Government
POSC 878 Nonprofit Management
POSC 878 Grant Writing for Public Administration
POSC 878 Performance Measurement for Public Administration
POSC 878 Administering Homeland Security
POSC 878 Public Administration and International Organizations

Admission Requirements

Admission to the program will be based upon both an assessment of the applicant’s educational needs and career objectives. Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree and should have a minimum of a 3.0 GPA during undergraduate work. Students from any department or discipline may elect to complete the program, with no specific class prerequisites required for entry. Students already enrolled in a graduate degree program may enter the program with written permission from their advisor and the MPA director.

Application to the program requires the following:

  1. Non-Degree Application filed with the Graduate School
  2. Official Undergraduate Transcripts
  3. A completed application form
  4. One letter of recommendation
  5. Career Statement/Résumé
  6. Approved request to pursue a graduate certificate [if a graduate student]

Return these items 2-6 to 232 Brackett Hall, Clemson, SC 29634.