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Public Administration, Certificate

Gain critical thinking skills and knowledge in public administration, management, policy and research to advance your career in public or nonprofit sectors.

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About this Program

The Certificate in Public Administration is appropriate for individuals who are working in or seeking employment in the public or nonprofit sectors. Our certificate can be completed in one year, and you can begin your coursework any quarter. Enjoy evening and weekend classes on campus that easily fit into your lifestyle. Plus, after you complete your certificate, you can continue to earn the full master's in public administration degree.

Mission

Seattle University’s Master of Public Administration, including the Public Administration Certificate, educates public service professionals primarily in the Pacific Northwest. We develop our students’ leadership and administrative potential to address public problems in the government and nonprofit sectors.

Vision

  • Social justice and the engagement of diverse communities through policy and service. 
  • Ethical standards of accountability, integrity and transparency in pursuing the public interest. 
  • Positive relationships that foster respect and fairness for colleagues and community members.

Learning Outcomes

In our program, students will learn:

  • Practical skills to address organizational problems.
  • Management and leadership skills that incorporate collaboration, teamwork and self- reflection.
  • Oral and written communication skills that emphasize cogency and professionalism.
  • Critical thinking skills to competently develop and design empirical research and engage in logical analysis.
  • Skills and expertise to be more effective participants and advocates in the public policy.

Certificate Requirements

The Certificate in Public Administration requires 12 hours of graduate coursework.

  • PUBM 5010 - Foundations of Public Administration
  • PUBM 5120 - Policy Process
  • PUBM 5220 - Human Resource Management
  • PUBM 5300 - Budgeting and Financial Management

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the classes you’ll take as a student here.

Three students at a table with laptops in a Public Administration Program class with Larry Hubbell

Admission Requirements

Strong candidates will have a combination of at least one year of professional work experience and a demonstrated commitment to public service.

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Join an Info Session

Join us for a virtual information session to learn more about Seattle University's Public Administration program offerings. 

Featured Faculty

Some faculty that you’ll come to know in our Public Administration Certificate Program.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about the program or application, we’re here to help.

Destiny Ledesma

Senior Admissions Counselor

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