Public Policy Advanced Certificate

(SIMS Code: 115529)

The 15-unit certificate provides students with both a theoretical and practical foundation in policy studies. Students take core courses introducing them to major theoretical traditions in the field, at least one research methods course, and electives that either provide an in-depth look at a policy area or develop skills through an internship or a thesis project. This advanced certificate is intended for students who wish to pursue policy-related careers in either the public or private sectors. The certificate is open to all matriculated students with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or its equivalent from a foreign institution.

Required Courses

(6 units)

P A 660 - Administration and Public Policy Development Units: 3
POL S 603 - Seminar in Foundations of Public Policy Units: 3

Research Methods

(3 units)

Research methods elective selected from

P A 605 - Seminar in Applied Research Units: 3
P A 606 - Seminar in Quantitative Approaches to Public Administration Units: 3
POL S 616 - Tools for Quantitative Analysis Units: 3
POL S 617 - Seminar in Applied Qualitative Methods Units: 3

Electives

(6 units)

Electives selected from

C P 635 - Seminar in Housing Policy and Community Development Units: 3
C P 675 - Seminar in Land Use and Environmental Law Units: 3
P A 799A - Thesis Units: 3
POL S 560 - Comparative Citizenship in Policy and Practice Units: 3
POL S 635 - Seminar in Politics of Public Policy Units: 3
POL S 796 - Internship in Public Policy Units: 3
POL S 799A - Thesis Units: 3

Note

Students may also take an additional research methods course as an elective. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all advanced certificate coursework, with a grade of C (2.0) or better in each course. At least half of the coursework must be at the 600- and 700-level. Courses in the certificate program may be applied to a master’s degree (if applicable) with approval of the adviser.