Public Policy Analysis Certificate

The Public Policy Analysis Graduate Certificate is primarily designed to complement the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program by providing a formalized path for students to specialize in public policy analysis. This certificate is designed for students interested in a range of policy domains such as urban, environmental, transportation, economic development, emergency management, disaster, homeland security, and health. The program will prepare graduate students for professional careers as policy analysts and leaders in public service at all levels of government and in the private and nonprofit sectors, with a particular focus on public policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation. This Certificate may be completed entirely online.

The Graduate Certificate in Public Policy Analysis is comprised of 18 credit hours of graduate courses, including four required courses and two electives. This certificate prepares students for professional careers in Public Policy Analysis.

Total Credit Hours Required: 18 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree

Application Requirements

Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution recognized by UCF. An application to the graduate certificate program and official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

All applicants to this certificate program will be required to submit:

• One official transcript meeting the minimum GPA requirement of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, in a sealed envelope, from each college/university attended.
• A current, professional resume.
• Statement of Goals: This is a key component of the admission review process and serves as an example of the applicant's ability to express him or herself in writing. The goal statement must be no longer than two pages and should address the following:
  • What is your reason for pursuing graduate study in Public Policy Analysis, including your future goals and plans?
  • What specific areas of Public Policy Analysis interest you?
  • Any previous work experience in the field.
• Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.

Materials received after the established deadline may not be considered. Admission to this certificate is competitive; applicants meeting the minimum application requirements are not guaranteed admission to the program.

Application Deadlines