Certificate in Public Administration

(Available online)

During the next decade, public and nonprofit organizations will undergo major changes due to the aging of the government’s workforce and a shrinking pool of individuals ready to assume management and leadership positions. In fact, the number of government workers nearing retirement age is larger than ever before, with a majority of those individuals serving at the most senior levels. In the nonprofit sector, organizations are finding it increasingly difficult to attract and retain the “next generation” of leaders.

Our Certificate in Public Administration provides the essential knowledge and skills needed to meet the administrative and management challenges of today’s public sector and nonprofit organizations. Coursework builds the knowledge base necessary for decision-making, planning, administrative effectiveness, budgeting, and critical thinking, as well as the management and leadership skills essential for success.

The 12-credit (4 courses) graduate certificate is ideal for employees working currently in public or nonprofit organizations and looking to enhance their career opportunities. It is also ideal for career changers interested in entering the public or nonprofit sector, and for in-service and pre-career students interested in beginning a career in public service.

All four courses in the certificate are offered online, making them accessible from anywhere.

To see if a course is being offered this semester, click on the link(s) below.

Required Courses (4)

PSPA 500W

Introduction to Public Administration (Web Course)

PSPA 501W

Public Policy Analysis (Web Course)

PSPA 502W

Public Organization Management (Web Course)

Also required, PSPA 503W Public Budgeting and Financial Management (Web Course)

Program Contact
Hampton Roads Center
Celeste Greene
Email:  cmg7u@virginia.edu
Telephone: 757-552-1890 ext 315 / 1-866-257-8505

FAQs and Application