Public Administration Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Public Administration is designed to provide students with enhanced knowledge and skills in public service. In addition, the Graduate Certificate in Public Administration provides graduate-level continuing education for both in-service and pre-career students. The program emphasizes the managerial skills essential for local government programs in an evolving metropolitan environment. The knowledge gained can strengthen the student's professional standing and help open doors to managerial and leadership positions.

Credits earned in the certificate program may be applied toward the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. However, admission to the MPA degree program has separate requirements from those of the certificate program and students considering continuing into the master's degree should familiarize themselves with credit transfer policy and should consult with the academic advisor early in their certificate program. The Graduate Certificate in Public Administration requires that students complete 18 credit hours. Students must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average to be awarded the Graduate Certificate. The certificate must be completed within seven years.

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

Please note: Public Administration Graduate Certificate may be completed fully online, although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.

International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format. For a detailed listing of enrollment requirements for international students, please visit UCF Global. If you have questions, please consult UCF Global at (407) 823-2337.

UCF is not authorized to provide online courses or instruction to students in some states. Refer to State Restrictions for current information.

Degree Requirements

Required Courses

• Complete the following:
  • PAD6700 - Research Methods in Public Administration (3)
  • PAD6035 - Public Administration in the Policy Process (3)
  • PAD6037 - Public Organization Management (3)
  • PAD6053 - Public Administrators in the Governance Process (3)
  • PAD6227 - Public Budgeting (3)
  • PAD6417 - Human Resource Management (3)

Grand Total Credits: 18

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines

Students must achieve a grade of "B-" (80%) or better in every course. Grades 'C' or lower cannot be used to fulfill certificate requirements. Students must maintain a program of study and graduate status GPA of 3.0 or higher and can only graduate with a graduate status GPA of 3.0 or higher.