The Department offers four dynamic graduate certificates designed to help you build expertise and advance your career: Public Administration, Nonprofit Administration, Public Policy, and Public Administration and Law. Each certificate features the same rigorous, high-impact coursework as the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program — meaning you gain graduate-level training that is immediately relevant, practical, and respected in the field.
Even better, every course you complete in a certificate program can be fully applied toward the MPA degree if you decide to continue (with departmental approval). This flexible pathway allows you to start with a focused credential and seamlessly transition into a full master’s degree. Students interested in making the shift should connect with the MPA Director during their final semester of certificate study to plan next steps.
For course requirements, students should consult the UM Course Catalog.
Certificate in Indian Law, Policy and Public Administration
The Graduate Certificate in Indian Law, Policy, and Administration prepares students and working professionals to understand the legal and policy frameworks that shape governance in Indian Country. The interdisciplinary curriculum combines public administration with focused study of tribal governance, public policy, and the relationships among tribal, federal, state, and local governments.
Students develop practical skills for analyzing policy, navigating legal and administrative systems, and serving effectively in tribal governments, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other institutions that work with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities. The certificate draws on the expertise of the Department of Public Administration and Policy and the Alexander Blewett III School of Law.
Certificate in Public Administration
The Certificate in Public Administration offers public employees the fundamental skills through a series of core courses important for the profession of public administration. These classes provide basic knowledge and skills that enhance the level of professionalism in public service. Many public employees have bachelor’s and graduate degrees in technical fields but lack the basic managerial areas of public administration. The Certificate in Public Administration provides a bridge for public service employees to gain skills, knowledge and training by completing a short set of classes such as public administration, human resource management, budgeting and organization theory. These classes are critical for understanding public organizations and enhance the performance of public workers and the valuable services government agencies perform for our society.
Certificate in Public Policy
A graduate certificate in Public Policy is your fast-track entry into the world of real-world decision-making, where ideas turn into laws, and data drives change. In this dynamic program, you’ll learn how governments and institutions tackle society’s biggest challenges—like healthcare, climate change, education, and economic inequality—while gaining practical skills in policy analysis, research, and strategic thinking. Whether you’re looking to influence legislation, work with nonprofits, or shape community outcomes, this certificate equips you with the tools to evaluate complex issues, craft impactful solutions, and confidently step into roles that shape the future.
Certificate in Nonprofit Administration
The Certificate in Nonprofit Administration is designed for students wishing to develop professional competencies relating to nonprofit management. This is a graduate level, professional certificate. The classes are $500 per class (for any in- or out-of-state student). Find information on how to apply on our Apply page here and submit at least three weeks prior to a given semester start date.