Program Evaluation and Policy Analysis

Graduate Program

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Degree Details

  • Certificate (Graduate) (GC)
    Total Credits
    15
    Start Term
    Fall, Winter, Spring
    Delivery Method
    In Person
    Online

Learn more about our academic program delivery methods

Program Evaluation and Policy Analysis Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation & Policy Analysis prepares you to design, analyze, and evaluate public programs and policies across government, nonprofit, and consulting settings. Rooted in economics, political science, public administration, and sociology, the curriculum blends theory with practice so you can make evidence-based decisions that advance equity, effectiveness, and accountability. 

Developed by PSU’s Department of Public Administration, this certificate draws on courses jointly administered with Politics & Global Affairs through the Master of Public Policy (MPP) and the NASPAA-accredited Master of Public Administration (MPA). Choose a pathway that fits your background—stack it with the MPA or complete it as a standalone credential. 

Program Highlights: 

  • Hands-on training in qualitative and quantitative methods
  • Policy analysis and program evaluation anchored in real cases
  • Culturally responsive and ethical evaluation frameworks
  • Flexible formats for working professionals
  • Stackable with MPA; open to other PSU master’s students

Program Evaluation and Policy Analysis: Why PSU?

By completing this certificate, you will be able to:   

  • Connect social theory to evaluation practice and policy analysis.
  • Apply culturally responsive and ethical approaches to research and evaluation.
  • Design evaluations—including stakeholder engagement and data collection tools.
  • Use qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze programs and policies.
  • Communicate actionable findings for decision-makers and communities.

What can I do with a graduate certificate in Program Evaluation and Policy Analysis?

This certificate is designed for:

  • Analysts, evaluators, and managers seeking applied methods and evaluation skills.
  • Public and nonprofit professionals moving into policy or research roles.
  • Graduate students in related fields who want rigorous analytic training.
  • Career changers aiming to enter evidence-informed public service.

FAQs:

  • Can this certificate stack with the MPA? Yes—MPA students can earn both the MPA and this certificate.
  • Is the GRE required? No.
  • Are courses available online? Yes—courses are offered in-person, hybrid, and online (and may include weekend intensives).
  • What background is recommended? Comfort with basic math and research literacy is helpful; preparatory resources are available.

Local Government Administration

Graduate Program

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Degree Details

  • Certificate (Graduate) (GC)
    Total Credits
    15
    Start Term
    Fall, Winter, Spring
    Delivery Method
    In Person
    Online

Learn more about our academic program delivery methods

Local Government Administration Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Local Government Administration prepares emerging and current professionals to lead and manage in cities, counties, and special districts. Building on PSU’s long-standing Local Government Administration specialization in the Master of Public Administration (MPA), the certificate connects theory to practice through coursework, practitioner engagement, and flexible formats designed for working professionals.
Local governments deliver essential services and shape community well-being. This program develops skills in administration, intergovernmental relations, and sustainable development so you can advance in roles that make a tangible difference. 

Program Highlights: 

  • Curriculum aligned with real needs in city, county, and special district management
  • Emphasis on intergovernmental collaboration and ethical public service
  • Focus on sustainable development implementation across social, economic, and environmental dimensions
  • Flexible formats: in-person, online, hybrid, and weekend intensives
  • Stackable credential for MPA students and accessible to other PSU master’s students
  • Strong practitioner network through PSU’s Center for Public Service and partner associations

Local Government Administration: Why PSU?

By completing this certificate, you will be able to: 

  • Apply foundational theories and frameworks of local government administration to real challenges.
  • Navigate intergovernmental relations and cross-sector collaboration.
  • Implement sustainable development strategies that integrate social, economic, and environmental goals.
  • Improve organizational performance through evidence-informed management.
  • Communicate effectively and ethically with elected officials, staff, and communities.

What can I do with a graduate certificate in Local Government Administration?

This certificate is designed for: 

  • Early-career professionals seeking entry into local government
  • Current public employees preparing for supervisory or management roles
  • Graduate students in related fields who want applied local government skills
  • Career changers with interest in city, county, or special district administration

FAQs: 

  • Can this certificate stack with the MPA? Yes. MPA students can earn both the MPA and this certificate.
  • Is the GRE required? No.
  • Can I complete it online? Yes. Courses are offered in-person, hybrid, and online.
  • Can I study part-time? Yes. Flexible pacing is available.

Nonprofit Leadership

Graduate Program

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Degree Details

  • Certificate (Graduate) (GC)
    Total Credits
    15
    Start Term
    Fall, Winter, Spring
    Delivery Method
    In Person
    Online

Learn more about our academic program delivery methods

Nonprofit Leadership Graduate Certificate Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership prepares professionals to lead social change through the nonprofit sector. Drawing on Portland’s strong nonprofit entrepreneurial spirit, the program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to strengthen nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve. Coursework blends theory with practice, with emphasis on inclusive governance, fundraising, and the role of nonprofits in sustaining civil society. 

Rooted in PSU’s long-standing Nonprofit Management specialization within the Master of Public Administration (MPA), this certificate offers a standalone credential for working professionals or a stackable option for MPA students seeking additional recognition on their transcript. 

Program Highlights: 

  • Learn nonprofit governance and management grounded in equity and inclusion
  • Gain hands-on skills in fundraising and grantwriting
  • Explore nonprofit history, foundations, and diverse cultural perspectives
  • Flexible formats: in-person, online, hybrid, and weekend intensives
  • Stackable with PSU’s MPA and open to other PSU master’s students
  • Strong connections to Portland’s vibrant nonprofit community through PSU’s Nonprofit Institute

Nonprofit Leadership Graduate Certificate: Why PSU?

By completing this certificate, you will be able to: 

  • Articulate the ethics, values, and responsibilities of nonprofit professionals.
  • Apply nonprofit leadership and management theories to real-world practice.
  • Lead inclusively and engage with diverse communities.
  • Develop and manage systems to improve organizational performance.
  • Design creative, collaborative solutions to complex nonprofit challenges.
  • Strengthen verbal and written communication in professional nonprofit contexts.

What can I do with a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Leadership?

This certificate is designed for: 

  • Current nonprofit professionals seeking leadership skills.
  • Public and private sector professionals transitioning into nonprofit work.
  • Graduate students in other PSU programs (e.g., Public Health, Social Work, Education) who wish to supplement their studies with nonprofit management expertise.
  • Individuals aspiring to roles such as executive director, program manager, development director, or board leader.

FAQs 

  • Can this certificate stack into the MPA? Yes, MPA students can earn both the MPA and the Graduate Certificate.
  • Is the GRE required? No.
  • Can I study part-time? Yes, the program is designed for working professionals.
  • Are courses online? Yes, courses are offered in-person, hybrid, and online.
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