Department of Public Administration

Graduate Certificate in Local Government Administration

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The Graduate Certificate in Local Government Administration is a 15 credit program designed to prepare emerging and current professionals for leadership and management roles in cities, counties, and special districts. Local governments are crucial for delivering essential services and shaping community well-being, and our curriculum focuses on developing skills in administration, intergovernmental collaboration, and sustainable development implementation across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. 

The certificate is available to MPA students, students in other PSU master's programs, and applicants seeking graduate-level training in local government as a standalone degree. It is designed to accommodate working professionals with flexible formats, including in-person, online, and hybrid options.

Admission Requirements

Current PSU graduate students can add this certificate to their program using the GO-19 Form. Non-PSU applicants must submit an application with the following:

  • Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
  • One transcript from each post-secondary institution attended.
  • Copy of current professional resume.
  • Copies of official course descriptions and syllabi for all non-PSU graduate courses that you would like evaluated for transfer credit may be requested by the admissions committee. Please list the courses on the online application under pre-admission/Transfer credits.
  • Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. Letters should comment on the applicant's potential to succeed in a graduate program.
  • Statement of Purpose (250 words): In the statement of purpose, applicants will be asked to discuss their values and the strengths they bring to their future work as a professional in public or nonprofit service. Describe significant factors influencing your decision to pursue the Nonprofit Leadership Certificate at Portland State University. Include information regarding personal or professional values, academic factors, and past governmental, nonprofit, or other community service experiences, if any, that will contribute to your success as a graduate student and later as a professional in the field of public or nonprofit service.

The admission cycle for this certificate aligns with that of our MPA program, and can be found on our MPA Admissions page.

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Who Should Apply

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

 

Program Objectives

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.
     

Students who complete courses in the Graduate Certificate may subsequently apply to the MPA program (all regular admissions criteria apply) and transfer those courses toward degree completion. Please reach out to publicad@pdx.edu for more information!

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Course of Study

Three courses (9 credits) which provide foundation knowledge for professions in local government are required:

  • PA 560: Local Government Administration
  • PA 561: Intergovernmental Relations
  • PA 542: Sustainable Development Implementation 
     

In addition, students are required to take 2 elective skill development courses (6 credits). They will be able to choose from courses in the Department of Public Administration in consultation with their faculty advisor. Students will be advised to select electives that support their work in the field and their career objectives.

Approved Elective List

  • PA 520 Nonprofit Governance and Management
  • PA 521 Nonprofit Foundations
  • PA 525 Fundamentals of Grantwriting and Fundraising
  • PA 536 Strategic Planning
  • PA 538 Advocacy and Political Participation by Nonprofit Organizations
  • PA 539 National Policy Process
  • PA 542 Sustainable Development Implementation
  • PA 554 Policy Analysis Research
  • PA 555 Program Evaluation and Management
  • PA 556 Public Contract Management
  • PA 558 Managing Public Projects and Programs
  • PA 560 Local Government Administration
  • PA 561 Intergovernmental Relations
  • PA 579 Policy Tools in Policy Design