Our graduate certificates are designed to provide you with the specialized skills needed for advancement in public service. With four high-value specializations available, you can choose the format that best fits your career goals and current academic standing: Embedded within the MPA, or Standalone for focused professional development.
Embedded Graduate Certificates
Our three Embedded Graduate Certificates allow you to build specialized expertise directly into your Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. By strategically selecting electives, you can earn a valuable certificate concurrently with your MPA, without adding extra time or cost to your overall program. This option provides you with two credentials—a foundational MPA degree and a focused graduate certificate—upon graduation.
Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership
The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership is a 15-credit certificate program designed to provide existing and aspiring middle managers in nonprofit and public organizations with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in carrying out their administrative responsibilities. It is designed for professionals eager to drive social change, leveraging Portland's dynamic nonprofit culture.
Graduate Certificate in Local Government Administration
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.
Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation and Policy Analysis
The Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation & Policy Analysis is a 15-credit program that prepares you to design, analyze, and evaluate public programs and policies across diverse settings, including government, nonprofit, and consulting. Students receive hands-on training in both qualitative and quantitative methods and learn culturally responsive and ethical evaluation frameworks through analysis and program evaluation anchored in real cases.
Standalone Graduate Certificates
For professionals seeking targeted, high-impact skill development without committing to a full master's program, our Graduate Certificates are the ideal choice. Designed for flexibility and rapid career advancement, these focused programs allow you to earn an advanced credential in a specialized field in a short time frame. You can complete any of our four certificates, including the three integrated options, independently of the MPA program.
Graduate Certificate in Collaborative Governance
The Graduate Certificate in Collaborative Governance is a 16-credit fully online program. Students will apply collaborative governance theory and practice to real-world, community-based problems. This program gives you the tools to lead change in your organization and community through inclusive, results-driven partnerships.
Can't Choose? Pursue Multiple Certificates!
Employers highly value the specialized knowledge gained from a graduate certificate, and many students find that earning more than one credential best aligns with their complex career goals. If you decide to pursue more than one certificate, please keep these details in mind:
- Multiple Certificates: Students are welcome to pursue multiple certificates, but must complete all required classes for each certificate.
- Required vs. Elective: A required class for one certificate cannot be counted as an elective class for another certificate.
- Elective Sharing: Credits earned from all three electives can be shared across multiple certificates and the MPA program.