Spring term 2 begins. Apply by Feb. 25, 2027.
Fall term 1 begins. Apply by Aug. 13.
Explore Public Administration
Embark on a comprehensive journey through the dynamic field of public administration with our online public administration certificate. This program delves deep into the latest theories, contemporary practices, and emerging trends, empowering participants to acquire practical expertise in policy analysis, public policy design, and the nuanced aspects of decision-making, stratetic planning, and financial management within the public sector and nonprofit organizations.
Our certificate program blends academic rigor with immediate real-world applicability, providing professionals with the tools and acumen necessary to navigate the intricate landscape of public administration.
Build Your Career Future
Embrace the journey to personal and professional accomplishment in public service with our online graduate certificate in Public Administration. Our hands-on coursework is applicable to the workplace from day one. Whether you've already earned a degree or are exploring a new career path, a public administration certificate is a great way to get your resume noticed and showcase your expertise in a specialized area of knowledge right from the start.
Program Curriculum
Learn more about Champlain's 100% online graduate certificate in public administration, designed for working professionals.
In this course students will focus on the key theories, practices, and trends in public administration. Topics include the historical development of public administration in the United States, politics of political institutions, management, leading in public administration, key roles and functions of public administration, organizational structure of government organizations, analysis of key public administration theories, understanding bureaucracy and its role, public administration reforms, and future trends.
In this course, students will focus on the methodology for analyzing, developing, and implementing public policy. Topics include types of public policies, understanding the policy-making process, analyzing public policies, impact analysis of public policies, understanding the role of stakeholders in public policy, economic, social, and political factors influencing policy, and case studies in public policy analysis.
Students will examine public budgeting processes, financial management principles, and fiscal decision-making specific to the public sector. Topics include: the public budgeting process: formulation, execution, and auditing; revenue generation and sources of public funds; expenditure management and cost control; financial planning and forecasting; accountability and transparency; and the evaluation of case studies in public budgeting and financial management.
Additional Program Details
Graduates of the public administration online graduate certificate program will demonstrate the following industry-specific skills, knowledge, and competencies:
- Synthesize key concepts, theories, and practices, and apply this knowledge to address complex issues in public administration.
- Examine public policies, integrate different perspectives and contexts in policy evaluations, and propose policy recommendations.
- Interpret the formulation and implementation of public budgets and finances, and critically evaluate the ethical and legal ramifications of fiscal decisions in public administration.
Our admissions team seeks to admit students who:
- Hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Demonstrate a solid academic foundation - a minimum 2.5 GPA is our recommendation, though exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for those who demonstrate a potential for academic success in other ways.
- Possess an aptitude for success in an online learning environment.
- Exhibit the ability to make a positive contribution to the Champlain College Online community.
- The GMAT and/or GRE are NOT required for admission into a Champlain online graduate program.
To learn more about submitting transcripts, or requirements for those educated abroad or returning students visit our graduate Admissions page.
Our transfer credit evaluation team works hard to ensure you get the transfer credits you deserve, from a variety of sources including prior college credits, work experience and training, military training and experience, and more. Our goal is to help you graduate from Champlain College Online as quickly and affordably as possible. Visit our Transfer Credit Options page to learn more.
Champlain College Online's business faculty, led by Department Chair Dr. Elaine Young, are expert practitioners in the field. Their industry expertise ensures that our business management curriculum is aligned with the needs of employers, and reflects the skills today’s business professionals need for success. Classes led by our seasoned experts will give you real-world insight into the business world, and create a rich community of career-focused learning.
Tuition & Costs
Graduate Tuition Fall '25 - Summer '26
Tuition & Costs
Graduate Tuition Fall '26 - Summer '27
See the graduate cost of attendance and fees here
* Alumni is defined, for this tuition rate, as any degree program graduate from Champlain College or Champlain College Online.
** Veteran rate effective Spring 2025, not retroactive
Affordability and Paying For Your Education
We provide a number of options to make your online education affordable, including preferred tuition for alumni, associate degree graduates, community college graduates, and military.
Accomplish More with a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of public administrators will grow 11% from 2023 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is being driven by the increasing complexity of government and the need for qualified professionals to manage public resources effectively.
Top Reasons to Pursue a Certificate
- Enter a new field
- Build new skills
- Differentiate your resume
- Earn a credential
- Test a new field
Why Champlain
Online Experience
"I did not expect my online classes to be so collaborative or to have such constant engagement. One might think the traditional classroom approach would have more of those things, but I found them be even more present in Champlain's online format."
Academic Excellence and Recognition
Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
Designated as a Military Friendly School for our commitment to the military community
Ranked among the best by Tech Guide for game design and computer science
Named the among the best schools with accelerated bachelor's degrees by Intelligent.com
Meet the Program Director
Elaine Young, PhD
- Accounting (Certificates, A.S., B.S., M.S.)
- Analytics (Certificates, M.S. Programs)
- Business (Certificates, A.S.,B.S.,MBA)
- Digital Marketing (B.S.)
- Digital Marketing and Technology (M.S.)
- Digital Media (B.S.)
- Esports Management (B.S.)
- Finance (Certificates, A.S., B.S.)
- Healthcare (all programs)
- Human Resource Management
- Leadership (Organizational and Digital Transformation)
- Management Information Systems
- Marketing (M.S.)
- Marketing Analytics (M.S.)
- Marketing & Communication (B.S.)
- Marketing Management (B.S.)
- Positive Organization Development Certificate
- Positive Organizational Psychology & Development
- Project Management
- Public Administration
About
Dr. Elaine Young is the Program Director for all business programs, and Curriculum Innovation Faculty Lead, at Champlain College Online.
As chair, Dr. Young manages the faculty, curriculum, and assessment for undergraduate and graduate programs in the business programs as well as developing and teaching courses. As Curriculum Innovation Faculty Lead, Dr. Young supports creation of new curriculum offerings that serve both the needs of adults continuing their education and employers who need educational opportunities for their employees. Prior to her leadership role at Champlain College Online, Dr. Young has been part of the Champlain College community since 2000 as a professor and faculty advisor for traditional on-campus students. She is a HubSpot Educator and a Certified Appreciative Advisor.
Dr. Young has a Ph.D. in Organizational Management from Capella University, where her dissertation research examined technology use and adoption of college students. In addition, she holds an M.S. in Internet Strategy Management from Marlboro College, a B.S. in Communication and Public Relations from SUNY Brockport and an A.S. in Communication from Genesee Community College. Dr. Young has over ten years of experience in the Marketing and Public Affairs profession, specializing in nonprofits. She is the author of “Tuned-in Family: How to Cope, Communicate and Connect in a Digital World” (2014).
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the public administration graduate certificate with these frequently asked questions.
Graduates of the program will gain expertise in policy analysis, integrating diverse perspectives, and proposing informed recommendations. They will also develop skills in public budget formulation, evaluating ethical and legal implications in public administration.
Graduates can pursue roles such as public administrators, policy analysts, or budget managers.
This program blends academic rigor with immediate real-world applicability, focusing on emerging trends such as digital governance and sustainable practices. It provides professionals with the tools needed to navigate the intricate landscape of public administration.
The program is structured with 7-week online courses designed to fit your schedule.
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