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Public Administration Online Graduate Certificate Program

Can Be Completed in as Little as

2 terms*

*2 terms per semester; each term is 8 weeks

Tuition

$595/credit

$1,785 3-credit course

Active Duty Military

truED Preferred Tuition

Credit Hours Required

9

Application Deadline

Spring 1: Dec. 20

Classes Begin

Spring 1: Jan. 6, 2025

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.

Note: All programs, undergraduate and graduate, must be submitted individually to the Department of Veterans Affairs for review and approval before students can utilize their G.I. Benefits to pay for them. This program is currently awaiting approval. To learn more about the process, visit the VA School Program Approval page on the VA website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your admission counselor or email us at onlineadmissions@champlain.edu.

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Academic Excellence and Recognition

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Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education

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Designated as a Military Friendly School for our commitment to the military community

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Ranked among the best by Tech Guide for game design and computer science

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Named the among the best schools with accelerated bachelor's degrees by Intelligent.com

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
  • Gain knowledge on your way towards a degree
  • Differentiate your resume
  • Earn a credential
  • Demonstrate proficiency in a focused area of learning
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Program Details

Learn more about Champlain's 100% online graduate certificate in public administration, designed for working professionals.

Champlain's online public administration courses encompass the top skills needed by today's business professionals.

Required Courses

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.

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.

Champlain College Online's business faculty, led by Department Chair Dr. Albert Orbinati, 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.

Many certificate students come to us seeking ways to get noticed at their current employers or to get hired in a new field. Given that, we are hyper focused on increasing the career mobility of our students and that's why we developed the Fast Start Formula Career Bundle, a suite of career offerings designed to help our students get noticed, get hired and land jobs they'll love.

Valued at over $1,000, the career bundle is offered to Champlain College Online students and includes: 

  • Fast Start Formula Course: The Fast Start Formula Course for getting noticed and getting hired is taught by Jen Morris, an executive career coach that we've developed a partnership with to support our students in their job search journeys. This course is online, self-paced and full of tips and tricks to land a job you'll love.
  • Live Webinars: Log-on to ask your specific job search questions, get live “hot seat” coaching and gain valuable insights from leading career coach, Jen Morris.
  • Landing A Job You'll Love Ebook: Download this ebook full of tips and tricks for standing out from the competition. From how to optimize your LinkedIn profile, to insider information on how recruiters work and bypassing the automated application websites, you’ll be sure to learn how rise to the top. 

Upon enrollment in a degree or certificate, your access to the Fast Start Formula Career Bundle will made available to you. 

Tuition & Costs

Graduate Tuition Fall '23 - Summer '25

$595 per credit
$1,785* per course
$450** PER CREDIT FOR ALUMNI WHO EARNED A DEGREE FROM CHAMPLAIN, ON-CAMPUS or online
$450 per credit military service members (family members see truED tuition)
$150 One-time graduation fee

*Based on a 3-credit course; cost will vary if course is a different number of credits

** Starting Summer 2024, not retroactive

See the graduate cost of attendance and fees here

 


 

What To Expect at Champlain Online

Expect Convenience

Go to school wherever and whenever is best for you, on the device of your choice.

Expect A Career Focus

Relevant and immediately applicable coursework gets you ready for your next career move

Expect Support

Your dedicated academic advisor provides the support you need to meet your academic goals

Expect Superior Faculty

Learn from practitioner faculty working in the field, with real-world experience and knowledge.

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