Graduate Certificate in Public Policy
0
Credit Hours
Degree SACSCOC
SACSCOC
Class Type
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the certificate total
Next Start Date
May 13, 2024
Accreditation
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

Identify Solutions to Critical Policy Problems with a Public Policy Graduate Certificate

Have you been looking for an opportunity to study the social sciences, but are hesitant to commit to a lengthy graduate degree? Are you interested in taking public policy courses online, but not looking to pursue a years-long public policy degree? If so, Liberty’s 9-credit-hour public policy certificate may be for you!

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook at Political Scientists (viewed online Feb. 3, 2022). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

Liberty’s 100% online Graduate Certificate in Public Policy provides you with specialized, graduate-level training in policy and government taught from a Christian worldview. If you want to help create policies that will change your organization, community, state, or country, this certificate in public policy will help you develop the skills you need to make an impact in your field. 

This program can strengthen your critical thinking skills and improve your comprehension of the major policy issues facing today’s society. As a pioneer in online learning, Liberty University can help you make a difference wherever your career path takes you.

What is public policy?

Public policy is a field of study that combines elements of political science, sociology, and economics with other fields for the purpose of improving government and public administration. Graduate students in this field analyze specific policy choices made by those in power and how they influence the government and the public sector. Liberty’s online certificate in public affairs and policy can equip you to engage in debates surrounding such policies and make an impact on the discussion.


Why Choose Liberty’s Public Policy Online Certificate?

This certificate is designed to prepare you to branch out from your current role or start a new career in public policy. As a Liberty University student, you will benefit from top-tier faculty who have proven professional records of accomplishment and expertise in their respective disciplines. The certificate courses are the same as those featured in our master’s-level programs, so you can trust that these graduate certificate courses will teach you valuable and industry-recognized skills and information.

Additionally, our graduate public policy certificate can be completed in as little as 1 semester, giving you the ability to maximize your time and begin achieving your career goals!

Graduate Certificate in Public Policy Potential Career Options

Our Graduate Certificate in Public Policy can help you prepare for several career paths. Depending on your current knowledge, education level, and experience, there are many different positions that could benefit from our graduate public policy certificate, including:

  • Legislative aide
  • Political scientist
  • Public policy analyst
  • Public relations specialist
  • Research analyst

The managerial skills and health knowledge that you gain from our Graduate Certificate in Public Policy can be an asset in several other career fields as you pursue positions of added responsibility. Additionally, the credits from this certificate may transfer directly into our Master of Arts in Public Policy. Take the next step towards your personal and professional goals with a public policy certificate from Liberty University.

Additional education or training may be required for some jobs or occupations. Conferral of a certificate does not guarantee job placement.

For working professionals looking to advance their careers, certificates provide additional, documented credentials for job or postgraduate requirements. This online graduate certificate can also be a great first step towards determining if you want to pursue a master’s degree. The credits you earn in this certificate may transfer to a number of master’s degrees, including our Master of Arts in Public Policy.

If you are more interested in a public administration certificate than a public policy certificate, our Graduate Certificate in Public Administration could be a great fit!


What Will You Learn in the Online Graduate Certificate in Public Policy Program?

Our online Graduate Certificate in Public Policy provides a seamless overview of policy theory and governance as well as practical training in policy analysis. In this program, you can learn to consider all relevant factors of policy debate, such as the movement of economic markets and interwoven regulations, the impact of global policy on domestic law, and the underlying constitutional foundation of all policy discussions.

These online courses are designed to give you a strong skill set for engaging in policy discussion and understanding how legislation and governments affect many industries, including social services and public budgeting.

Required Courses

Highlights
Certificate Information
Military Benefits
Admission Requirements 

Program Highlights of the Online Graduate Public Policy Certificate

  • We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility. Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America. Earning your online certificate from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.

  • The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university. 
  • Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
  • You can complete this online Graduate Certificate in Public Policy program in as little as 1 semester.
  • You may apply the credits earned in the online Graduate Certificate in Public Policy toward a relevant master’s degree.

Online Graduate Public Policy Certificate Information

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Military Benefits

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe. Whether you are a current service member, discharged or retired from service, or the spouse of a service member or veteran, we are here to support you every step of the journey.

As a thank-you for your dedication and service to our country, Liberty is honored to serve and support you in your pursuit of online education by offering the following benefits: 

  • Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
  • 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

Admission Requirements for Liberty’s Graduate Certificate in Public Policy

A regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with a 2.0 or above GPA is required for admission in good standing. Please visit our admission requirements page for more detailed admissions-related information.

All applicants must submit the following:

  • Admission application
  • Application fee*
  • Official college transcripts**
  • Proof of English proficiency (for applicants whose native language is other than English)

*There is no upfront application fee; however, a deferred $50 application fee will be assessed during Financial Check-In. This fee is waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required.

**Please note: You cannot be accepted into this program until Liberty has your official transcripts.