Public Policy and Decision Making Certificate
Hybrid
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Help shape public policy
You want to make your mark on public policy—and even more than that, you want to see measurable results from your work. With Hamline’s Public Policy and Decision Making Certificate, you’ll gain an understanding of the public policy process and frameworks for its assessment, as well as the analysis skills to make data-driven decisions and communicate findings to non-technical audiences.
Whether you’re involved in policy development, evaluation, or advocacy, you’ll learn the skills to shape public policy in a way that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives.
What will it take?
Public Policy and Decision Making Certificate program details
Start dates and application deadlines
We review applications on a rolling basis, meaning you can apply anytime. You can start the Public Policy and Decision Making Certificate either in the spring or summer term. We recommend applying at least six weeks before the term begins to ensure your spot.
Public Policy and Decision Making Certificate program format
Hamline's Public Policy and Decision Making Certificate courses are offered online and in-person, giving you the flexibility of online learning with the benefit of in-person connections.
- One course is offered synchronously online (at a scheduled time) or in person one weekday evening from 5:45 to 9:45 p.m.
- The other course is offered asynchronously online, with two sessions on campus occurring at the beginning and end of the class, on Fridays from 1 to 8 p.m. or Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Time to complete your Public Policy Certificate
You’ll take one course each term. Each course is eight weeks long, so you’ll only be in class for 16 weeks. The time to complete the certificate is eight to nine months.
Public Policy and Decision Making Certificate courses
You’ll finish your certificate after only two courses:
- MPA 8040: Public Policy Analysis (4 credits)
- MPA 8065: Data Analytics and Decision Making (4 credits)
Apply
Applying to the Public Policy and Decision Making Certificate program is simple and only required if this is the first certificate you’ve applied for at Hamline or if you are not enrolled in another Hamline School of Business degree or certificate program.
- Online application (no fee)
- Official transcript of a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of at least 2.5 from a regionally accredited college or university.
- This should be sent directly from the institution to Graduate Admission or provided in a sealed, signed envelope. Official electronic transcripts should be emailed from the institution to gradprog@hamline.edu.
- You do not have to supply transcripts for courses taken at Hamline University.
Tuition discounts
Hamline offers the following tuition discounts for new students enrolled in the Public Policy and Decision Making Certificate:
- Learning partnership discounts - 10% tuition discount
- Service scholarships - 10% tuition discount
- Alumni discount - 10% tuition discount
Scholarships and discounts cannot be combined. Applications for most scholarships and discounts must be submitted at the time of application for admission.
Apply your certificate toward a master’s degree
Enrolling in a certificate program is a great way to experience what the master's programs at Hamline are like. With the Public Policy and Decision Making Certificate, you’ll earn credits that you can apply toward the following Hamline master's degrees:
Master of Public Administration
Master of Business Administration
