Public Policy Certificate

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This graduate certificate program provides students with a foundation in public policy analysis. It is designed to provide expertise in public policy to individuals who do not want to pursue the Master of Public Policy degree. Potential students include those who are pursuing another degree and want to complement that work with a specialization in public policy, as well as qualified students holding a bachelor’s degree who have not matriculated at USC. The certificate develops policy analytic skills and their integration with a policy issue area of interest to the student.

Applicants for the Certificate in Public Policy who have not matriculated at USC must make a formal application for admission to the certificate program, provide transcripts of all college work, a resume and one letter of recommendation.

The program consists of 16 units of graduate course work.

Core Courses (12 Units)

PPD 503 Economics for Public Policy Units: 4
PPD 554 Foundations of Policy Analysis Units: 4
PPD 555 Public Policy Formulation and Implementation Units: 4

Choose one course from a policy area (4 Units)

There are many policy issues courses from which to choose (e.g., health, nonprofit, transportation, environment, housing).

The Master of Public Policy director will provide advisement.