International Policy and Planning Certificate

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The Graduate Certificate in International Policy and Planning strengthens students’ understanding of global policy, planning and public management issues underscoring comparative differences in policy approaches and governance institutions across countries, builds a core foundation of knowledge about the governing institutions and agreements that operate on a global level, and prepares students for working in international organizations. The professions of graduate students in the Price School (public administration, public policy, urban planning, health policy and management, and real estate development) are globalizing. To analyze and understand the impact of globalization on their chosen field and to be competitive in a global context, emerging leaders in these professions should be conversant in thinking and operating on a global scale. Earning this certificate better prepares students for the professional demands of the globalized era.

The Certificate in International Policy and Planning consists of 14 units of graduate course work.

Required Courses (8 units)

Core Courses (8 units)

PPD 677 International Development Administration Units: 4

Plus one of the following (4 units):

PPD 531L Planning Studio Units: 4, 8, 12
PPD 532L International Planning and Development Laboratory Workshop Units: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
PPD 613a Policy, Planning, and Development International Laboratory Units: 1
PPD 613b Policy, Planning, and Development International Laboratory Units: 3

Note:

^*If students select PPD 613a and PPD 613b , both must be completed.

Elective Courses (6 units)

Students select at least 6 units of elective courses. The elective courses may be taken from within the Price School of Public Policy course offerings or other USC units. The electives will be selected from three topic areas: international development; urbanization, policy issues and sustainability; and global health. The electives will be selected in consultation with and approved by the faculty adviser for the certificate program. The electives should be chosen such that the combination of core classes and electives produces a well-rounded and rigorous preparation for professional practice in a globalized context.

Additional Requirements

Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Applicants for the Certificate in International Policy and Planning who are currently enrolled in a graduate program at USC and are in good standing with a 3.0 GPA only need to submit the appropriate paperwork for adding the certificate program, which may be obtained from the program administrator.

Applicants for the Certificate in International Policy and Planning 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.

Please contact the USC Price Office of Admissions at uscprice@usc.edu for more information.