Public Policy Advocacy Graduate Certificate

This graduate certificate is offered jointly by the Sol Price School of Public Policy and the Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism.  The certificate provides students with knowledge of the increasingly important role played by information flows in politics and governance.  Student will assess the structure of campaigns designed to influence public opinion, the messaging strategies utilized by political players and civic society organizations and new scholarship on the pathways of persuasion in the digital age. The certificate is especially appropriate to students who intend to pursue work with elected officials, think tanks, foundations, community-based organizations, consulting firms and corporate offices that aim to shape public policy through advocacy.

Any student currently enrolled in a graduate program at USC and is in good standing can apply for the certificate through the student services offices at the Price or the Annenberg School.

Earning the certificate will require a minimum of 14 units for students taking two 3-unit electives in the Strategic Public Relations Program. More typically students will earn 15 or 16 units by taking one or two 4-unit electives. All units earned in pursuit of the certificate can be applied towards the completion of degree requirements if they fall within existing criteria. However, courses taken in pursuit of the certificate will not substitute for degree requirements.