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Rutgers SPAA Launches Three-Course Model for Credit-Bearing, Graduate Certificates

Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) is now offering a three-course model for its graduate-level, credit-bearing certificate programs. The certificate programs – concentrated in the areas of Budgeting and Financial ManagementHealthcare AdministrationLeadership of Public Organizations, and Nonprofit Management – are intended to provide or enhance career knowledge and skills in these tracks for non-degree seeking students. Each certificate is comprised of three courses (or nine credits) which explore areas of public management and administration beyond the core subject matter to provide specialized training for pre-career and in-career students.

“Many professionals today find they need to acquire focused, specialized training to tackle new duties, to switch fields, or to advance in their careers,” explained Professor Gregg Van Ryzin, interim dean. “By offering a three-course (nine-credit) model, Rutgers SPAA aims to give people the knowledge and skills they need – in an efficient, affordable format – to achieve their goals.”

Courses can be taken either online or in person during the fall, spring, or summer terms. All three courses should be completed within two academic years and with a grade of B or better in order for students to receive a certificate. The cost to complete the certificate is based on the cost per credit found on the latest tuition and fee schedule from the Office of Student Accounting, Billing, and Cashier Services. After successfully completing a certificate, if students apply and are accepted into the traditional MPA program at SPAA, the nine credits can be applied to the degree.

Applicants for SPAA's credit-bearing certificates may take courses simply by completing the online Graduate Application and selecting their desired certificate within the non-degree option. Materials required for application include: a completed online application, application fee, official transcripts, and a personal statement of approximately 500 words addressing why you want to pursue the certificate.

If you have questions on the certificate programs or the application process, contact Aaron Gibbs, associate dean of student and academic services, at algibbs@rutgers.edu.

About Rutgers SPAA
Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) at Rutgers University–Newark is consistently ranked as a top school for public management and leadership, as well as nonprofit management and urban policy, by U.S. News & World Report, and is recognized as one of the world’s leading research institutions in public administration in the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) compiled by the ShanghaiRanking Consultancy. Guided by the principles of knowledge, competence, diversity, service, and ethics – and with an emphasis on evidence-based approaches to the effective and equitable implementation of public policy – Rutgers SPAA promotes accountability, transparency, and performance in the public and nonprofit sectors.