Public Policy Certificate

In an era marked by rising social complexity and urgent policy challenges, a Certificate in Public Policy offers students, regardless of their major, a critical foundation for meaningful participation in a democratic society. A robust democracy depends not only on informed voting but also on citizens who can navigate public institutions, assess policy trade-offs, and advocate for equitable and sustainable solutions. By equipping students with analytical tools to evaluate policy impacts and understand public systems, the public policy certificate empowers young people to become engaged and informed stewards of their communities.

Students seeking the certificate complete three (3) courses for a total of nine (9) credits from the following SPAA undergraduate courses:

Required:

• 40:834:311 Introduction to Public Policy Process (3)
• 40:834:312 Introduction to Policy Analysis (3)
• 40:834:313 Evidence-based Policy (3)

Modality

In-person, online, hybrid (depending on course)

Eligibility

Open to SCJ and SPAA students only

To Obtain the Certificate

Students need to have at least a 2.000 cumulative GPA, complete the request form, and email it to Alyssa Sofman, the assistant dean for undergraduate programs, at alapat@newark.rutgers.edu.

Questions?

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