The online graduate certificates through the University of Rhode Island MPA Program are aimed at providing professionals with the skills and expertise needed to meet the challenges of today’s world. Taught by the same faculty and thought leaders who teach in the MPA program, each 12-credit online graduate certificate can be taken individually or stacked to meet the full 36-credit MPA degree.
Public Administration and Policy Professional Certificate
Students must complete the three required courses and one of the two elective courses for a total of 12 credits.
- PSC 501 Seminar in Public Administration and Policy (3 credits)*
- PSC 502 Diversity and Inclusion in Public Administration and Policy (3 credits)*
- PSC 504 Ethics in Public Administration and Policy (3 credits)*
- PSC 590 Internship in Public Administration and Policy (3 credits)
- PSC 508 Policy and Grant Writing (3 credits)
- PSC 592 Capstone in Public Administration and Policy (3 credits)
Total Credits Required: 12
*Required prerequisites for Capstone Project for the MPA Degree.
Public Management Certificate
Students completing a certificate in Public Management will be competitive applicants for positions requiring financial and budgetary expertise, leadership skills, knowledge of administrative law and procedure, and the management of agency personnel.
Complete four of the following courses for a total of 12 credits.
- PSC 503 Problems in Public Personnel Administration (3 credits)
- PSC 506 Seminar in Budgetary Politics (3 credits)
- PSC 507 Public Finance (3 credits)
- PSC 508 Policy and Grant Writing (3 credits)
- PSC 573 Administrative Law (3 credits)
- PSC 592 Capstone in Public Administration and Policy (3 credits)
Total Credits Required: 12
Policy Analysis Certificate
Students completing the Policy Analysis certificate will develop research and analytical capabilities that will allow them to become effective at shaping public policy either within public agencies or as part of a broader policymaking process. Students pursuing this certificate will develop skills that will allow them to be policy advocates, policy researchers, and/or communication specialists.
Complete four of the following courses for a total of 12 credits.
- PSC 505 Public Program Evaluation (3 credits)
- PSC 508 Policy and Grant Writing (3 credits)
- PSC 510 Critical Topics in Public Policy (3 credits)
- PSC 524 Seminar in Public Policy Problems (3 credits)
- PSC 583 Public Policy Analysis (3 credits)
- PSC 592 Capstone in Public Administration and Policy (3 credits)
Total Credits Required: 12
Ocean Policy and Science Graduate Certificate
The Ocean Policy and Science Graduate Certificate from URI Online offers a comprehensive exploration of critical issues at the intersection of marine science, policy, and conservation. Designed for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of ocean governance, marine resource management, and coastal sustainability, this program provides specialized knowledge and practical skills to address complex challenges in the field.
Students must complete 12 credits (4 3-credit courses):
- OCG 515: Phenomenal Ocean
- OCG 516: Understanding Ocean and Climate Models
- OCG 601: Ocean Resilience
- MAF 570: Introduction to Ocean Governance
Ocean Science Graduate Certificate
The Ocean Science Graduate Certificate program provides students with practical and up-to-date education aimed at enhancing careers in ocean-related businesses as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations.
Students must complete 12 credits (4 3-credit courses), 9 of which must be from program courses including at least 2 courses from core classes and 1 elective.
- At least 2 courses from Graduate School of Oceanography core classes. View course listings here.
- At least 1 elective from Graduate School of Oceanography classes. View course listings here.
- At least 1 elective class. View course listings here.
Get in touch.
URI Online Student Support Center
online@uri.edu
401.874.5280
Program Directors
Aaron Ley
ajley@uri.edu