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Political Science

Certificate Programs

Policy Studies Certificate

Image of the US Senate

In addition to offering a Ph.D. in Policy Studies, Clemson’s policy studies program also permits students pursuing other graduate degrees the option of adding a policy focus to their curricula.  The certificate program generally takes one year and consists of 12 credits (4 courses).

The purpose of the graduate certificate program in policy studies is:

  1. To provide master’s degree and doctoral candidates, from other Clemson policy-related graduate programs, the opportunity to gain competencies and understanding of policy analysis.
  2. To give non-policy studies graduate students the option of supplementing their graduate studies with a stronger knowledge in public policy development and analysis.

Students in traditional graduate disciplines at Clemson may supplement their primary studies with competencies in public policy analysis and earn a Certificate in Policy Studies.  Graduate students choosing the certificate program will graduate from their programs with expertise in a substantive field along with a set of explicit public policy research and analytical skills.  They will be able to supply decision-makers with the substantive knowledge, analytical skills, and policy advice for considering and selecting among alternative and competing public policy options.

  • Program Requirements

    The certificate program typically will take one year to complete and provides students with fundamental competencies of quantitative or qualitative policy analysis, enabling them to examine policy problems associated with their primary areas of study.  The program will augment the student’s preparation in a standard academic or professional field and will enhance their employment opportunities.   The Certificate in Policy Studies is a very promising program for students enrolled in public policy-related master’s degree and doctoral programs who are seeking a public policy research and analysis component to their graduate curriculum. The program consists of 12 credit hours (4 courses). Students seeking a Certificate in Policy Studies will complete the following courses:

    Choose One Course

    • POSC 6240: Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations (3 credits)
    • ECON 8230: Microeconomics for Public Policy (3 credits)

    Choose Two Courses

    • POST 8100: Political Economy for Public Policy (3 credits)
    • APEC 8220: Public Policy Economics (3 credits)
    • POST 8220: Policy Analysis and Political Choice (3 credits)
    • POST 8420: Ethics and Public Policy (3 credits)

    Choose One Course
    Choose a policy course (3 credits) in one of the program’s four policy concentration areas (agricultural policy, environmental and natural resource policy, rural and economic development policy, and science and technology policy) or a policy course in the student’s degree program.

  • Admission Requirements

    For admission to the Certificate in Policy Studies Program, submit the following items to the chair of the Policy Studies Program:

    1. A letter of application, including a statement of interest in policy studies;
    2. A letter of recommendation from the student’s graduate program chair or coordinator and one additional letter from one of the student’s major professors (a graduate program professor who has taught the student).

    Before the Certificate in Policy Studies is awarded, a student must submit to the chair of the Policy Studies Program a GS-2 form (program of study) showing the coursework for their graduate degree program and the certificate program.

    Clemson University’s interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Policy Studies and the Certificate in Policy Studies will be of great educational value by exposing students to an excellent pedagogy for bringing together policy studies doctoral students and non-policy studies graduate students to equip them with formal competencies in public policy research and analysis. The program’s graduates will step into policy research and analysis positions in either academic or applied settings. The program’s graduates are being prepared to accept faculty appointments or high-level policy research and analysis positions. hey will be capable of offering expert advice to decision makers and preparing the next generation of students who must meet the public policy challenges brought on by changing economic, social and political circumstances.

    Questions? For more information please contact us at cupost@clemson.edu.

  • Financial Information

    Tuition and Fees
    Explore information on tuition and fees using the Student Financial Services’ tuition and fee calculator

    Financial Aid
    For information regarding Financial Aid, please contact the office of Student Financial Aid.

  • Contact Us

    Jenny Presgraves
    Lecturer, Political Sciences
    (864) 656-3233
    betsyp@clemson.edu

    Bianca Schuster
    Student Services Coordinator
    864-656-7135
    bianca@clemson.edu

Public Administration Certificate

Congress

Clemson University’s Master in Public Administration (MPA) program offers three professional, non-degree certificates in public administration (PADM). These fully online programs expand students’ educational background for a wide range of public and nonprofit careers.

The programs allow students to network with students and faculty from across the country and to choose course work from a diverse set of specializations based on interest and professional need. The Clemson MPA program has successful alumni in an array of public, non-profit, and private sector agencies. We have students serving as city and county managers finance officers, emergency managers, urban planners and many other career paths.

All of the credits earned during the certificate program are fully transferable to the full MPA degree program.

  • Certificate Overview

    The Clemson PADM certificate provides coursework for the certification of the public administration of Emergency Management, Homeland Defense and Security, Nonprofit Management, Regional Sustainability and general Public Administration.

    The program of study for the Public Administration certificate requires five courses or 15 hours.

    Program requirements are completed using Zoom online technology. Courses are offered in a traditional semester format and meet in a virtual classroom one evening per week.

    In order to meet the 15 hour requirement, students may choose up to four courses or 12 hours from elective courses offered in the following program specialization areas:

    • Emergency Management
    • Homeland Defense and Security
    • Local and State Government
    • Nonprofit Management
    • Regional Sustainability

    Students are also required to choose one elective course (3 credit hours) from the MPA program's curriculum requirements on this page.

  • Admission Requirements

    There are only two admission requirements for this certificate.

    • Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited institution
    • Admission to the Clemson Graduate School
  • Application Requirements

    Click on the "Apply Now" button below to begin the registration and application process. Once your account is set up, use the information below to fulfill and complete your application requirements.

    • Unofficial Transcripts from all prior institutions where a degree was awarded until admission is accepted at which time you will provide official transcripts.
    • A personal statement outlining the purpose for pursuing a certificate in PADM.
    • Two letters of recommendation.
    • A current resume or CV.

    Attaining a graduate certificate can also be the first step towards a full master’s degree. All of the credits earned during the certificate program are fully transferable to the fill MPA degree program. Be advised that due to the fact that this is a non-degree program that federal financial aid will not be awarded to individuals in the non-degree program.

    Questions? Please contact cumpa@clemson.edu with any program questions you may have.

    Apply Now

  • Financial Information

    Our certificate programs offer competitive rates whether a student is in-state, out-of-state or international. Our tuition rates do not distinguish between S.C. residents & non-residents. 

    Tuition and Fees
    Explore information on tuition and fees using the Student Financial Services’ tuition and fee calculator. Be sure to click on the "Online" tab at the top of the calculator.

    Financial Aid
    As these are non-degree programs, they are not eligible for federal financial aid.

  • Contact Us

    Questions? Concerns? We would love to hear from you. If you are interested in our program, visiting one of our classes, or talking with us more about the program please contact us. We look forward to speaking with you about what the Clemson MPA offers to its students and what it can do for your future.

    Lori Dickes
    Program Director
    Assistant Professor, MPA Program
    (864) 656-7831
    lorid@clemson.edu

    Bianca Schuster
    Student Services Coordinator, MPA Program
    864-656-7135
    bianca@clemson.edu

    Alfred Bundrick
    Capstone/Comprehensive Exams/Internships Coordinator
    864-656-7135
    alfredb@clemson.edu

Emergency Management Certificate

Image of a woman being rescued in a boat

The Certificate in Emergency Management program allows professionals to earn a non-degree certificate in emergency management as part of Clemson University Master in Public Administration program.

The programs allow students to network with students and faculty from across the country and to choose course work from a diverse set of specializations based on interest and professional need.

All of the credits earned during the certificate program are fully transferable to the full MPA degree program.

  • Certificate Overview

    The program of study for the Emergency Management certificate requires 12 credit hours (4 courses).

    Program requirements are completed using Zoom and Canvas online technology. Courses are offered in a traditional semester format and most meet in a virtual classroom one evening per week.

    In order to meet the 12-hour requirement, students may choose up to 3 courses or 9 hours from the following:

    • PADM 8510: Fundamentals of Emergency Management - 3 credit(s)
    • PADM 8530: Homeland Security and Emergency Management Law - 3 credit(s)
    • PADM 8520: Emergency Management Planning and Preparation - 3 credit(s)
    • PADM 8780: Resilience in Disaster Recovery - 3 credit(s)
    • PADM 8780: Special Topics in Emergency Management – 3 credit(s)
    • PADM TBD: Advanced Seminar in Emergency Management - 3 credit(s)

    Students are also required to choose one elective course (3 credit hours) from the MPA program's curriculum requirements on this page.

  • Admission Requirements

    There are only two admission requirements for this certificate.

    • Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited institution
    • Admission to the Clemson Graduate School
  • Application Requirements

    Click on the "Apply Now" button below to begin the registration and application process. Once your account is set up, use the information below to complete your application.

    • Unofficial Transcripts from all prior institutions where a degree was awarded and from which transfer credit is desired until admission is accepted.
    • A personal statement outlining the purpose for pursuing a certificate in PADM.
    • One letter of recommendation.
    • A current resume or CV. 

    Attaining a graduate certificate can also be the first step towards a full master’s degree. All of the credits earned during the certificate program are fully transferable to the fill MPA degree program. Be advised that due to the fact that this is a non-degree program that federal financial aid will not be awarded to individuals in the non-degree program.

    Questions? Please contact cumpa@clemson.edu with any program questions you may have.

    Apply Now

  • Financial Information

    Our certificate programs offer competitive rates whether a student is in-state, out-of-state or international. Our tuition rates do not distinguish between S.C. residents & non-residents. 

    Tuition and Fees
    Explore information on tuition and fees using the Student Financial Services’ tuition and fee calculator. Be sure to click on the "Online" tab at the top of the calculator.

    Financial Aid
    As these are non-degree programs, they are not eligible for federal financial aid.

  • Contact Us

    Questions? Concerns? We would love to hear from you. If you are interested in our program, visiting one of our classes, or talking with us more about the program please contact us. We look forward to speaking with you about what the Clemson MPA offers to its students and what it can do for your future.

    Lori Dickes
    Program Director
    Assistant Professor, MPA Program
    (864) 656-7831
    lorid@clemson.edu

    Bianca Schuster
    Student Services Coordinator, MPA Program
    864-656-7135
    bianca@clemson.edu

    Alfred Bundrick
    Capstone/Comprehensive Exams/Internships Coordinator
    864-656-7135
    alfredb@clemson.edu

Homeland Defense and Security Certificate

Image of officers and drug dogs at the US border

The Certificate in Homeland Defense and Security program allows professionals to earn a non-degree certificate in homeland defense and security as part of Clemson University Master in Public Administration program.

The programs allow students to network with students and faculty from across the country and to choose course work from a diverse set of specializations based on interest and professional need.

All of the credits earned during the certificate program are fully transferable to the full MPA degree program.

  • Certificate Overview

    The program of study for the Homeland Defense and Security certificate requires 12 credit hours (4 courses).

    Program requirements are completed using Zoom and Canvas online technology. Courses are offered in a traditional semester format and most meet in a virtual classroom one evening per week.

    In order to meet the 12 hour requirement, students may choose up to 3 courses or 9 hours from elective courses offered in the following program specialization areas:

    • PADM 8500: Fundamentals of Homeland Security - 3 credit(s)
    • PADM 8530: Homeland Security and Emergency Management Law - 3 credit(s)
    • PADM 8540: Cybersecurity - 3 credit(s)
    • PADM 8550: Homeland Security and Intelligence - 3 credit(s)
    • PADM 8570: Advanced Seminar in Homeland Security - 3 credit(s)
    • PADM 8580: Domestic and International Counter Terrorism Policy in Homeland Defense - 3 credit(s)
    • PADM 8780 Special Topics in Homeland Defense and Security – 1-3 credit(s)

    Students are also required to choose one elective course (3 credit hours) from the MPA program's curriculum requirements on this page.

  • Admission Requirements

    There are only two admission requirements for this certificate.

    • Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited institution
    • Admission to the Clemson Graduate School
  • Application Requirements

    Click on the "Apply Now" button below to begin the registration and application process. Once your account is set up, use the information below to fulfill and complete your application requirements.

    • Unofficial Transcripts from all prior institutions where a degree was awarded and from which transfer credit is desired until admission is accepted.
    • A personal statement outlining the purpose for pursuing a certificate in Homeland Defense and Security.
    • One letter of recommendation.
    • A current resume or CV.

    Attaining a graduate certificate can also be the first step towards a full master’s degree. All of the credits earned during the certificate program are fully transferable to the fill MPA degree program. Be advised that due to the fact that this is a non-degree program that federal financial aid will not be awarded to individuals in the non-degree program.

    Questions? Please contact cumpa@clemson.edu with any program questions you may have.

    Apply Now

  • Financial Information

    Our certificate programs offer competitive rates whether a student is in-state, out-of-state or international. Our tuition rates do not distinguish between S.C. residents & non-residents. 

    Tuition and Fees
    Explore information on tuition and fees using the Student Financial Services’ tuition and fee calculator. Be sure to click on the "Graduate" tab at the top of the calculator.

    Financial Aid
    As these are non-degree programs, they are not eligible for federal financial aid.

  • Contact Us

    Questions? Concerns? We would love to hear from you. If you are interested in our program, visiting one of our classes, or talking with us more about the program please contact us. We look forward to speaking with you about what the Clemson MPA offers to its students and what it can do for your future.

    Lori Dickes
    Program Director
    Assistant Professor, MPA Program
    (864) 656-7831
    lorid@clemson.edu

    Bianca Schuster
    Student Services Coordinator, MPA Program
    864-656-7135
    bianca@clemson.edu

    Alfred Bundrick
    Capstone/Comprehensive Exams/Internships Coordinator
    864-656-7135
    alfredb@clemson.edu

Department of Political Science
Department of Political Science | 232 Brackett Hall