two policy students working on laptops

Policy Analysis Certificate

Enhance your analytical skills to support work in politics, non-profit administration, or public policy.

The Policy Analysis graduate certificate provides the analytic skills needed to conduct or understand policy analysis and program planning. The certificate will prepare you to work in the public or not-for-profit sectors.

Program type:
Certificate - Graduate
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
1-2 years
Credit hours:
9

Why earn a graduate certificate in policy analysis?

Graduate Application Deadlines
Fall:
May 15* | Aug. 1
Spring:
Oct. 15* | Dec. 1
Summer:
March 15* | May 1

*Priority deadline

This program’s core courses provide a solid background in research methods, policy analysis and public policy. You’ll learn how to evaluate policies, conduct research and advocate for policy solutions. Customize your certificate in Policy Analysis by selecting from a broad range of electives.

UND’s Policy Analysis certificate provides formal recognition for policy studies. You'll understand specific topics related to policy, including:

  • Various approaches to analyzing political phenomena.
  • Techniques of empirical research including research design, measurement, data gathering and data analysis.
  • Use of empirical theory and techniques to make policy choices.
  • Initiation, formulation, adoption, implementation and evaluation of American public policy.
  • Contemporary structural and policy problems of state and local governments.
  • Structures, processes, procedures and positions of the legislative and executive offices in government.

Certificate in Policy Analysis to M.P.A.

Apply your certificate coursework toward a Master of Public Administration degree from UND. You'll learn to confront issues such as ethics, management, leadership and public policy.

Online Policy Analysis Certificate

  • 100% Online: You are not required to come to campus at any time. All courses are online.

  • Part-Time: Designed for working professionals who are unable to complete a full-time, on-campus program.

  • Flexible: Available online with "live" Web classes held in the evenings (typically one evening per week for 3 hours).

Policy Analysis Careers

Rigorous policy analysis is a highly sought after skill set in today's world of data-driven decision-making. With a graduate certificate in Policy Analysis, you'll have advanced analytic skills that will benefit your career in the public service or not-for-profit sector.

If you currently work in the field, the Policy Analysis graduate certificate is an ideal way for you to strengthen your skills, confidence and credentials. Even non-profit or public program managers who do not conduct research themselves must understand the information provided in research reports in order to make informed decisions.

Policy Analysis Certificate Courses

POLS 500. Research Methods. 3 Credits.

A statistics course or consent of instructor. This course will first focus on various approaches to analyzing political phenomena with the goal of developing students' ability to think analytically and to distinguish between empirical and normative analysis. The course will then introduce techniques of empirical research including research design, measurement, data gathering, and data analysis. Prerequisite: A statistics course or consent of instructor.

POLS 501. Political and Public Policy Analysis. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on the use of empirical data both to develop empirical theory and to make policy choices. Topics to be discussed include hypothesis testing, public choice, and policy evaluation. Students will be required to complete an original research project. Prerequisite: POLS 500 or consent of instructor.

POLS 502. Problems in State and Local Governments. 3 Credits.

Directed in-depth inquiry into contemporary structural and policy problems of state and local governments. During the course, each student will prepare a research paper relevant to a current problem suitable for publication and distribution to an identifiable body of public officials and citizens for problem-solving purposes. On demand.

POLS 532. Public Policy. 3 Credits.

A discussion of the initiation, formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation of American public policy. Various policy areas such as agriculture, education, environment, and welfare will be analyzed.

POLS 508. Legislative and Executive Processes. 3 Credits.

Description, analysis, and evaluation of the structures, processes, procedures, and positions of the legislative and executive offices in government. On demand.

POLS 552. Health Policy. 3 Credits.

This course examines historic and contemporary trends in health care delivery in the United States. Emphasis is placed on addressing health care cost-containment issues; access to health care and, recent efforts to invoke broadly based systemic reforms of the U.S. health care system.

Online Policy Analysis Certificate

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Live Online Policy Analysis Certificate Courses

Synchronous classes are held in real-time. If you’re the kind of learner who likes active discussion and immediate feedback through live interaction, you’ll enjoy this online course format.

Every class is different, but generally, you’ll log into a virtual classroom at scheduled times to:

  • Listen to a lecture.
  • Ask questions.
  • Participate in class discussions.
  • Conduct group activities.
  • Participate in video-sharing.
  • Have chat conversations.
  • Use interactive whiteboards.
  • Take live polls.

You should prepare for your classes by finishing any assigned readings, compiling questions for your instructor, and thinking about how to contribute to the next live class.

Leaders in Online Education

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)
Explore More Options

Connect with faculty you'll work with at UND or discover similar graduate certificates.

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