5
Courses
15
Credit Hours

Degree

  • Graduate Certificate https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/admission-grad-900×600-1.png

Format

  • In-Person
  • Online

Department

Program Director

Earn a Certificate in Public Communication, Public Policy and Public Leadership from St. Mary’s

The Graduate Certificate in Public Communication, Public Policy and Public Leadership offers specialized course work that prepares students to succeed in the field of public service.

The certificate program supports students seeking to engage the traditions and strengths of St. Mary’s University in policy, public service, communication and community leadership to advance the public interest, locally and globally.

The certificate program is available to graduate students in the Public Administration or Communication Studies master’s programs and is intended to supplement students’ regular degree courses by offering an additional certification.

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Program of Study

Through a combination of courses with policy and communication emphasis, students gain marketable skills that increase their appeal as potential employees in government, nongovernmental organizations and business.

  • Certificate Program

    The 15-credit-hour certificate program is designed for graduate students in the Public Administration and Communication Studies master’s programs:

    Public Administration students will take 6 hours of Public Administration courses and 9 hours of Communication courses. Communication Studies students will take 6 hours of Communication courses and 9 hours of Public Administration courses.

  • Highlighted Courses

    Courses will be offered online and in-person and may include:

    • Applied Persuasion
    • Ethics and Public Sector
    • Leadership and Organizational Culture
    • Policy Formulation and Implementation
    • Public Administration and Policy
    • Public Policy Analysis
    • Public Relations Writing and Campaigns
    • Topics in Communication Studies
    course catalog

  • Graduate Certificate Federal Aid

    Federal financial aid is not available for this graduate certificate. For additional aid opportunities, review our assistantships and fellowships, or private loan opportunities.

    tuition and fees
    fellowships
    private loans

Admission Requirements and Process

Interested applicants may apply via the St. Mary’s University online application. Students will also need to submit a statement of purpose and résumé/CV. The GRE/GMAT is not required for admission to this certificate program.

To discuss specific admission procedures and requirements for this program, contact the Office of Graduate Admission.

St. Mary’s University Online Application

Outside the Classroom

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Student Organizations and Clubs

Students can join a variety of clubs and organizations in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS). Students have a range of opportunities for personal growth, professional development and strengthening leadership skills.

CAHSS clubs and organizations
Graduate center for excellence students

Graduate Center for Excellence

The Graduate Center for Excellence is a collaborative learning space designed exclusively for St. Mary’s master’s and doctoral students to collaborate with classmates and students from other disciplines.

Graduate Center for Excellence

Faculty

Similar Programs

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Graduate Certificate FAQs

The Graduate Certificate in Public Communication, Public Policy and Public Leadership program is available to graduate students in the Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) or the online Master of Arts in Communication Studies programs. It is intended to serve as an additional certification to students already enrolled in these master’s programs.

m.P.A.
M.A. in Communication Studies
Can my certificate credits go toward a master’s degree?

The cost of the Graduate Certificate in Public Communication, Public Policy and Public Leadership is charged by credit hour. Check the Tuition and Fees page for current rates.

Prospective certificate students are encouraged to consult with the Office of Financial Assistance to understand the financing specifics.

How much does the certificate cost?

The Graduate Certificate in Public Communication, Public Policy and Public Leadership is 15 credit hours. The timing of the certificate program will depend on the course load and timing of your master’s degree plan. Check with the Program Director for more information.

How long does it take to complete the certificate?

The Graduate Certificate in Public Communication, Public Policy and Public Leadership program will be completed in a hybrid format, with a mix of virtual/online and in-person classes. Some courses in the program may be offered virtually (synchronously) or online (asynchronously). Virtual courses are taken remotely in real-time (with your professor and classmates via Zoom) on a scheduled class day and time. Online courses are not taught in real-time but include pre-recorded lectures, video uploads, class chats and individual meetings with professors.

Are courses in this certificate program offered online?
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Learn More

We’re eager to hear from you and answer any questions you have! Feel free to reach out to learn more about St. Mary’s University.

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