Some people talk about changing the world; policymakers get it done.

Looking to make an impact in the world of public policy? The Graduate Certificate in Public Policy Analysis at Oregon State University is for you! With a strong foundation in Sociology, Economics, Political Science, and Public Policy, this 18-credit certificate will provide valuable insights into complex policy decisions. Offered both on the Corvallis campus and online through OSU Ecampus, this program is flexible and accessible to students regardless of location. 

Our program is designed to produce graduates with basic proficiency in critical policy analysis and analytical tools, enabling them to engage effectively with public policy debates and questions. Through our curriculum, students will develop the skills to utilize social science methods and policy analysis to address practical challenges facing government, communities, regions, and/or global issues. Our program is designed to be collaborative and diverse, fostering an environment that adheres to ethical principles when citing sources, conducting research with human subjects, serving the public, and collaborating with colleagues.

Join us in the School of Public Policy and gain the skills and knowledge to make a difference in the world of public policy!

Graduate Certificate in Public Policy Analysis Courses:

ECON 539 PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS 4 credit

PPOL 507 SEMINAR 1 credit

PPOL 511 PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS AND LEADERSHIP 4 credit

PPOL 512 PUBLIC POLICY THEORY 4 credit

PPOL 521 UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL RESEARCH 4 credit

PPOL 554 PUBLIC POLICY THROUGH THE LENS OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION 1 credit

The Graduate Certificate in Public Policy Analysis is stackable with our other degree programs:

If you have completed a graduate microcredential in public policy leadership, you can apply the 9 credits you earn directly toward a graduate certificate in public policy analysis. Once you complete a graduate certificate in public policy analysis, you can apply the 18 credits you earn directly toward Oregon State’s online Master of Public Policy or Executive Master of Public Policy.

The Graduate Certificate in Public Policy Analysis is now available and ready for you to apply!

Qualifications for admissions are determined by both the OSU Graduate School and the program. Visit the OSU Graduate School website to review the minimum admissions requirements

This program allows students to start during the fall, winter, spring or summer terms. You should have a complete application, including all supporting materials, on file no later than 30 days prior to the academic term that you intend to start. International students should apply at least two months in advance.

Apply as a degree-seeking student using the OSU Graduate School’s online application form. The nonrefundable application fee is $75.

  • Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended.
  • Submit a cover letter requesting admission to the certificate program. The letter should provide a statement of objectives, your work or related experience and career goals.

If you intend to use the credits earned in this program toward a graduate degree at another university, we recommend you determine the transfer-of-credit policy at that institution.

If you don’t want to apply to the Thel but would like to take individual classes that are part of the public policy analysis graduate certificate curriculum, you may apply to OSU as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.

Nondegree-seeking students who may later wish to apply to a graduate degree program should be aware that a maximum of 9 credits earned as a nondegree-seeking student may be transferred to a graduate certificate or degree program. For additional details, please refer to the “Nondegree Status” section of admission to Oregon State University.

Contact our Graduate Program Assistant, Mike Terry (mike.terry@oregonstate.edu).