If you want to see how policy change works firsthand, you may find a perfect fit with an internship at an organization that enables you to learn in person, in real time, how change occurs and policy is made.
Program Description
Students pursuing this interdisciplinary certificate begin with foundational instruction on U.S. political institutions or global politics before taking advanced coursework that examines public policy, political leadership and political change. Through experiential learning, including internships, students apply these skills in practical settings, developing leadership and professional skills and gaining a deep understanding of related institutions. This program equips students to be active, informed participants in the policy process. Whether students are interested in global, national, state or local issues, a variety of internship opportunities help them engage civically and influence policies at multiple levels of governance.
Program Requirements
The certificate requires a total of 15 credit hours, of which at least 12 credit hours must be completed at the upper-division level. Nine credit hours must be from courses offered by The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher.
Part One: Introductory Course (choose one course) -- 3 credit hours
Students may elect to complete only 3 hours of internship in Part Three. Students selecting this option must complete six upper-division credits in Part Four.
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
Enrollment Requirements
Requests to declare this certificate are reviewed by the academic advisor in the academic unit offering the certificate. Students may be contacted to discuss the certificate before it is added to their student record.
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Career Outlook
Graduates with this certificate are prepared for careers in public policy in a variety of organizational settings, domestic and global. Some graduates focus on developing or implementing policy; others engage in issue advocacy or critical assessment of policy.
Graduates who have combined this certificate with their major program of study may become more marketable to employers. They often decide to pursue employment in government, lobbying, public affairs consulting or nonprofit organizations.
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.
Management Analysts
Growth: 9.7%
Median Salary*: 95290
Chief Executives
Growth: -8.2%
Median Salary*: 189520
Training and Development Managers
Growth: 6.5%
Median Salary*: 120000
General and Operations Managers
Growth: 4.2%
Median Salary*: 98100
Lawyers
Growth: 7.5%
Median Salary*: 135740
Political Scientists
Growth: 6.6%
Median Salary*: 128020
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Growth: 3.7%
Median Salary*: 83770
Legislators
Growth: 3.4%
Median Salary*: 48090
Public Relations Managers
Growth: 5.9%
Median Salary*: 129430
Urban and Regional Planners
Growth: 3.7%
Median Salary*: 79540
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.
For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
To add a minor, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
To add a certificate, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
