The Graduate Certificate in Public Management provides skills and insights necessary to plan and manage public organizations. The certificate is geared towards professionals who are seeking upward mobility within their organizations, and students seeking to enter the workforce at the local, city, state, and federal level. This program is designed to serve those who wish to gain specialized knowledge in the field of public management without committing to a full graduate program. Such specialized knowledge may include, but is not limited to: resource management, intergovernmental relations, administrative law, program evaluation, and public finance. Potential employers seek out applicants with these specific skills, making graduates more attractive for higher than entry-level positions in the local, state, or federal government, as well as private industry.
This Certificate is earned after completion of five (5) courses totaling 15 credit hours. For the most up-to-date information about courses, please visit the Graduate Catalog. Classes are offered online and on campus.
Applying for the Graduate Certificate
To complete the Graduate Certificate in Public Management, students must apply to UAB Graduate School. Application must include:
- Undergraduate transcripts from accredited institutions;
- A statement of interest that addresses this prompt:
- In 1-2 single-spaced pages (200-500 words), please share why the Graduate Certificate in Public Management at UAB is right for you. Address motivations, ways you want to make change, and vision for your career after obtaining the Certificate. If you have prior academic deficiencies, please also address those in this statement;
- And one (1) letter of recommendation that meets the below criteria:
- This letter must be an academic or professional reference. Academic examples include those from professors or faculty advisors; professional examples include those from supervisors in either a work or volunteer position. Letters from peers, co-workers, friends, etc. are not acceptable.
Students admitted into the MPA program may earn the Graduate Certificate in Public Management alongside their MPA degree. To do this, students are required to contact the MPA Program Manager, Carin Mayo (
Future Graduate Work
Sometimes, students who begin a graduate certificate program want to continue and earn their MPA degree. To do this, students must complete all application requirements as outlined in the Graduate School guidelines. A maximum of four (4) courses (12 hours) with a grade of B or better may be applied toward the MPA degree if the student is accepted in the program.
Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Public Management does not automatically admit a student into the MPA program. All application materials must be completed. Students who pursue the MPA degree following certification must complete all course work within seven years of the first course taken in the certificate program.
If you have any questions about the Graduate Certificate in Public Management, contact Carin Mayo at