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What does it cost?

Check out our cost calculator or visit student financial services for information on estimated costs.

How long will it take?

Most students complete the program in two semesters. The time limit for completing the certificate program is three years from the term of entry.

Where will I take classes?
Atlanta Campus, Online

This certificate can be completed 100% online.

Application Deadlines View Admissions Requirements

Students may enter the program Fall or Spring semester.

VIEW APPLICATION DEADLINES

Policy Analytics Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate program in Policy Analytics provides students with state-of-the-art data analytics skills applied specifically to questions and issues in the public and nonprofit sectors. Policy analytics examines large, structured and unstructured data for insights, prediction, and evaluation of individual and organizational behavior, spatial forms, public and nonprofit programs.

Students who pursue a certificate in Public Analytics benefit in several ways:

  • Enhanced Analytical Skills: Specialized training in techniques and tools for decision-making in the public sector. The ability to effectively collect, interpret, and analyze data to derive valuable insights is highly sought after in today's data-driven world.
  • Competitive Advantage: Demonstration of professional development and commitment to contemporary methodologies. Employers value candidates with confidence in using data and evidence to drive decision-making.
  • Career Opportunities: Roles such as data analyst, policy analyst, program evaluator, or strategic planner. Public analytics is a rapidly growing field with a wide range of career opportunities in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, consulting firms, and research institutions.
  • Professional Networking: Valuable connections, mentorship opportunities, and access to job openings. Building a strong professional network enhances career prospects and provides ongoing support for personal and professional growth.

Program Details

Applicants to the certificate program must complete the following admission requirements.

  1. Online Application. Online applications must be submitted by the deadline. Paper applications are not available.
  2. Application Fee:  A nonrefundable fee of $50 paid by credit card is required for each application.
  3. Goal Statement: The goal statement is your means of presenting yourself to the Graduate Admissions Committee. You should submit a short, typed statement that answers the following:
    • What inspired you to pursue a degree and/or career in public service? Discuss any specific events, experiences (personal, academic, or professional), issue areas, or individuals that have influenced your decision.
    • How do you envision using a degree from the Andrew Young School to achieve your professional goals?
  4. Official GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores (Optional): The GRE of the Educational Testing Service is optional. However, the GRE is strongly recommended for any applicant whose undergraduate grade-point-average (UGPA) is below 3.0. If submitting GRE scores, official scores must be reported to institution code 5251 and received by GA State by the application deadline. More information can be found at our Admissions FAQ page or, to schedule the test, at www.gre.org.
  5. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) Academic scores (International applicants only): International applicants are required to submit official TOEFL or IELTS academic scores.
  6. Transcripts from each Post-secondary College/University Attended. Review requirements for submitting transcripts on our website.

Use the HOW TO APPLY button on this page to get started on your application.

The curriculum consists of the following:

  • 12 credit hours
  • 2 required courses
  • 2 elective courses

For more detailed curriculum information, visit the catalog.

Students learn how to wrangle and analyze complex data, effectively visualize and communicate results, and contribute to the open-source community. These skills prepare students for positions as data analysts, data scientists and other data-intensive roles in public sector, and nonprofit organizations.

Contacts

General/Admissions Questions
Public Management and Policy
[email protected]
404-413-0107

Certificate Questions
Andrew Heiss
[email protected]

Department of Public Management and Policy
55 Park Place
Atlanta, GA 30303

Andrew Young School Logo55 Park Place NE
Atlanta, GA 30303