Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Public Policy

Now accepting applications for fall 2023. 
No GRE required! 
Application deadlines:
May 1st for international students
August 1st for domestic students

New for fall 2020, the post-baccalaureate Certificate in Public Policy allows non-matriculated students, who have completed an undergraduate degree from a nationally/internationally accredited program, to enhance their knowledge and skills in the applied and interdisciplinary field of public policy. A certificate is a grouping of specific courses that indicate that the student has developed cross-disciplinary expertise in a particular subject area.

The certificate focuses on extending students’ understanding of the forces that influence public debates, stimulate policy change, and build the public good. It is designed for students who are interested in applied, policy-related work.

This certificate is appropriate for professionals who are starting their careers or who are transitioning into a policy-related field. Mid-career professionals in related professional fields such as education, health, public advocacy and social work will find that this certificate program will help them upgrade and advance their skills.

The Bloustein School will award a Certificate in Public Policy to students who successfully complete the 12-credit curriculum. Students that complete the certificate would be eligible to apply for the Bloustein School’s Master of Public Policy (48-credit program) or to the Master of Public Affairs and Politics (30-credit program) and, if admitted, use their credits as part of their degree requirements.

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Certificate Curriculum

The curriculum consists of 12 credits (four courses):

  • 833:510 Public Policy Formation (3)
  • 833:530 Research Design (3)
  • 833:543 Economics for Public Policy (3)
  • 833:5xx Public Policy Elective (3)
Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Certificate in Public Policy students should be able to

  • Understand theories on public policy formation and implementation, including tri-sector influences on policy;
  • Understand the need for inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in public service and policy;
  • Analyze and evaluate how policies address various contemporary public problems, using economic, political, and social perspectives;
  • Synthesize research and analysis in various policy domains; and
  • Create policy memos and briefs for practitioner audiences

Applicant Requirements

Prospective students apply online and submit all application materials before the Bloustein School will review your credentials for admission.

  • Online application form
  • Application fee (Waived for current graduate students already enrolled in a formal Rutgers degree program.)
  • Baccalaureate degree from a nationally/internationally accredited program
    • Official undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate transcripts from all institutions
  • Resume/CV
  • TOEFL/IELTS required for non-U.S. applicants. Scores will be accepted up to five years from their issuance.
  • Personal statement (approximately 750 words)

More information about this certificate

APPLY NOW Current graduate students already enrolled in a formal Rutgers degree program.

APPLY NOW Applicants who are NOT currently enrolled in a Rutgers graduate program, please apply via Rutgers Graduate and Professional Admissions.