School of Education
DEPARTMENTSprogram Features
Certificate in Public Policy and Leadership
Make a Difference in Your Community
This certificate provides you with the knowledge and leadership skills required in today’s increasingly policy-driven environment.
This certificate program will help you:
- Identify how particular policies are placed on the agenda of policy makers.
- Understand influences on policy development – from shrinking budgets to power elites.
- Learn to interpret and implement government policies.
- Obtain an understanding of the theories of policy making and ethical leadership.
- Grow politically adept by listening to diverse views and collaborating with others in different policy arenas.
The public policy and leadership program is deeply rooted in the values-based, liberal arts tradition of St. Thomas.
- Understand theory as it practically applies to real-world experience.
- Develop into an effective, ethical leader.
- Learn from faculty with real-world policy-making experience.
- Apply policy development and implementation theories in a work-related context.
Start with two classroom-based courses, then two field experiences. As you move through the program, you’ll be able to apply what you learn immediately on the job.
Credits from the courses in the certificate program transfer directly to the Master of Arts in Public Policy and Leadership or the Joint Degree Juris Doctor and Master of Arts in Public Policy and Leadership.
