Public Management & Policy Graduate Certificates

Community Planning

The community planning certificate is ideal for practitioners seeking advanced careers in municipal or county management. It prepares them for engaging in planning for local land uses and various associated activities. The coursework covers economic development, housing policy, transportation analysis, environmental planning, and urban design.

Coursework is offered at night and online. Students may earn the certificate part-time without being formally enrolled in any degree program or complete it as part of a degree program.

For information on program courses visit the Graduate Certificate in Community Planning catalog page.

Nonprofit Management

Prepare for work in nonprofit organizations to grow in your career and direct change in your community. Coursework is specific to the nonprofit sector, including management, fundraising, marketing, program evaluation, finance, human resources management, community development, and social entrepreneurship. 

Coursework is offered at night and online. Students may earn the certificate part-time without being formally enrolled in any degree program or complete it as part of a degree program.

For information on program courses visit the Graduate Certificate in Management of Nonprofit Organizations catalog page.

Human Services Fundraising

Learn concepts that are integral to the Certified Fund Raising Executive certification. The coursework covers the principles of fundraising, gift-giving, cause-related fundraising events, online fundraising, planned-giving, managing fundraising, volunteers, and legal and ethical issues. 

Coursework is offered online. Students may earn the certificate part-time without being formally enrolled in any degree program or complete it as part of a degree program.

For more information about program courses, visit the Graduate Certificate in Human Services Fundraising catalog page.

Public Procurement Management

Public procurement is a sub-field of public administration emphasizing purchasing, supply chain management, and project management through practical strategies, proper planning, and collaborative execution.

The National Institute for Public Procurement accredits the certificate. It prepares students for coursework necessary in becoming a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) and Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO). 

Coursework is offered online. Students may earn the certificate part-time without being formally enrolled in any degree program or complete it as part of a degree program.

For more information on program courses visit the Graduate Certificate in Public Procurement Management catalog page.

Public Sector Labor Relations

Upgrade your skills in labor relations or develop the skills necessary for union leadership roles. The coursework covers topics such as collective bargaining, labor arbitration and dispute resolution, and administrative law.

Coursework is offered at night and online. Students may earn the certificate part-time without being formally enrolled in any degree program or complete it as part of a degree program.

For more information on program courses visit the Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Labor Relations catalog page.

Child Advocacy Studies (CAST)

This professional certificate awarded through the Zero Abuse Project is designed to educate the next generation of front-line child protection professionals and those already working in the field. The coursework will increase your knowledge of crucial child maltreatment concepts.

These courses are offered entirely online, so the certificate may be completed without ever setting foot on campus. Students interested in this certificate have a few choices for completing it.

Alcohol and Substance Abuse

This certificate is for individuals who wish to become certified in substance abuse counseling without completing a formal degree program. On completing the required 20 semester hours of courses, students may take the Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Counselor exam through the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association. 

Students seeking admission to this certificate must have a two-year history of sobriety and an undergraduate degree in social work or behavioral science.

For more information and program courses, visit the Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Substance Abuse catalog page.