I chose SUNY Empire because a coworker recommended the university, plus the ease of
registration as a veteran.
Certificate
Public Administration
Enhance your leadership skills and policy knowledge with SUNY Empire’s online Graduate Certificate in Public Administration.
Designed for current or aspiring professionals in government, nonprofits, and the public sector, this flexible 15-credit program builds expertise in budgeting, finance, policy analysis, and decision-making. You can apply it as a standalone credential or stack it with a related master’s degree. Graduate ready to lead public service initiatives with confidence and clarity.
Jump to
Program Overview
Graduate Certificate in Public Administration
Next term starts
Fall 2025
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Course List: -
Course List:
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Students may begin this 15-credit certificate in the fall, spring or summer terms. The certificate offers two 3-credit opening courses, two 3-credit functional courses, and a 3-credit capstone course as shown in the suggested enrollment sequence below.
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PADM 6085
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PADM 6170
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PADM 6175
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PADM 6180
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PPOL 6030
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Ready to Apply?
The deadline for the Fall 2025 term is August 1. How to Apply
Build the Skills to Lead in Public Service
What you’ll gain from the program:
- Analyze public finance and budgeting
- Apply public sector decision-making strategies
- Understand government structures and functions
- Connect theory with real-world policy
Advance Your Impact in Public Service
This certificate supports a wide range of roles in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors, including:
- Policy analyst
- Budget officer
- Program manager
- Government affairs specialist
- Nonprofit administrator
Interested? Start Here
1
Lead with Confidence in Public Service
We're here to support you every step of the way as you pursue your Graduate Certificate
in Public Administration. Our dedicated advisors will help you stay on track, grow
your expertise in government and nonprofit leadership, and build the skills you need to manage programs,
shape policy, and drive positive change in your community.
Request Info
2
Apply for the Graduate Certificate Program in Public Administration
Make sure you have all the admissions requirements and complete your application to be ready for our next term!
Next start term
Fall 2025
Deadline to apply
August 1
Start
as soon as September 2, 2025.
Meet Your Professors
Our faculty have spent decades honing their craft and are all about supporting you in any way they can. They will do more than help you earn an online accounting degree. They’ll teach you to challenge yourself and find new ways to solve problems.
All Faculty
Duncan RyanMann
Professor
Duncan RyanMann has worked at Empire State University as a faculty/mentor in Business, Management and
Economics since 1994. He earned a B.A. degree in liberal arts from The Evergreen State
College in 1976 and a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1984
with concentrations in industrial organization, public finance, and health economics.
Roxana Toma
Professor
Roxana Toma (Ph.D., North Carolina State University) is Professor and Chair of Graduate
Liberal Arts and Science Programs. Dr. Toma has a B.Sc. in Economics, a Ph.D. in Public Administration, and takes an
interdisciplinary approach to examine how people form attitudes, values, and a sense
of belonging that lead to behaviors that affect communities.
Interested in the Graduate Certificate in Public Administration?