Students can pursue certificate programs with either degree-seeking or non-degree-seeking status. It is generally better to apply as early into the program as possible.
Applications
Degree-Seeking Students
Applicants that already have degree-seeking student status may submit the application prior to the completion of the 6th credit hour in the program. It is generally better to apply as early into the program as possible.
Non-Degree-Seeking Students
Applicants that do not already hold student status may pursue a certificate as a non-degree-seeking student. These applicants must first apply to the university as non-degree-seeking students. They would then need to register for classes during their registration window. After they are registered for courses, they may submit the online application so that the certificate program is added to their account. They must submit the application prior to completing the 6th credit hour towards that certificate.
Non-Degree Application Deadlines
Spring: December 1
Summer: May 1
Fall: August 1
Admissions
Graduate Certificates
To be admitted to a graduate certificate program, students must have already completed an undergraduate degree. Formal application to the certificate program is required; simply taking related courses does not constitute enrollment. This application must be submitted before completing more than two courses (6 credit hours) applicable to the certificate program. No exceptions to this policy will be made.
Dates and Deadlines
| To be enrolled in a certificate program beginning in a ____ semester | Application opens | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Second week of Fall classes | November 1 |
| Summer | Second week of Spring classes | March 15 |
| Fall | Second week of Spring classes | July 1 |
Other Considerations
Although a C- grade or better earns course credit, a minimum 3.0 overall GPA is required for all graduate certificates to be awarded. Some certificates may have additional GPA requirements. All certificate coursework must be taken at the graduate level (5000 and above), completed at Florida State University, and cannot be transfer credit from another institution. Coursework may not be applied to two different certificates, but it can count towards both a certificate and a graduate degree.
The certificate program coordinator will review completed programs within two weeks of final grades being posted. Approved completions will then be forwarded to the Registrar’s Office for processing and posting to the official transcript.
Public Administration Certificates
General Public Administration
The Askew School of Public Administration offers an executive development program, which leads to a Certificate in Public Administration. Typically, participants are public administrators who hold bachelor’s degrees but who have not yet entered a graduate degree program. Students currently enrolled in the Master’s of Public Administration program are not eligible for this certificate program. Applicants register as non-degree students in a simplified process, which does not require formal admission to graduate studies. Up to twelve hours (four courses) of credit earned in this program may later be applied to the MPA upon admission to that program.
Program of Study
18 credit hours, to consist of:
- MPA Core courses (9 hours) from:
- PAD 5050 The Profession of Public Administration
- PAD 5106 Public Organizations
- PAD 5227 Public Financial Management
- PAD 5417 Human Resource Management
- PAD 5035 Policy Development and Administration
- PAD 5700 Research Design in Public Administration
- PAD 5701 Quantitative Analysis in Public Administration
- Public Administration electives (9 hours)
One elective (3) can be from an outside, related field, per MPA Director approval.
Admission and Application Requirements
Student must submit the complete online application by the semester deadline.
Civic and Nonprofit Leadership
Designed primarily for students who already hold or wish to assume nonprofit leadership roles. It will also be of interest to students in government agencies or private businesses that deal extensively with nonprofits. The nonprofit certificate emphasizes the distinctive features of nonprofit organizations and provides management skills and knowledge that are helpful, specifically for civic and nonprofit leaders.
Program of Study
18 credit hours, to consist of:
- Required courses (9 hours):
- PAD 5142 Managing the Nonprofit Organization
- PAD 5174 The Independent Sector
- Capstone Essay
- Two electives from (6 hours):
- PAD 5173 Nongovernmental Organizations
- PAD 5208 Budget and Finance in Nonprofit Organizations
- PAD 5335 Strategic Leadership for Communities
- PAD 5206 Fundraising and Fund Development
- Two more electives from (6 hours):
- PAD 5041 Public Service Ethics
- PAD 5327 Public Program Evaluation
- PAD 5397 Foundations of Emergency Management
- PAD 5417 Human Resource Management
- PAD 5826 Intergovernmental Management and Relations
- PAD 5828 Nonprofits, Nongovernmental Organizations, and Disasters
- PAD 5859 Managing Public Procurement
Capstone Essay
A capstone essay that combines knowledge gained through the program and the student’s unique topical interests is to be prepared at the culmination of the program of study. The essay can be accomplished in one of three ways:
- A non-credit essay on a topic chosen jointly by the student and faculty advisor and evaluated by one or more of the faculty.
- A Capstone Essay (PAD 6908) prepared for the MPA degree that focuses on some aspect of nonprofit management or the nonprofit sector. If this alternative is undertaken, it must be in addition to the other 18 credits required for the certificate.
- An assigned final paper that satisfies the requirements of one of the courses in the program of study. The paper in the third alternative must be approved both by the instructor for the course and the MPA Director.
Admission and Application Requirements
Student must be a degree-seeking student at Florida State University. Student must submit the complete online application by the semester deadline.
Florida City and County Management
This program includes skills and knowledge appropriate for practicing managers and all those interested in Florida City and County Management. The certificate requires twelve credit hours of graduate course credit in public administration. It is taught in partnership with the Center for Florida Local Government Excellence.
Program of Study
12 credit hours, to consist of:
- Required course (3 hours):
- PAD 5809 Local Government Administration
- Electives from (9 hours):
- PAD 5335 Strategic Leadership for Communities
- PAD 5397 Foundations of Emergency Management
- PAD 5826 Intergovernmental Management and Relations
- PAD 6136 Seminar: Management Studies in Government
- PAD 6207 Financial Resources Administration
- PAD 6226 Public Budgeting Simulation and Issues
- PAD 5121/6300 Governmental Administration in Florida
Admission and Application Requirements
Student must submit the complete online application by the semester deadline.
Public Financial Management
Topics covered in this program conform to those recommended by the Association for Budgeting and Financial Management of the American Society for Public Administration. To obtain the certificate, students complete two required courses and four additional elective courses selected from a list of courses offered through the Reubin O’D. Askew School of Public Administration and Policy, the Department of Accounting, the Department of Economics, and the Department of Urban and Regional Planning.
Program of Study
18 credit hours, to consist of:
- Required courses (6 hours):
- PAD 5227 Managing Public Financial Resources
- PAD 6207 Financial Resources Administration
- Electives from (12 hours):
- PAD 5327 Public Program Evaluation
- PAD 5041 Public Service Ethics
- PAD 5859 Managing Public Procurement
- PAD 5935 Seminar in Public Administration: Selected Topics (1-3) [Public Finance]
- PAD 6226 Public Budgeting Simulation and Issues
- PAD 6721 Policy Analysis Research Seminar
- ACG 5505 Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting and Auditing
- ECO 5505 Public Finance
- URP 5261 Forecasting for Plan Development
- URP 5731 Planning for Community Infrastructure
Admission and Application Requirements
Student must submit the complete online application by the semester deadline.
Emergency Management Certificates
Emergency Management offers undergraduate and graduate certificates in Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and United States Intelligence Studies (also offered with Honors).
For more information and to apply, please visit FSU’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Program.