Leadership in Public Management Graduate Certificate

Program Overview

This certificate in leadership in public management offers an important set of skills and theories especially applicable for public and nonprofit sector employees who, after a few years of experience, find themselves managing others, but do not have the time or ability to pursue a years-long graduate degree program. This certificate allows them, taking one course per semester over two years, to hone their leadership abilities. Learn more at usd.edu/grad-polsci.

DELIVERY: On campus

Certificate Requirements - 12 Credit Hours

Leadership in Public Management is an important set of skills and theories from a rich history of academic work. 

Note that 50% (two courses) in the program must be at the 700 level or higher.

• Complete one of the following (3 credits)*

• POLS 721 - Seminar in Public Administration 3 to 6 cr
• POLS 724 - Organization and Management 3 cr

• *Either POLS 721 or 724 may be taken as a required course; the other course may also be taken but as an elective.

•  

• Complete three of the following (9 credits)

• LDR 501 - Advanced Leadership Theory and Practice 3 cr
• POLS 504 - Local Government Administration and Politics 3 cr
• POLS 564 - Politics and Leadership in Literature 3 cr
• POLS 723 - Public Personnel Management 3 cr
• POLS 725 - Public Performance and Contracting 3 cr

General Application Requirements

1. Completed application
2. $35 application fee
3. Official transcripts*
4. Letters of recommendation*
5. Statement of purpose
6. Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog

Location Matters for Non-Licensure Track Programs

This program is not designed or advertised to lead to a professional license or certification required for employment.

USD is permitted to operate under the terms of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) policies and standards in offering online courses/degree programs to residents in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.  Online courses/programs may also be offered to residents of California (a non-SARA state) because it does not regulate out-of-state public institutions.

Additionally, this program is authorized to offer supervised field study experiences (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) in South Dakota. Please be aware that there may be some restrictions on your ability to engage in supervised field study outside of South Dakota. Please contact a program representative if you have questions regarding supervised field study.

Distance education courses or programs will not be offered outside of the United States without prior written approval from the University, which may be withheld for any reason. If you are taking distance courses while physically located outside of the United States, it is your responsibility to confirm the following: (a) if the country will recognize an online degree; (b) the availability of supervised field study opportunities in the country; and (c) if the country charges any additional taxes, withholdings or fees associated with online distance education programs.

For more information, please visit USD’s State Authorization page or contact your admissions counselor.

Questions?

Department of Political Science
605-658-6755| publicadmin@usd.edu | usd.edu/grad-polisci

Graduate Admissions 
605-658-6140 | gradadmissions@usd.edu  | usd.edu/grad