The Graduate Certificate in State and Local Government Administration is a graduate-level certificate created to enable students to work in and with state and local government actors in a variety of contexts. The certificate’s curriculum includes courses in state and local governmental politics, finance and economics, and urban economy and development. By merging theory with practice, these courses provide a critical theoretical approach with real-world skills that can be implemented immediately in practice.
Why choose UM-Flint’s Graduate Certificate in State and Local Government Administration program
Flexible in-person and online course formats
To accommodate your busy schedule, UM-Flint’s Graduate Certificate in State and Local Government Administration offers an online learning option with hyperflex courses and an on-ground learning option. You may choose the format that best suits your lifestyle.
Prepare to lead your community
By providing courses in governmental finance and economics, state and local government, and urban economy and development, the certificate provides concrete skills from which public and private sector professionals can better interact with state and local governments and their communities.
Real-world experience
Our teaching faculty includes both academics and practitioners. We believe that there is ample desire and opportunity in the community for this type of education from those who want to better serve from the local and state governmental perspective as well as those who want to better understand local and state government.
Graduate Certificate in State and Local Government Administration curriculum
The certificate requires students to take 15 credit hours of graduate-level coursework in the area of state and local government. Refer to the Graduate Certificate in State and Local Government Administration curriculum for more information.
Career opportunities with a Certificate in State and Local Government Administration
A Graduate Certificate in State and Local Government Administration can open doors across public service, nonprofit leadership and policy-related roles. These positions focus on managing public programs, shaping policy and ensuring effective service delivery at the community level.
Common career pathways include:
- Government administration
- Policy and advocacy
- Community development
- Nonprofit leadership
How to apply to the Certificate in State and Local Government Administration
Admission requirements
Interested applicants to the Certificate in State and Local Government Administration program should meet the following requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Application process
To be considered for admission, submit an online application below. Other materials can be emailed to FlintGradOffice@umich.edu or delivered to the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library.
- Application for Graduate Admission
- $55 application fee (non-refundable)
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Please read our full transcript policy for more information.
- For any degree completed at a non-U.S. institution, transcripts must be submitted for an internal credential review. Read International Transcript Evaluation for instructions on how to submit your transcripts for review.
- If English is not your native language, and you are not from an exempt country, you must demonstrate English proficiency.
- Two letters of recommendation, preferably at least one from a professional reference and one from an academic reference (University of Michigan alumni are exempt from this requirement)
- Current resume or curriculum vitae
- Students from abroad must submit additional documentation.
Because this is a certificate program, admitted students are not eligible to obtain a student (F-1) visa to pursue this degree. Non-U.S. citizens residing outside of the United States may not complete this program online from their home country. If you currently hold a nonimmigrant visa and are residing in the United States, please contact the Center for Global Engagement at globalflint@umich.edu for guidance regarding your eligibility.
Application deadlines
Submit all application materials to the Office of Graduate Programs by 5 p.m. on the day of the application deadline. The Certificate in State and Local Government Administration program offers rolling admission with monthly application reviews.
To be considered for admission, all application materials must be submitted on or before:
- Fall: May 1 (guaranteed consideration*)
- Fall: Aug. 1 (if space permits)
- Winter: Dec. 1
Estimated tuition and cost
The University of Michigan-Flint takes education affordability seriously. You can learn more about our tuition for our program here.
Academic Advising
At UM-Flint, our dedicated advisors are happy to help you find your unique path to success. Book an appointment today to talk with our advisor about your plan to earn a master’s degree in public administration.
Learn more about the Certificate in State and Local Government Administration
Ready to advance your skills and become an advocate for social change? Apply today, or request information to learn more about our Certificate in State and Local Government Administration degree program!