Degree
- Graduate Certificate https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/certificate-public-leadership/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/admission-grad-900×600-1.png
Format
- Hybrid
Contact
Earn a Certificate in Public Communication, Public Policy and Public Leadership from St. Mary’s
The Graduate Certificate in Public Communication, Public Policy and Public Leadership offers specialized course work that prepares students to succeed in the field of public service. The certificate program supports students seeking to engage the traditions and strengths of St. Mary’s University in policy, public service, communication and community leadership to advance the public interest, locally and globally.
Through a combination of courses with policy and communication emphasis, students gain marketable skills that increase their appeal as potential employees in government, nongovernmental organizations and business.
The certificate program is available to graduate students in the Public Administration or Communication Studies master’s programs and is intended to supplement students’ regular degree courses by offering an additional certification.
Certificate Program
The 15-credit-hour certificate program is designed for graduate students in the Public Administration and Communication Studies master’s programs:
Public Administration students will take 6 hours of Public Administration courses and 9 hours of Communication courses. Communication Studies students will take 6 hours of Communication courses and 9 hours of Public Administration courses.
Highlighted Courses
Courses will be offered online and in-person and may include:
- Applied Persuasion
- Ethics and Public Sector
- Leadership and Organizational Culture
- Policy Formulation and Implementation
- Public Administration and Policy
- Public Policy Analysis
- Public Relations Writing and Campaigns
- Topics in Communication Studies
Admission Requirements and Process
Interested applicants may apply via the St. Mary’s University online application. Students will also need to submit a statement of purpose and résumé/CV. The GRE/GMAT is not required for admission to this certificate program.
To discuss specific admission procedures and requirements for this program, contact the Office of Graduate Admission at 210-436-3101 or graduate@stmarytx.edu, or contact your Program Director.
Faculty
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Amanda Hill, Ph.D. Interim Chair of Communication Studies -
Katherine Hampsten, Ph.D. Professor of Communication Studies -
Céline A. Jacquemin, Ph.D. Professor of Political Science -
Camille Langston, Ph.D. Professor of Communication Studies -
Leona Pallansch, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Political Science -
Betsy Smith, Ph.D. Chair and Associate Professor of Political Science -
Arturo Vega, Ph.D. Professor of Political Science -
Kathe Lehman-Meyer Visiting Assistant Professor of Practice
Similar Programs
Master of Public Administration
- Master of Public Administration https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/certificate-public-leadership/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/admission-grad-900×600-1.png
Master of Arts in Communication Studies
- Master of Arts https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/certificate-public-leadership/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/admission-grad-900×600-1.png
Graduate Certificate in Digital Communication
- Graduate Certificate https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/certificate-public-leadership/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/admission-grad-900×600-1.png
Graduate Certificate FAQs
The Graduate Certificate in Public Communication, Public Policy and Public Leadership program is available to graduate students in the Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) or the online Master of Arts in Communication Studies programs. It is intended to serve as an additional certification to students already enrolled these master’s programs.
Can my certificate credits go toward a master’s degree?
The cost of the Graduate Certificate in Public Communication, Public Policy and Public Leadership is charged by credit hour. Check the Tuition and Fees page for current rates.
Some programs may qualify for financial aid. Prospective certificate students are encouraged to consult with the Office of Financial Assistance to understand the financing specifics.
How much does the certificate cost?
The Graduate Certificate in Public Communication, Public Policy and Public Leadership is 15 credit hours. The timing of the certificate program will depend on the course load and timing of your master’s degree plan. Check with the Program Director for more information.
How long does it take to complete the certificate?
The Graduate Certificate in Public Communication, Public Policy and Public Leadership program will be completed in a hybrid format, with a mix of virtual/online and in-person classes. Some courses in the program may be offered virtually (synchronously) or online (asynchronously). Virtual courses are taken remotely in real-time (with your professor and classmates via Zoom) on a scheduled class day and time. Online courses are not taught in real-time but include pre-recorded lectures, video uploads, class chats and individual meetings with professors.
Are courses in this certificate program offered online?
Learn More
We’re eager to hear from you and answer any questions you have! Feel free to reach out to learn more about St. Mary’s University.