Public Administration PUBAM.S.STC

Short-term Certificate - 18 Credit Hours

Division: Liberal Arts, Communication and Social Sciences
Department: Political Science
Effective as of Fall 2026

What is the program about?

A short-term certificate in Public Administration engages students in learning political systems, processes, and organizations of governments and non-profit institutions. The study of public administration as a specialty of political science provides one with the concepts, theories, and methods necessary to analyze policy and optimize implementation. These tools serve as an underpinning for a level of civic engagement constructed around critical thinking and cultural literacy, and can be applied in a wide range of careers including government, law, business, international organizations, nonprofits, and teaching.

Program Outcomes

Articulate knowledge of public policy and administration in the context of political structures, actors, and processes in various local and national settings.
Apply the knowledge of public policy and administration to the understanding of contemporary political, social and economic issues.
Demonstrate ability to think logically and solve problems using analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of public policy process and the ramifications and unintended consequences of processes as they are implemented.

Career Opportunities

These course serve as an underpinning for a level of civic engagement constructed around critical thinking and cultural literacy, and can be applied in a wide range of careers including government, law, business, international organizations, nonprofits, journalism, and teaching.

Additionally, there is an impending shortage of people in civil service careers as the current population is aging out of the workplace. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 575.000 jobs openings in state and local governments alone with only 195.000 qualified hires.

Transferability

Potential articulation agreements / Guided Pathways could be made with the following local programs
Miami Univ. Menard Center for Democracy
University of Cincinnati Portman Center
Wright State / Wright Path
Ohio State
University of Dayton / Sinclair Academy

Curriculum

Course	Title	Credits
COM 2286	Public Relations Principles	3
PHI 2206	Introduction to Ethics	3
PLS 1120	American Federal Government	3
PLS 1232	State & Local Government	3
PLS 1301	Public Administration	3
PLS 1302	Public Policy & Practice	3

- View the Master Syllabus - View the Course Schedule

Program Accreditation Information

Discipline-specific accreditation is not a factor for this certificate

This information is for planning purposes only. Sinclair College will make every effort to offer curriculum listed above but reserves the right to change, add and cancel curriculum offerings for unforeseen circumstances.