This 15-credit certificate program will provide a professional credential to students who have committed to taking a series of courses on American Government and Institutions, Colorado Politics and Government, and Public Administration, Management, and Policy.
Please contact Sam Houghteling at sam.houghteling@colostate.edu for any questions about the program.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will be able to:
- Identify and comprehend the institutional processes and politics of domestic governments including local, state and federal entities and agencies.
- Analyze the political claims and assertions made by political actors.
- Analyze the role of state and local actors in solving pressing contemporary problems, such as economic and environment issues.
- Discuss how the actions of state and local governments impact our daily lives.
- Demonstrate key management competencies necessary for success in public service leadership roles.
Effective Fall 2026
Additional coursework may be required due to prerequisites.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FOUNDATIONS I: Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| American Government and Politics (GT-SS1) | ||
| Introduction to Public Policy and Service (GT-SS1) | ||
| FOUNDATIONS II: Select one course from the following: | 3 | |
| Legislative Politics | ||
| Colorado Politics and Government | ||
| Urban Policy and Management | ||
| INTERNSHIP: Select 3-6 credits of internship credits: | 3-6 | |
| Practicum: Legislative Politics | ||
| Practicum: Government | ||
| Practicum: Civic Engagement | ||
| Internship – Washington DC Semester | ||
| ADVANCED COURSEWORK: Select enough credits to bring the Program Total Credits to a minimum of 15. | 3-6 | |
| Effective Leadership I: Success as a Leader | ||
| Effective Leadership II: Vision and Change | ||
| U.S. Political Parties and Elections | ||
| Politics of Organized Interests | ||
| Legislative Politics 1 | ||
| Colorado Politics and Government 1 | ||
| Public Administration | ||
| U.S. Environmental Politics and Policy | ||
| Washington DC Semester Seminar | ||
| Democratic Theory | ||
| Program Evaluation for Public Administrators | ||
| Urban Policy and Management 1 | ||
| Public Organizational Management and Behavior | ||
| Public Service Administration | ||
| Facilitation & Collaborative Problem Solving | ||
| Practicum: Civic Engagement | ||
| Program Total Credits: | 15 | |
- 1
Cannot be double-counted if used to fulfill the FOUNDATIONS II requirement.