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College of Social Sciences & Humanities

Public Policy Analysis

Certificate

A Graduate Certificate in Public Policy Analysis provides you with the tools to analyze and shape public policy at the local, state, and national levels.

Program curriculum Explore College of Social Sciences & Humanities
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Program Format
On ground
Time Commitment
Part Time
Duration
12 Months
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Spring
Meets F1 visa requirements
No
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Program overview

Relevant skills in public policy

From a school board to a corporation’s board of directors, policymakers develop ideas and plans for the future, shaping businesses and government departments across the globe. To create more just and resilient cities, policymakers must be dedicated to studying and implementing equitable policies.

A Graduate Certificate in Public Policy Analysis provides an opportunity for students in a variety of graduate programs to obtain the tools necessary to analyze and shape public policy at the local, state, and national levels. As a student, you will gain an understanding of the political and legal processes of policymaking, develop the skills to conduct research on policy questions, and learn techniques for evaluating the effectiveness of competing policies.

  • This certificate is open to all students enrolled in Northeastern graduate degree programs who are in good academic standing (B or better GPA).
  • Earn your certificate in one year by taking courses in Arlington, with some courses available online.

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.


Fall Term Entry

Domestic and International In-country DeadlineAugust 15

Spring Term Entry

Domestic and International In-country DeadlineDecember 15

  • Application

  • Application fee

  • Personal statement

  • Resumé

  • Three letters of recommendation

  • Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended

    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)

  • English proficiency for international applicants

Program objectives

Prepare for success

You’ll learn the foundations of policymaking with a concrete understanding of the political and legal processes involved.

Develop expertise

Specialize your certificate with a variety of relevant courses available, from Big Data for Cities and Ecological Economics to Education Policy in the United States and Housing Policy.

Make an impact

Prepare to make an impact in real-world policymaking and take on new career opportunities by learning from our faculty of internationally recognized experts.

Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

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Degree building

Stack your certificate

Earning a graduate certificate is a fast and affordable way to acquire specialized skills while building toward your master’s degree. Upon completion of this certificate program, you may be able to apply your credits to an eligible master’s program, saving time and money on your degree.

Some of the eligible master’s programs for this certificate include:

Market outlook
Industry at a glance
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Occupations

Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $17,352
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

Visit tuition & financial aid

Total Cost of Attendance: This figure reflects the cost-per-credit pricing for the current academic year. The total cost of attendance is dependent on the pace at which students complete the program. Please visit the Student Financial Services site for a more detailed breakdown of pricing per credit and other program fees.

Studying in Arlington

A crossroads of tech, security, and policy

A man in a yellow sweater and a woman sit at a round table in a modern classroom with large windows. The Washington Monument is visible in the background. A red water bottle and a notebook are on the table.

Students interested in government, policy, tech, security, aerospace, and business will find a launchpad in Arlington. Located minutes away from Washington, D.C., Arlington offers career-boosting partnerships with industry leaders in the public and private sectors.

Learn more about our Arlington campus

9,000+

Northeastern alumni in the D.C. metro area

Northeastern alumni work at top companies in the region and can become valuable partners as you chart your career.

#1 

Best city for women in tech 

Arlington is a welcoming environment where anyone can thrive in tech, regardless of gender or background. (SmartAsset, 2022)

#1

Best state for business

Virginia's well-connected industries make it the ideal place for entrepreneurs and other business professionals to make their marks. (CNBC, 2024)