COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES
Public Policy Analysis
CERTIFICATE
A Graduate Certificate in Public Policy Analysis enables you to analyze and shape public policy at the local, state, and national levels.
PROGRAM FORMAT
On Ground
duration
12 Months
Meets F1 VISA REQUIREMENTS
No
time COMMITMENT
Part time
Entry term(s)
Fall, Spring
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Relevant skills in public policy
From school boards to corporate boardrooms, 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 gives you the tools to analyze and shape public policy at the local, state, and national levels. As you progress through the program, you’ll 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.
Additional details
- 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 Oakland, 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.
Admissions dates
Fall Term
| Final deadline for international applicants | June 15 |
| Deadline for special student applicants (non-international only) | August 1 |
| Final deadline for domestic applicants (non-international only) | August 15 |
Spring Semester Entry
| Final deadline for international applicants | November 1 |
| Final deadline for domestic applicants (non-international only) | December 15 |
| Deadline for special student applicants (non-international only) | December 15 |
Admissions requirements
- Online 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.
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:
- Master of Science in Applied Quantitative Methods and Social Analysis—offered in Boston, Arlington, or online only
- Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice—offered in Boston or online only
- Master of Arts in International Affairs—offered in Boston only
- Master of Public Administration—offered in Oakland, Boston, Arlington, and online only
- Master of Public Policy—offered in Oakland, Boston, Arlington, and online only
COST OF ATTENDANCE
Tuition and financial aid
TUITION IN USD
$17,352
Read full tuition disclaimer
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.
Information sessions and tours
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Upcoming eventsSign up for virtual information sessions where you can meet Northeastern admissions staff, faculty, or even our Oakland campus dean. Find out more about our graduate programs, experiential learning in the San Francisco Bay Area, and get advice on preparing a strong admissions application.
On: Aug 04 -
Campus tours
Schedule an in-person tour and experience our beautiful Northern California campus for yourself. Meet our Oakland community, discover our world-class resources, and learn about the unique opportunities in the Bay Area’s thriving business ecosystem.
On: Jul 23
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.