Online and On-Campus w/Online Courses
Program Available
Graduate Certificate
Program Type
Total Credits
12
Affordability
Private School Education At State School Prices
Why Study Public Service Leadership?
The public service leadership program provides a critical foundation for professionals seeking to strengthen their ability to lead in local government and public agencies. This Graduate Certificate in Public Service Leadership development offers the knowledge and skills to set goals, foster communication, encourage collaboration, and engage in ethical decision making within the public sector.
What You’ll Learn
- In the Graduate Certificate in Public Service Leadership program, you will understand organizational leadership theory and its real-world application in public service.
- You’ll examine the role of ethics in public leadership and decision making.
- The graduate certificate in Public Service Leadership explores how political and social environments influence public sector organizations.
- During the program, you will study current trends in public administration and their impact on leadership practice.
- You’ll learn directly from instructors with advanced degrees and decades of real-world experience in government service.
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Tuition & Fees
Park University offers a transparent and student-focused approach to tuition and financial aid. Our tuition structure is designed to be competitive and manageable, and our financial aid counselors are available to guide you through every step of the process. From understanding your cost breakdown to exploring funding options, we ensure that financial planning is clear, personalized, and aligned with your educational journey.
Admission Requirements
Park University’s graduate certificate programs are designed for professionals looking to deepen their expertise. To apply, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 2.75. You can pursue a certificate on its own or alongside a graduate degree—with your advisor’s approval. Keep in mind that certificate admission doesn’t automatically grant entry to a full graduate program. To earn the certificate, you’ll need to maintain a 3.0 GPA and complete 75% of the program coursework at Park to meet the residency requirements.
Visit Admissions Policies and Procedures to learn more about admission requirements at Park University.
Public Service Leadership Career & Future Opportunities
This program is especially suited for professionals in local government agencies. Graduates of the leadership and public service certificate program are prepared to advance into leadership roles throughout the field of public service, including:
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According to internal Hauptmann School surveys, about one-third of students who complete graduate certificates at Park go on to pursue the MPA degree.
*General salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education and opportunities for employment that are outside of Park University’s Control. The labor market and average salary range can be explored further at the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
FAQs: Public Service Leadership Graduate Certificate
The certificate prepares you to prepare for leadership roles in local government, nonprofit organizations, and other public agencies. It will help you build the skills needed to manage teams, make ethical decisions, and adapt to changing policy environments.
All courses are taught by faculty with both advanced academic credentials and practical government experience. You’ll learn to apply theory directly to real-world scenarios in city and agency leadership.
Yes. The certificate is offered fully online, giving working professionals the flexibility to balance education with demanding careers in public service.
All four courses in the graduate certificate can be applied toward Park University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA). Completing the certificate leaves just eight additional courses to finish the MPA degree.
Ready To Take The Next Step?
Class Start Dates: Term Dates