Local Government Management Certificate

The Local Government Management Certificate offers students the opportunity to gain additional preparation for positions in either local government or nonprofit sector. A majority of the faculty in the Department of Public Administration have expertise related to local government management, and, as demonstrated by their teaching, research and service activities and accomplishments, understand the need for advanced study of local government issues. This preparation enables our graduates to compete successfully for academic appointments, positions at research or clinical institutions, and placements in human services and industry.

Related Graduate Program

• Master's in Public Administration (MPA)

Application Deadline

The certificate application deadline is rolling.

Admission Requirements*

Applicants must submit the Graduate School's required admission materials:

• Online graduate degree application and application fee
• Official transcript(s) from each college/university at which you earned a degree (Current Binghamton University graduate students or individuals also applying to a master's or doctoral program at Binghamton University do not need to submit transcripts with their certificate application.)

Important note: Funding is not available to non-degree students completing certificate programs. Certificate students are not automatically admitted to master's or doctoral programs. They must meet the admissions requirements of those degree programs and be accepted. Students may concurrently apply for a certificate and a Binghamton University graduate degree program. However, a student cannot be awarded a certificate twice, nor can a student apply work for one certificate to a different certificate. Learn more about graduate certificate programs.

Additional Application Materials

• Completed application for the Local Government Certificate program
• Resume
• One-page personal statement that addresses why you are interested in the program

Application materials will be reviewed in total to assess whether applicants bring the necessary skills and experiences to succeed in the program.

Applicant Qualifications

Applicants not already enrolled in the MPA Program must meet the following criteria:

1. A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
2. An undergraduate grade point average of 3.0

Prospective students who do not hold or are not currently enrolled in a master's degree program must have two or more years of experience as a volunteer or paid staff member in local government.

*This information is subject to change. While we make every effort to keep it accurate and up-to-date, we recommend you contact the department for program-specific requirements.