Why Earn Your Certificate in Public Administration and Policy?

Broaden your opportunities with the skills, knowledge, and experience to promote positive change in collaboration with human rights groups, nonprofit medical centers, charitable organizations, schools, public media, and international organizations.

The Department of Political Science offers many options for students interested in the study of political science as well as programs that prepare students for rewarding jobs in government, public service, law, and other careers. Students can major in political science, minor in World Politics, Law and Justice, Practical Policy and Politics, obtain a certificate in Public Administration, or complete a five-year BA/MPP combined program.

At a Glance

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What Are My Career Options Studying Public Administration and Policy?

The program requires the completion of:
1. Three core skills courses in economics, statistics, and English
2. Five conceptual public administration and policy core courses (POLI 250, POLI 350, POLI 352, POLI 353, and POLI 354)
3. A part-time spring semester internship and its companion course (POLI 448), and one elective course, for a total of 32 credit hours.

With permission from a certificate program advisor, students may substitute courses from disciplines other than political science for some of the required POLI courses. Students fulfill the internship requirement and receive placement assistance through participation in the Political Science Department’s Policy, Politics, and Public Administration Internship Program (see the description in this handbook for additional information).

In most cases, admission to the internship program requires a 3.0 GPA and junior or senior standing; students not meeting these requirements should contact the Policy, Politics, and Public Administration Internship Program Coordinator prior to applying. See the Program Worksheets section at the end of this handbook for more information about certificate program requirements.

Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid

UMBC is committed to making a world-class education accessible to every student. We offer a range of financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans to help you manage the cost of your education. New and current degree-seeking undergraduates can explore institutional and departmental scholarships using our Scholarship Retriever tool, along with additional opportunities from external partners. Scholarships and financial aid can help cover tuition, fees, textbooks, and even housing and meals, ensuring you can focus on your studies and your future at UMBC.

2025–2026 Undergraduate Cost Calculator Financial Aid Scholarships

Ready to Apply?

Complete the Common App

Your first stop is the Common App. You can learn more about how to apply with the Common App here.

Request Supporting Documents

You’ll be required to submit your official transcript and international transcript (if applicable). You may also choose to submit standardized test scores and/or letters of recommendation.

Complete Scholars Programs and Visual and Performing Arts Majors Requirements (optional)

Applying to a Scholars Program or as a Visual or Performing Arts major? Be sure to research additional requirements and deadlines specific to the programs of interest to you.

Application Deadlines

GO TO THE COMMON APP VISIT UMBC ADMISSION TRANSFER CENTRAL

Contact Information

UMBC Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation Contact Information

Mailing Address

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
and Orientation
1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250

OFFICE LOCATION

Albin O. Kuhn Library
on the lower level next to Library Pond

Admissions Staff

410-455-2292

Available Monday through Friday, from
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

admissions@umbc.edu

Request Help

Email Undergraduate Admissions at Request Help.

Public Administration and Policy Upper-Division Certificate