Program overview
Learn about administration in all 3 levels of government, as well as in non-profit and quasi-governmental organizations with Athabasca University’s online University Certificate in Public Administration.
The program includes courses in
- communications
- public finance
- budgeting
- economics
- public policy
- legal studies
- human resources management
- industrial relations
- Indigenous studies
Why take the University Certificate in Public Administration?
If you are looking to enter or re-enter the job market, change careers, or get promoted in the public or non-profit sector, this certificate may be of interest to you.
Routes and options
Ladder to a degree
With additional study, or credit for work experience, credit earned in this certificate program may be transferred into the Bachelor of Professional Arts, Governance, Law and Management Major program.
Completion times
Finish this program in as little as 1 year of full-time study, or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion.
Admission requirements
There are no formal admission requirements for this program. All you need is to be 16 or older. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education.
How to apply
You can apply to AU online anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.
Make sure we get your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.
Transfer and advanced credit
If you have previous post-secondary education or significant life and work experience that relates to this program, you may be eligible for transfer credit or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This could mean fewer courses to get your AU certificate.
If you transfer credit, you must complete a minimum of 15 credits at AU.
Program requirements
To complete the program you will need to fulfil all the requirements of the certificate.
Our program plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you’ll take them in. If you’re feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.
Required courses
Detailed information about courses in this program can be accessed using the following link:
Tuition and fees
Once you have paid the initial application fee, tuition is pay-as-you-go for each course registration. Course fees vary depending on your location and other factors.
You can estimate your total program cost by multiplying the cost of a 3-credit course by the number of courses you need to take for the program. Remember that tuition costs may increase each year.
Program learning outcomes
As a result of completing this program, students will demonstrate the following competencies:
- demonstrate a basic understanding of issues related to the interactions of business, government, and the third sector
- demonstrate entry-level administrative skills for use in government and not-for-profit sector organizations
- communicate ideas in a clear, logical, and consistent manner
- achieve a sufficient understanding of background and context that can be used systematically in government or not-for-profit administration
- draw upon a wide range of evidence to create detailed yet clear proposals and arguments
- be depended upon to successfully plan for and solve problems
- demonstrate insight and be adaptive in using experience to improve practice
Continuing education
As a result of completing this program, students will demonstrate the following competencies:
- demonstrate a basic understanding of issues related to the interactions of business, government, and the third sector
- demonstrate entry-level administrative skills for use in government and not-for-profit sector organizations
- communicate ideas in a clear, logical, and consistent manner
- achieve a sufficient understanding of background and context that can be used systematically in government or not-for-profit administration
- draw upon a wide range of evidence to create detailed yet clear proposals and arguments
- be depended upon to successfully plan for and solve problems
- demonstrate insight and be adaptive in using experience to improve practice
Possible further education options
At Athabasca University
* Note that Master’s and post-gradate level credentials typically require an undergraduate degree such as our BPA – GLM degree.
At other educational institutions*
- undergraduate or graduate studies in business, political science, or other related/unrelated disciplines
- law
- journalism
- police studies
- education
- library science
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
* Master’s and post-graduate level credentials typically require an undergraduate degree as do some professional programs. Entrance requirements vary among educational institutions. It is the student’s responsibility to research the entrance requirements of other educational institutions.