Public Management (Graduate Certificate)
Program Summary
Hybrid OR 100% Online
Credits: 15 total
Degree: Graduate Certificate
College/School: Schar School of Policy and Government
Start Date: 8/24/2026
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Program Description
The Graduate Certificate in Public Management at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government offers a variety of courses in public management including an overview of the operations required in public management and the processes that support them. This graduate-level certificate prepares you to succeed in managing today’s increasingly complex public and nonprofit organizations. The public management certificate program, made up of five courses, is designed for middle- and senior-level managers who want to expand their knowledge and skills but do not require the full 12-course MPA degree program.
Banner code: PP-CERG-PMG
Careers
As a Schar School student, you may also contact the Schar School Career Services for more career information and counseling.
Courses
Program requirements may change; please refer to the Public Management Graduate Certificate program page in the Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements. This program can be completed completely online or in a hybrid format.
New to online learning? Visit our Online Learning Tips and Strategies page to learn more about what to expect and how to succeed in an online course at George Mason.
Details
Who should apply?
The Public Management Graduate Certificate is specifically designed for middle- and senior-level managers who want to expand their knowledge and skills in public management without committing to the full 12-course Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. It is particularly relevant for professionals managing or preparing to manage public and nonprofit organizations and those seeking stronger skills in organizational leadership, public policy, program management, budgeting, human resources, and government operations
Tuition & Financial Aid
All of Mason’s tuition rates and fees can be found on our Student Accounts site.
Please Note: In addition to the tuition and fees described above, various course and lab fees may be assessed depending on the course(s) in which the student is enrolled. Please refer to the Students Accounts Office website for more information on tuition and fees.
For information on loans, visit the Office of Student Financial Aid. For information regarding merit scholarships and Regional Pricing, please inquire with your graduate department. Additionally, visit the Office of Military Services for information about Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA), a benefit for eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
If you have any questions during the application process, please contact [email protected] or (703) 993-8099.
Why choose George Mason?
With George Mason University’s prime location in the Washington, D.C. area, Schar School students gain access to leading scholars and practitioners closely connected to the epicenter of policymaking and public service, and the hub of the nonprofit sector.
The Schar School as a whole has 80+ faculty members, as well as hundreds of adjunct faculty, allowing students to gain access to a variety of perspectives and subjects through elective courses. Notable faculty members in the public policy program include Mirae Kim, Alan Abramson, Bonnie Stabile, Qian Hu, Terry Clower, and many more.
Ready to Apply?
Application Requirements
All applicants should review Schar School of Policy and Government Application Requirements. Those with international credentials should follow Schar’s International Applicant Requirements.
Application Materials
- Graduate application and fee
- 750-1000 word written statement of your goals and interest in the program
- Resume
- Unofficial transcripts from all previous institutions attended in the U.S. For international institutions, transcripts may be unofficial but should include cumulative transcripts, degree certificate, individual semester marksheets (if applicable), and diploma (if applicable).
- Please select “Degree-seeking” in the application portal if you are applying to a graduate certificate
If you have any questions during the application process, please contact [email protected] or (703) 993-8099.
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Contact
Program Website:
Public Management (Graduate Certificate)
School Contact
Schar School Graduate Admissions
Phone: (703) 993-8099
Email: [email protected]
Department Website:
