The Certificate in Public Planning provides students and professionals working in the public and nonprofit sectors with an online curriculum focused on geographic information systems, public administration, and public policy research. The theoretical and scientific training included in the certificate program allows students to enhance their skills in public planning, particularly in the areas of city/urban planning and state and local government.

Admission Requirements:
To be eligible for admission to the certificate program, applicants must meet all of the requirements for admission to the Graduate School (see “Admission to Graduate Degree and Certificate Programs”). All applicants must submit a statement of personal goals and two letters of recommendation from faculty or professionals familiar with the applicant’s academic training and potential for success in graduate school.

Courses Applicable Toward a Specific Concurrent or Future Degree Program:
Within parameters set by the Graduate school and Department of Political Science, courses taken toward completion of the Certificate Program in Public Planning may be counted toward the Master of Arts degree in Political Science or other related degree programs. However, acceptance into the certificate program does not guarantee placement into a graduate program. Students in the certificate program will be required to apply separately to any graduate program.

Degree Audit: The graduate plan of study is the EIU Degree Audit, which is generated automatically at the time of degree or certificate candidacy. Modifications of the standard EIU Degree Audit are submitted by the graduate coordinator to the certification officer in the Graduate School at the time modifications are approved. The Degree Audit serves as an unofficial summary of requirements for the program. Degree and certificate candidates are advised to review the comprehensive summary of the Degree Audit process specified on the “Requirements for All Degree and Certificate Candidates” section of the Graduate Catalog. Individual programs may require candidates to submit plans of study in addition to the Degree Audit, candidates should consult with the program coordinator.