Certificate in Regulatory Policy and Practice
The Certificate in Regulatory Policy and Practice offers an immersive exploration into the multifaceted world of regulatory theory, policy, and practice. Through comprehensive coursework, students will:
- Examine the processes by which regulations are developed and learn analytical tools necessary for understanding the likely effects of alternative regulatory approaches.
- Explore the roles and motivations of parties involved in developing and implementing regulation, such as those shaping regulations, spanning governmental bodies, private entities, and non-governmental organizations.
- Develop a deeper understanding of the political landscape in which regulations are developed through selecting a specific policy area of interest.
This certificate is ideally suited for those who are interested in formulating or influencing regulatory policy as policy analysts in the executive or legislative branch at any level of government or involved in regulatory matters in the non-profit or private sectors. Some students in the program seek to expand their knowledge without wishing to commit to a master’s degree program. Others can use it as a springboard for other degree programs, especially the Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Public Policy (MPP) programs.
Certificate Benefits
Expand Your Knowledge
The Certificate in Regulatory Policy and Practice curriculum provides an overview of central concepts critical to be able to contribute to regulatory policy and practice and participate in the regulatory process.
Customize Your Studies
Students can combine the required course material with elective courses from other GW schools and departments. (Regular graduate tuition and fees apply.)
Experience D.C.
Enjoy all the benefits of a campus located in downtown Washington, D.C. GW students are in the heart of the capital, close to policy engines including the Capitol Building, the White House and countless think tanks.
Admissions Requirements
Students applying to the Certificate in Regulatory Policy and Practice program do not need to submit a GRE score. Applicants are required to meet the standards for admission to the MPA or MPP degree program. For complete admissions requirements, visit the GW Bulletin.
Relation to the Master's Programs
If students begin the certificate and decide to apply to either the MPA, MPP or Master of Arts in Environmental Resource Policy degree program, they must apply by the posted deadline and meet the admissions requirements of the program. Up to nine credits of certificate coursework taken prior to admission to a degree program will be accepted in the master’s program within two years of completing the course and if a grade of B or better was earned in the course. If students would like to have all 12 credits apply toward a degree, they need to apply and gain admission to the degree program before registering for their fourth course.
Course Requirements
Certificate students enroll in regular courses of the Trachtenberg School as well as other graduate programs around the George Washington University and earn graduate credit.
The certificate features three required courses and the selection of an additional elective course from a particular policy area of interest to help you gain the skills and experience you need. The additional elective can alternatively be used to enroll in a course to develop a deeper understanding of the political landscape surrounding the regulatory process.
The general requirements are detailed under the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Programs section of the University Bulletin.
The following requirements must be fulfilled, which reflect a combination of nine credits in required courses and three credits satisfied by an elective course. The below list of electives is not exhaustive. Students are welcome to take another graduate-level George Washington University course with Certificate advisor approval.
[Course list TK from Bulletin]