Combined Master's Degrees and Graduate Certificates

The Trachtenberg School partners with several other George Washington University departments to offer a variety of graduate certificate programs that students can earn concurrently with an MPA, MPP or MA-ESP degree.

Graduate certificate programs provide specialized study to help students expand their professional knowledge and skills. The certificate augments a Trachtenberg School master's degree with an additional credential that highlights an area of expertise.

Most graduate certificate programs available to Trachtenberg students require 12 hours of graduate coursework in a focused area of study. Students who are studying for an MPA, MPP or MA-ESP can “double count” some or all of those credits by using them as elective courses in their degree program. After completing both programs, students graduate with an MPA, MPP or MA-ESP as well as the graduate certificate.

Graduate Certificates Available to TSPPPA Students

MA-ESP and Graduate Certificate in GIS

The Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Geography offer a dual master of arts in environmental and sustainability policy (ESP) and graduate certificate in geographical information systems (GIS) program. The 12 credits earned for the certificate may be shared between programs, thereby decreasing the total number of credits normally required.

The program offers a multidisciplinary approach to environmental and sustainability studies, blending theory and practical experience with a curriculum that includes environmental economics, environmental law, public policy, research methods, and environmental science. Elective courses can be taken in almost any department at the University, including, but not limited to, biology, chemistry, geography, international affairs, public policy, economics, political science, engineering management and systems engineering, business administration, and public health. Students graduate prepared to enter environmental policy careers in government, nonprofit organizations, the private sector, and environmental advocacy groups. The GIS certificate curriculum guides students through all aspects of GIS theory and practice, from the science of cartography to analyzing geographical statistics to database design and geospatial modeling. Students are equipped with a solid grounding in geospatial theory and techniques as well as its practical applications.

MPA or MPP and Graduate Certificate in Budget and Public Finance

MPA or MPP students may apply to the Budget and Public Finance Certificate program and some courses can be counted towards both degrees. Please note you should submit the Dual Enrollment Application Form (PDF) before completing any double-counted courses but after no more than 50% of certificate requirement completion.  Please see the Budget and Public Finance Certificate website and contact your program and the certificate directors for more information.

MPA or MPP and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management

MPA or MPP students may also apply to the Nonprofit Management Certificate program and some courses can be counted towards both degrees. Please note you should submit the Dual Enrollment Application Form (PDF) before completing any double-counted courses but after no more than 50% of certificate requirement completion. Please see the Nonprofit Management certificate program website and contact your program and certificate directors for more information.  

MPP or MPA and Graduate Certificate in Data Science

Note that while we do not have a specifically approved program between the MPA program and the Data Science certificate, you can double count some credits from the Data Science certificate to the MPA if accepted into the certificate program. You would need to petition the university if interested. Contact your program director for more information.

The Graduate Certificate in Data Science (DATS GC) requires that students complete four courses (12 credits) comprising two required courses and two electives. Students enrolled in the program must complete the two DATS courses required for the GC. Students may then use PPPA 6020, PPPA 6021, or PPPA 8022, or any DATS course numbered 6000 or above, as electives toward the GC.

Only nine of the twelve credits required for the GC may be applied toward the MPP. Accordingly, students in the program must complete 43 credits to earn the dual MPP and GC in data science.

Students must satisfy all curricular requirements of the MPP degree. If they choose to use PPPA 6020, PPPA 6021, or PPPA 8022 as electives toward the DATS GC, they may not also apply (or "double count") more than one of these three PPPA courses toward the MPP Tools of Analysis requirement.

Please note you should submit the Dual Enrollment Application Form (PDF) before completing any double-counted courses but after no more than 50% of certificate requirement completion. Please contact the MPP program director for more details.

 

MPP or MPA and Graduate Certificate in Environmental Policy

MPA or MPP students may apply to the Environmental Policy Certificate program and some courses can be counted towards both degrees. Please note you should submit the Dual Enrollment Application Form (PDF) before completing any double-counted courses but after no more than 50% of certificate requirement completion.  Please see the Environmental Policy website and contact your program and the certificate directors for more information.

Application Process for a Master's Degree and Graduate Certificate

Students who wish to study for one of the graduate certificates in addition to completing the Trachtenberg School master's program must submit an application for Dual Enrollment. Please note you should submit the Dual Enrollment Application Form (PDF) before completing any double-counted courses but after completing no more than 50 percent of certificate requirements.

If you are interested in studying for a certificate along with your Trachtenberg School master's degree, you are encouraged to meet as soon as possible both with your degree program advisor and with the advisor for the graduate certificate program of interest to you. The advisors can help you identify the courses needed to earn both credentials and to plan your schedule in order to complete both concurrently.