Public policy leadership

Graduate microcredential
Online
delivery
Advanced
level
3
courses

Our world is shaped by the policies that govern us. Whether you’re interested in the environment, housing, energy or another sector entirely, creating meaningful change takes strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of the theories and frameworks that shape policy.

When you complete a graduate-level Microcredential in Public Policy Leadership online from Oregon State University, you’ll gain a historical overview of the theories that shape public organizations, including various influential models of bureaucracy. Learn how to effectively identify key issues, analyze their effects from various angles and discover how to apply an equity lens to your work. You’ll also develop your own authentic leadership style and be better prepared to lead change in the public sector.

Coursework (9 credits)

This is an advanced-level microcredential that is designed for those with previous experience in a subject. These offerings provide in-depth training so you can build specialized skills that will help you excel in your field. Often, advanced microcredentials require some prerequisite college courses.

A person wearing a bright yellow sweater is standing and holding a microphone while speaking to a group of people in a well-lit indoor setting.

Skills you’ll gain

The in-demand skills you'll develop as a student in this microcredential will give you what you need to stand out and level up in your career.

  • Policy analysis and evaluation
  • Policy implementation
  • Leadership

Additional details

Oregon State microcredentials consist of at least three courses and 8 credits that follow OSU’s quarterly term calendar. All microcredentials are delivered online and some microcredentials may be offered on campus. All course credits used to complete a microcredential must be completed at Oregon State and transfer credit and placement tests may not be used toward microcredential course credits. Read other important microcredential details » 

Microcredentials allow you to gain specialized skills in focused subject areas in less time than it takes to complete a full degree or certificate program. Typically, you can complete a microcredential in nine to 12 months. All microcredential courses follow the same term schedule as on-campus courses and are not self-paced. Learn more about course delivery methods »

Once you complete all classes in this microcredential, you'll receive a digital badge from Oregon State University. You can add the digital badge to your résumé and on LinkedIn, GitHub or other social media profiles. It provides employers with proof of the skills and discipline-specific knowledge you gained from the microcredential. Oregon State's digital badges are issued by Credly, the world's largest digital credential network.

Completing a microcredential is dependent on course availability, term offerings, course sequencing and any required prerequisites. Connect with the OSU Ecampus enrollment services team to better understand when courses in this microcredential are delivered to help you create a timeline for application and enrollment. You can also explore the schedule of classes to preview course availability.

  • Apply to earn a microcredential as a current student: If you’re a current OSU student interested in pursuing a microcredential online, please submit this form. Note: You must complete at least one of the microcredential courses after having been accepted into the microcredential.

You can find detailed tuition information for microcredential offerings on the tuition rates webpage. Please note: If you are pursuing a standalone microcredential as a nondegree student, you will not qualify for federal financial aid.

If you are pursuing a microcredential as a current student in an OSU degree or certificate program, you will be charged your program's tuition rate (if differential tuition is applicable). 

Earning a microcredential is a great way to develop a skill set that current and future employers are looking for. If your employer offers a tuition benefit program, you may be able to enroll online with Oregon State and receive a tuition scholarship that makes your student experience more affordable. You can also learn about the organizations OSU collaborates with to offer direct tuition benefit programs for online learners.

Please contact Professor Brent Steel at bsteel@oregonstate.edu to learn more about the microcredential requirements and enrollment process.

Once you complete a microcredential in public policy leadership, you can apply the 9 credits you earn directly toward Oregon State’s online graduate certificate in public policy analysis and/or Oregon State's online Master's in Public Policy degree.

To stack a graduate microcredential(s) into a graduate program, please review policies governing all graduate programs. Specifically, up to 22 graduate credits may be transferred toward a 45-credit master's degree. Up to 9 graduate credits may be transferred toward an 18-credit graduate certificate.

If you plan to apply these credits toward either program, we encourage you to first contact the program to learn about the requirements. Please note that acceptance into a microcredential does not guarantee acceptance into a graduate certificate or degree program.