Location: Portland, OR
Program: Program Evaluation & Policy Analysis Graduate Certificate
Website: https://www.pdx.edu/
The Graduate Certificate in Program Evaluation & Policy Analysis prepares you to design, analyze, and evaluate public programs and policies across government, nonprofit, and consulting settings. Rooted in economics, political science, public administration, and sociology, the curriculum blends theory with practice so you can make evidence-based decisions that advance equity, effectiveness, and accountability. Developed by PSU’s Department of Public Administration, this certificate draws on courses jointly administered with Politics & Global Affairs through the Master of Public Policy (MPP) and the NASPAA-accredited Master of Public Administration (MPA). Choose a pathway that fits your background—stack it with the MPA or complete it as a standalone credential. Program Highlights: Hands-on training in qualitative and quantitative methods, Policy analysis and program evaluation anchored in real cases, Culturally responsive and ethical evaluation frameworks, Flexible formats for working professionals, Stackable with MPA; open to other PSU master’s students. Program Evaluation and Policy Analysis: Why PSU? By completing this certificate, you will be able to: Connect social theory to evaluation practice and policy analysis. Apply culturally responsive and ethical approaches to research and evaluation. Design evaluations—including stakeholder engagement and data collection tools. Use qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze programs and policies. Communicate actionable findings for decision-makers and communities.