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Online MPA Certificate Programs: Career Outlook

Build High-Value Skills to Advance Your Career

Finish in 9 months

Gain a global perspective

Advance in a growing field

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Move Into Top Leadership Roles

Social and Community Service Manager $74,000 per year1

Urban and Regional Planner $78,500 per year2

Administrative Services Manager $99,290 per year3

Government Program Manager $90,187 per year4

Elevate Your Career and Effect Meaningful Change

Earning an MPA certificate at Calvin University is the first step toward advancing as a leader in your field with the high-value skills and knowledge sought by top employers. With expertise in leadership, ethics, communication, and planning, you’ll stand out with a Public Administration or Nonprofit Administration Certificate.

Upon completion of your graduate certificate, you’ll be eligible to continue learning in Calvin’s full MPA program for further career development.

  • Complete your online MPA certificate program in one year and continue your studies to earn your master’s.
  • Study topics in public policy, leadership, communication, and policy analysis.
  • Experience a Christian, liberal arts education.

Urban and Regional Planner

$78,500/year2

Urban and regional planners oversee plans to develop communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize cities and towns. They collaborate with other public officials and meet regularly with developers and the public. These professionals also review site plans and conduct field investigations to analyze public needs.

Administrative Services Manager

$99,290/year3

Administrative services managers supervise office and clerical staff. They manage records and recommend changes to policies and procedures to help public offices run more smoothly. Individuals in these roles often coordinate and oversee a range of services and activities.

Government Program Manager

$90,187/year4

Government program managers are team leaders who use their expertise to strategically plan, manage, and assess projects under their supervision. These professionals find success with skills in leadership, finance, and analysis.

Program Outcomes and Skills Acquired

What You’ll Learn

Graduates of Calvin’s MPA certificate programs will demonstrate ability to:

  • Articulate and apply a Christian vision for public service across government, society, and the church.
  • Participate in, and contribute to, the policy process.
  • Analyze and synthesize data and think critically to solve problems and make evidence-informed decisions in a complex and dynamic environment.
  • Lead and manage in the public interest.
  • Communicate and interact productively and in culturally responsive ways with a diverse and changing workforce and society at large.

Skills You’ll Gain

  • Leadership
  • Ethics
  • Communication
  • Planning
  • Budgeting
  • Finance
  • Social Mobilization
  • Community Development
  • Data Visualization
  • Statistical Analysis

Career Support

We equip students to succeed on their life-long vocational path by determining their strengths, developing their skills, and discovering God’s call for their lives.

Résumé and Cover Letter Development

We help you navigate the process of developing a resume and cover letter in our Career Center.

Job Postings

Jobs and internships are posted on Handshake for all students to use in their job search.

Alumni Network

Our services extend to you until you retire. We are eager to connect you with Calvin students and graduates seeking networking contacts.

One-on-One Support

We focus on guiding each student based on their individual goals and strengths.

Sources:

  1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm.
  2. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/urban-and-regional-planners.htm.
  3. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/administrative-services-managers.htm.
  4. https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Government_Program_Manager/Salary.