Graduate Certificate in PACs and Political Management

The challenges of coordinated political action and campaign finance uncertainty make it more important than ever that professionally trained and savvy leaders manage political action committees. The graduate certificate program in PACs and political management is designed to give professional PAC managers the fundamental skill set to effectively run their organization's political action committee and successfully tackle the daunting realities of political finance and action. The graduate certificate in PACs and political management’s five-course curriculum provides the kind of flexibility today's political professionals want most - the ability to tailor course work to suit their particular goals while addressing their organization's needs.

The program was developed in close consultation with leading experts in the PAC, political action, and campaign finance arenas. The resulting certificate work addresses the gamut of skills and knowledge necessary for successful PAC operation, from issue advocacy to solicitation, from fundraising to grassroots campaigns, from budgeting to candidate selection. Like the other certificate programs offered by the Graduate School of Political Management, any student who completes the certificate and successfully applies to the master's program can count all 15 credits towards the political management or legislative affairs master's degree.

Visit the program website for additional information.

Adminssion Requirements

Article	Requirement
Admission deadlines:	Fall - July 1
	Spring - November 1
	Summer - April 15
Recommendations required:	Two (2) letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references; at least one academic reference for those who graduated within the last five years.
Prior academic records:	Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended should be uploaded to your online application. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission (https://www.naces.org/members.php).
	Transcripts from institutions outside the United States must be accompanied by an official transcript evaluation from an accredited independent evaluating agency. Please be sure you request a detailed, course-by-course evaluation that includes all course titles, credit hours, grade-point average (GPA), United States degree equivalency, and date of degree conferral. Please see the list of acceptable foreign credential evaluation services.
Statement of purpose:	In an essay of 250-500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study in this field and describe your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Also, discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, as well as any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned on the application form.
Additional requirements:	A resumé.
International applicants only:	International students requesting a student visa from GW are not eligible to apply for this program.

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:
College of Professional Studies – Office of Admission
George Washington University
805 21st Street, NW
Suite 301
Washington DC 20052
 

Contact for questions:
CPS Office of Admission
applycps@gwu.edu ~ 571-553-0025 (phone) ~ 202-242-1047 (fax)
8:30 am – 5:00 pm EST, Monday through Friday

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 15 credits, including 3 credits in a required course and 12 credits in elective courses.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Required
LGAF 6234	PACs and Congress
Electives
Two political management courses selected from the following:
PMGT 6410	Grassroots Engagement
PMGT 6412	Issues Management
PMGT 6450	Rules, Laws, and Strategy
PMGT 6454	Fundraising and Budgeting
PMGT 6472	Maximizing Social Media
Two legislative affairs courses selected from the following:
LGAF 6202	Legislative Politics
LGAF 6222	Parties and Elections
LGAF 6224	Interest Group Politics
LGAF 6260	Special Topics: Domestic Policy

See CPS regulations for additional information regarding enrollment status and time limits.