USM Social Dashboard »

Check out our new Social Dashboard to see other ways to stay connected across the USM community.

Certificate of Graduate Study in Social Policy Analysis

The Certificate of Graduate Study in Social Policy Analysis is designed for social service professionals, children's advocates, teachers, justice system personnel, union and community organizers, policy analysts, policy makers, political activists, planners, and others seeking a better understanding of the intersections between economics, social justice theory, and social policy analysis.

Social policy analysis uses the tools and analytic methods of public policy analysis to evaluate policy options for solving social problems, such as:

  • Poverty
  • Hunger and disease
  • Unemployment and under-employment
  • Delinquency and crime
  • Discrimination
  • Violence

In addition to addressing questions of economic efficiency and social justice, certificate courses also examine the impact broader social, economic, and political forces have upon various groups, particularly disadvantaged and at-risk populations.

The certificate is a stand-alone credential, or the credits can also be transferred into Muskie's Public Policy & Management master's degree program.

Apply Now

To apply, contact USM Graduate Admissions or visit the Certificate of Graduate Study website

For More Information

For more information, please contact:

Lisa Morris
Assistant Research Professor, Public Policy and Management
Phone: (207) 780-5786
lmorris@usm.maine.edu

Student Affairs Office
(207) 780-4864
mspssao@usm.maine.edu

To be eligible for application to the certificate program, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and have completed at least an introductory-level microeconomics course (or equivalent). Most of the certificate courses assume a basic understanding of microeconomics. If you have questions regarding the microeconomics requirement, please contact Dr. Lisa Morris at lmorris@usm.maine.edu or (207) 780-5876.

Required Courses

Select two additional courses from the following: