What topics are typically covered in public policy courses?

Public policy courses cover a variety of topics essential for understanding and shaping public policies. These include the fundamentals of policy analysis, public administration , and political science . Learners will explore topics such as economic policy , social policy, and environmental policy. Advanced courses might cover areas like policy evaluation, public budgeting, and legislative processes. Practical exercises and case studies help learners apply these concepts to real-world policy issues, enhancing their analytical and decision-making skills.

How can I choose the right public policy course for my career goals?

Choosing the right public policy course depends on your current skill level and career aspirations. Beginners should look for courses that cover the basics of policy analysis, public administration , and an introduction to different policy areas. Those with some experience might benefit from intermediate courses focusing on specific policy areas like economic policy , social policy, and methods for policy evaluation. Advanced learners or professionals seeking specialized knowledge might consider courses on public budgeting, legislative processes, or preparing for certifications like Certified Public Policy Analyst (CPPA). Reviewing course content, instructor expertise, and learner feedback can help ensure the course aligns with your goals.

What career opportunities can I pursue with a certificate in public policy?

A certificate in public policy can open up various career opportunities in government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. Common roles include policy analyst, public affairs specialist, legislative assistant, and program manager . These positions involve analyzing policy issues, developing and advocating for policies, conducting research, and managing public programs. With the increasing importance of informed policy-making in addressing societal challenges, earning a certificate in public policy can significantly enhance your career prospects and opportunities for advancement in fields such as government, public administration, and policy research.

Best Public Policy Courses & Certificates [2025]

Explore the Public Policy Course Catalog

University of Michigan
Using Public Policy for Social Change
Skills you'll gain: Policy Analysis, Policy Development, Social Justice, Advocacy, Public Policies, Political Sciences, Health Policy, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Community and Social Work, Program Evaluation, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Research
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
133 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
Data Analytics in the Public Sector with R
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Plot (Graphics), Statistical Analysis, Data Presentation, Ggplot2, Program Evaluation, Policy Analysis, Surveys, Data Ethics, Data Analysis, Tidyverse (R Package), Statistical Visualization, R Programming, Statistical Methods, Public Policies, Data Visualization Software, Demography, Political Sciences, Public Administration
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
74 reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Michigan
Assisting Public Sector Decision Makers With Policy Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Statistical Analysis, Program Evaluation, Policy Analysis, Data Analysis, Statistical Methods, Public Policies, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Policy Development, Analytical Skills, Forecasting, R Programming, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Research Design, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
25 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
O.P. Jindal Global University
Ethics in Public Policy
Skills you'll gain: Policy Analysis, Social Justice, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Public Policies, Policy Development, Political Sciences, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Governance, Social Sciences, International Relations
4.2
Rating, 4.2 out of 5 stars
18 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Generative AI: Governance, Policy, and Emerging Regulation
Skills you'll gain: Governance, Data Management, Compliance Management, Generative AI, Regulatory Compliance, Artificial Intelligence, Stakeholder Management, Technology Strategies, Cost Benefit Analysis, Organizational Strategy, Risk Management, Business Ethics
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
32 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Indian Institute for Human Settlements
The Art and Science of Economic Policy
Skills you'll gain: Policy Development, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Public Policies, Policy Analysis, Behavioral Economics, Economics, Market Dynamics, Competitive Analysis, Governance, Program Implementation, Decision Making, Resource Allocation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
110 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

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Status: Free
University of London
Global Energy and Climate Policy
Skills you'll gain: Environmental Policy, International Relations, Energy and Utilities, Environment, Governance, Policy Analysis, Economics, Security Strategy, Electric Power Systems, Mitigation, Emerging Technologies, Stakeholder Engagement
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
687 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
University of London
Global Diplomacy – Diplomacy in the Modern World
Skills you'll gain: Diplomacy, International Relations, World History, Political Sciences, Policy Analysis, Social Sciences, Cultural Diversity, Intercultural Competence, Public Policies
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
5.2K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: New AI skills
Google
Google Data Analytics
Skills you'll gain: Data Storytelling, Rmarkdown, Data Literacy, Data Visualization, Data Presentation, Data Ethics, Interactive Data Visualization, Interviewing Skills, Data Cleansing, Data Validation, Ggplot2, Tableau Software, Presentations, Spreadsheet Software, Data Analysis, Data Visualization Software, Stakeholder Communications, Dashboard, Sampling (Statistics), R Programming
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
167K reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Epidemiology in Public Health Practice
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Public Health, Spatial Data Analysis, Data Presentation, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Geographic Information Systems, Health Policy, Chronic Diseases, Health Systems, Infectious Diseases, Biostatistics, Risk Analysis, Investigation, Community Health, Health Care, Data Analysis, Program Evaluation, Health Information Management, Health Informatics, Continuous Monitoring
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.4K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: AI skills
Microsoft
Microsoft Public Relations and Communications Associate
Skills you'll gain: Media Relations, Marketing and Public Relations, Editing, Content Development and Management, Stakeholder Communications, Stakeholder Management, Proofreading, Public Relations, Internal Communications, Integrated Marketing Communications, Crisis Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Content Creation, Target Audience, Marketing Communications, Communication Planning, Corporate Communications, Writing and Editing, Content Management, Public Affairs
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
102 reviews
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
IBM
Excel Basics for Data Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Excel Formulas, Microsoft Excel, Data Cleansing, Data Analysis, Data Import/Export, Spreadsheet Software, Data Wrangling, Data Quality, Pivot Tables And Charts, Google Sheets, Data Manipulation, Data Visualization Software, Information Privacy
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
9.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months