Science Policy Certificate

The purpose of the Graduate Certificate in Science Policy is to bridge the fields of public policy and scientific study in order to improve the creation and implementation of federal policies related to scientific research and the governmental functions that oversee the research. Science students bring a wealth of technical knowledge, but are not often fluent in the language and implementation of federal policies. Policy students have knowledge of government operations, but do not often have the technical knowledge needed to properly interpret scientific data and to implement science-based legislation.

Through this certificate, students will learn:

• How scientific research is guided by the government through policy-based considerations such as funding.
• How research is prioritized and overseen by federal agencies.
• To use scientific analytical skills to interpret polices and government functions.

Students will be prepared to read and draft polices distributed and enacted by federal and state governments. Graduates of this certificate program will be able to serve as liaisons between the scientific and political communities in order to assist in scientifically-informed policy making. Graduates will also be able to interpret federal budgets and use that information to influence policy decisions.