Certificate programs
Criminal Justice
Criminal justice students study the causes of crime, treatment of offenders and management of the criminal justice system, with a focus on balancing social justice and individual rights.
Certificate programs
Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Students learn to manage the complexities of disaster planning and response and develop the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to natural disasters, domestic and foreign terrorist threats, ethical and constitutional issues and mitigating security hazards to improve public safety and prepare for future emergencies.
Learn more about our Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness program
Certificate programs
Public Administration
Nonprofit Management
Learn to lead, govern and manage nonprofit organizations collaboratively, thoughtfully and ethically. Earn this 15-credit certificate separately or simultaneously with the M.P.A.
Public management
Tailored for government and nonprofit professionals, this program allows you to gain skills in public administration without pursuing a full master’s degree.
MSW and Certificate in Nonprofit Management
The VCU Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Nonprofit Management (CPG-NMC) is a collaborative effort between the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government & Public Affairs and the School of Social Work.
Certificate programs
Urban and Regional Studies
Urban and regional studies/planning students learn to address challenges like urban sprawl, economic marginalization, ethnic and racial conflicts and environmental degradation. Wilder students partner with community organizations throughout Richmond, a historic and diverse city.
Learn more about our Urban and Regional Studies program
Certificate in Geographic Information Systems
The Certificate in Geographic Information Systems emphasizes the core functions and applications of GIS. It provides specialized training in the operations and techniques related to the creation, analysis, modeling, visualization, interpretation and management of geographic information. The GIS program prepares traditional students to utilize GIS in their major areas of study. Nontraditional students can also take advantage of the certificate program to learn and/or upgrade GIS knowledge and skills that are applicable and important to their professions.
Certificate in Sustainability Planning
The Sustainability Planning certificate teaches students how to create and implement plans and policies that help communities become more environmentally sound and sustainable. The program covers various aspects of sustainability, including social, environmental, political, and economic factors. The program focuses on applied research, addressing contemporary and real-world issues.
Certificate in Urban Revitalization
The Certificate in Urban Revitalization provides specialized training in the techniques and processes of city and neighborhood revitalization. Topics include adaptive reuse of buildings, historic preservation, real estate market analysis and the role of private-public partnerships in financing development projects.
Explore our degree programs
We offer interdisciplinary undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs at the intersection of scholarship and governance.
Undergraduate programs
At the Wilder School, we’re big enough to offer bold opportunities and small enough to provide true connections with our faculty experts, alumni network and school community.
Graduate degrees
United by a common drive to improve people’s lives through public leadership and public policy, we transform ideas into real-world solutions.
Certificate programs
Whether you imagine yourself tackling renewable energy, health disparities or criminal justice reform, we can help elevate your career in public service.