"Over the course of the Collaborative Governance Graduate Certificate Program, I learned academic theories pulled from a number of different fields. I learned how to think through the process of facilitating groups to work together for the common good, principles of negotiation, and how to improve interpersonal dynamics between individuals. I think this knowledge is transferable to any field and helpful for anyone in a role that involves collaborative processes."
—Maureen Hinman, Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives, Oregon School-Based Health Alliance
Admission
Requirements
For admission into the Collaborative Governance Graduate Certificate Program, applicants must meet Portland State University’s minimum graduate admission requirements, which include:
- Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or—if you have nine or more graduate credits—a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0.
- English language proficiency if your undergraduate degree is not from the United States, Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom.
For a full description of requirements, see PSU’s Office of Graduate Studies minimum admissions requirements webpage.
Application Process
Certificate-Only Students
If you plan to complete the full certificate and are not currently a PSU master’s or doctoral student, follow these steps:
- Apply for graduate admission through PSU's Graduate Admissions webpage. There is a $65 application fee.
- As part of your application, you’ll submit the following additional materials that are required by our program:
- One transcript from each post-secondary institution attended. (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable when you apply; however, you will need to provide official transcripts if you are admitted to the university.)
- A current professional resume.
- A statement of intent or purpose (300−500 words) summarizing your work and educational background, identifying your objective in applying to this program, outlining your academic interests and career goals, and describing the relevancy of the certificate to these goals.
- Two letters of recommendation from references speaking to your potential for academic success in a graduate program and your experience and potential in the practice of collaborative governance.
PSU Master’s and Doctoral Degree Students Seeking the Certificate
If you are currently enrolled full- or part-time in a master’s or doctoral degree program at Portland State University, you may add the Collaborative Governance Graduate Certificate by submitting the GO-19 Request for Change of Program form.
Taking Classes without Pursuing the Certificate
Anyone, whether a current student or not, can opt to register for one or more courses without pursuing the certificate. For existing students, these courses often meet degree requirements—check with your advisor to be sure, and register at PSU’s registration webpage. Non-students who have an undergraduate degree may also take individual courses without pursuing the certificate. To register for a course without pursuing the certificate, please contact cgcert@pdx.edu.
Application Deadlines
Below are the priority application deadlines for each term. After the priority deadline, applications will be accepted based on available space in the program.
- Fall: August 1
- Winter: November 1
- Spring: February 1
- Summer: May 1