Student Directory
Science, Technology, and Public Policy (STPP) Graduate Certificate Program
Overview
The Graduate Certificate Program in Science, Technology, and Public Policy (STPP) is part of the Program in Science, Technology, and Public Policy at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at University of Michigan. It is designed for students already enrolled in a graduate degree program at the University of Michigan. It can be combined with a Master's or a doctoral degree in any field. We welcome applications from students throughout the university.
The STPP Program will prepare students to: 1) contribute, as scientific or technological experts themselves, in the science & technology policymaking process; 2) engage in science & technology policy analysis (through thinktanks, industry, or academia); and 3) participate in the politics and policy of science & technology (as government officials or members of non-governmental organizations).
The certificate requires 15 credit hours of course work designed to teach students:
- How science and technology are influenced by politics and policy
- The role of science and technology in the policymaking process
- Methods and tools for science and technology policy analysis
- The political and policy landscape of specific science and technology areas such as biotechnology, information and communication technology, and energy policy.
Please visit the Science, Technology, and Public Policy (STPP) Homepage for more information about the program, as well as research, postdoctoral fellowships, seminars and conferences.
For information about the STPP graduate certificate application process, please click here.
Coursework
The STPP certificate requires 15 credit hours of coursework, including three core courses and 2 electives of the student's choice. These courses can be taken in any order.
Required STPP Core Courses:
Introduction to Science and Technology Policy Analysis (Offered in Winter) |
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Research Seminar in Science, Technology, and Public Policy (Offered in Winter; students must enroll in 3 credit option) |
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PubPol 585: |
This course focuses on the political environment within which policy analysis takes place. In the United States, public policies are formulated and implemented in a political system of widely-shared power by participants with many different, and often conflicting, goals. To be effective, policy analysts and public managers must understand this political system. The goal of this course is to provide the student with some of the background necessary to develop strategies for dealing effectively with the political environment of policy and administration. |
Electives: Students can choose two electives from among a variety of courses offered across the university, and listed here.
Students will also be expected to attend the STPP Seminar Series (which will likely be held every other Monday afternoon, 4-6PM.)
In some cases, students may want to "double-count" courses that they are already taking as part of their graduate coursework requirements. According to Rackham, 6 of the 15 credits required for the certificate can be double-counted with other requirements. The rules for double-counting 
are slightly different for students enrolled in Master's programs. Click here for more information.
Completion of Program
Once all requirements have been fulfilled, all certificate students must complete a graduation application (former Degree/Diploma application or "Blue Card") in order to receive their certificate. Starting Winter 2006 term, these will be submitted by the student online via Wolverine Access (under Student Business - Apply for Graduation). Degree/Diploma application deadlines can be found at: http://www.rackham.umich.edu/OARD/mastersdeadlines.html
If a certificate student is in a Master's degree program or has received an embedded Master's along the way to their PhD, they must also complete a dual/joint degree course election form (available here on the Rackham website). This form is used to verify that the double-counting rules have been followed.
