Public Policy & Finance
Public Administration & Policy · School of Public Policy, Diplomacy & Humanitarian Studies
Hybrid
Washington, DC sessions and online learning.
Washington, DC
Planned hybrid learning from the nation's capital.
2 focus tracks
Public Policy Analysis · Public Finance
Certificate → MPA/MA
Stackable credential ladder.
Planned pathway and tuition
Start with a professional certificate and build toward a diploma, a BPA/BA and an MPA/MA. Titles: Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) or Bachelor of Arts (BA); Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Arts (MA).
- Professional Certificate3–6 months
- Diploma1 academic year
- BPA/BA3 academic years*
- MPA/MA2 academic years
*Bachelor's duration reflects NBU's accelerated hybrid learning model, subject to credit-hour and HELC/OSSE authorization requirements.
| Credential | Planned duration | Credits | Planned rate | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Certificate | 3–6 months | Program-specific | $100 per credit-equivalent, where applicable | Varies by program |
| Diploma | 1 academic year | 60 credits | $100 per credit | $6,000 |
| Bachelor’s degree (BPA/BA) | 3 academic years (accelerated hybrid model)* | 120 credits | $100 per credit | $12,000 |
| Master’s degree (MPA/MA) | 2 academic years | 60 credits | $300 per credit | $18,000 |
| Doctoral degree (flagship programs only) | Minimum 3 academic years | Program-dependent | Fixed tuition | $24,000 total |
Planned instructional tuition only. Technology, administrative, learning-resource, student-services, graduation and other fees may apply and have not been published. All figures are planning estimates, subject to HELC/OSSE authorization and to official adoption by NBU leadership before enrollment.
Doctoral study is planned only within flagship programs. The planned flagship doctorate in this school is the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public Policy & Leadership (Governance, International Development, Public Leadership), not a track of this specific program.
Choose your focus
Public Policy Analysis
A focus track within Public Policy & Finance, planned as part of this program.
Public Finance
A focus track within Public Policy & Finance, planned as part of this program.
Built for working professionals and global learners
- Hybrid delivery: attend from Washington, DC or online, designed for working professionals and international learners.
- Stackable credential ladder: start with a Professional Certificate and progress toward a Diploma, BPA/BA or MPA/MA.
- Applied, project-based learning across Public Policy Analysis, Public Finance.
- Part of the School of Public Policy, Diplomacy & Humanitarian Studies: Training public servants, diplomats, and humanitarian professionals to lead with purpose.
- Planned mentored internship from the first year, with a field mentor. See the model.
Where this can lead
NBU's catalog describes the School's planned programs as associated with government agencies, international organizations, NGOs, diplomatic services, and policy research institutions. These are illustrative of program design intent only, not placement guarantees, employment statistics, or promises of any career or salary outcome.
What you will be able to do
The outcomes below come from NBU's planned stackable certificates that lead into this program. Full course-level outcomes will be published as each course is finalized.
| Planned certificate (3–6 months) | Learning outcome | Career application | Course syllabus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Policy Analysis | Conduct a basic policy analysis | Policy analyst (entry-level) | Syllabus (PDF) |
| Public Finance Fundamentals | Interpret basic public budgets | Budget analyst support | Syllabus (PDF) |
Download program documents
Each course's syllabus, outcomes and program brochure are published here as they are approved.
Documents marked “coming soon” are being finalized. Ask us about this program.
Course syllabi
| Course | Credits | About | Syllabus |
|---|
Questions? We are glad to help.
Call (771) 241-9259 or write to info@nationbuilderuniversity.com. Tell us about your goals and we will point you to the right next step.