Potential Careers
- City Manager
- Compliance Officer
- Fundraising Manager
- Nonprofit Administrator
- Policy Analyst
Drive positive change as a government or nonprofit professional.
Certificate
100% Online
12
1 year
If you’re passionate about making a positive impact, Widener’s local government & community change certificate will prepare you for a successful career in the nonprofit sector, at a civic organization, or in city, county, or municipal government.
As you complete your certificate 100% online, you'll focus on critical topics including public policy, advocacy leadership, economic development, local government administration, and more, you’ll develop the expertise you need to effectively serve your community.
Program Details
View the academic catalog for information regarding the certificate program requirements.
Complete the certificate in local government & community change and then easily transition to the master's degree in public administration. All completed courses will be automatically applied toward earning your master’s degree.
Certificate courses are offered at a significantly reduced rate, enabling you to cut the cost of your education.
Overall employment of public relations and fundraising managers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
per year (mean annual wage for a compliance officer)
At Widener, classes are taught by leading experts with rich experience in local government and community-based change. When all is said and done, you’ll complete the program with a network of faculty mentors by your side.
Earning a master’s degree will broaden your job prospects, enabling you to elevate your career and your impact. To help you start strong, all completed courses in the local government & community change certificate seamlessly roll into Widener’s master’s in public administration program.
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Widener transfer applicants follow the same application process as general applicants. After you apply, our admissions team will work with you to determine whether completed undergraduate and graduate coursework will count towards foundation/core courses that can be waived or substituted.
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey.
Learn more about applying as a international graduate student
Visa & financial aid assistance not available for online graduate programs including this one.
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
To visit Widener is to fall in love with the place. But don't take our word—experience it for yourself. Plan a visit to connect with our students, faculty, and staff.
We offer a variety of virtual events to get to know Widener and meet with faculty and admissions staff.
Have a question about Widener? Drop us a line and an admissions counselor will be in touch. We're always happy to help!
Visit our online application system to complete your app and share supplemental materials. There is a $35 application fee to apply to Widener.
Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013
Kapelski Learning Center
Room 229
Hyatt Hall, Office #320