Colorado State University’s Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) program has become the first graduate program at CSU to offer a stackable degree pathway, providing students with greater flexibility and career-focused learning options.
Stackable certificates are a series of shorter, focused credentials that can be completed individually or combined to build toward a full graduate degree. Designed with working professionals in mind, these certificates allow students to gain specialized skills, advance their careers, and earn college credit that can later be applied to a master’s degree — all at their own pace.
Each certificate features a non-overlapping curriculum, includes a minimum of 12 credits (making them eligible for financial aid), and is structured so that students can complete one certificate within a year.
Through the MPPA program, students can now pursue a specialized master’s degree by completing two stackable certificates and any remaining required MPPA courses. Available certificates include:
MPPA students can focus their studies in Public Policy and Management or International Policy and Management, creating a customized educational experience that aligns with their professional goals.
“We designed these two certificates to enhance professional skills that are currently in-demand, such as evidence-based decision-making, budgeting, leadership, and applied research,” says Allison White, Director of MPPA.
“The MPPA program was the first graduate program to offer interdisciplinary Accelerated Master Programs (AMPs, through which students can earn their BA and MPPA degree in as little as 5 years) and now has also pioneered stackable degrees. We will continue to innovate by designing degree programs that meet the needs of our students and a workforce that requires the type of cutting-edge skills that students hone in the MPPA program,” White continues.
To learn more about the program and stackable certificate options, visit the CSU MPPA program webpage.