5-Course Certificate Programs

The Fels Institute offers five-course credit Certificates in Public Finance, Nonprofit Administration, Politics, and Economic Development and Growth. The certificates require a combination of core (required) courses and electives. Students may take electives anywhere in the university with pre-approval from the Fels advisor. Core course requirements for non-MGA certificate students should be taken in the Executive format on Saturdays. Elective course requirements may be taken by certificate students whenever the courses are offered.

Admission Requirements
Certificate applicants are required to complete the same application as MGA applicants but are not required to submit GRE scores. The certificate application requirements are:

* Application (To begin an online application, click here)
* Three letters of recommendation (at a minimum, one must be an academic recommendation)
* Personal statement (can be submitted as part of the online application)
* Official Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
* Non-refundable $70 application fee (checks made payable to “Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania”)

Students currently matriculated in the MGA program are required to apply for the Certificate program. Students must complete an application and personal statement, but will not need to submit any additional materials. Click here to download an application form.

For questions regarding the Certificate program, contact Michelle Garcia, Admissions Director, at garciana@sas.upenn.edu.