Dec 05, 2025  
2025-2026 University Catalog 
    
2025-2026 University Catalog

Innovation for Public Service Certificate

Location(s): West Lafayette, Indianapolis


About the Certificate


The Innovation for Public Service Certificate program is designed to increase the number of engineering graduates entering the public service sector, contributing as technology leaders and innovators. The 16+ hour certificate is available to students from various STEM majors.

Requirements for the Certificate (16 credits)


Required Courses (1 credits)


1 credit hour of orientation seminar - Innovation for Public Service

Experiential Learning in Public Service (6 credits)


at least 6 credit hours or equivalent of in any combination of the following:

  1. Full-time internship or co-op in areas relevant to public service.
    • Internship with a public service entity. The internship should be full-time for a duration of 8-12 weeks, totaling 320+ hours of work experience. Students must register for a 0-credit internship course during their experience. The course requires student reflection and a performance evaluation completed by their supervisor
  2. Full-time summer research experience related to public service with a minimum duration of 8 weeks totaling 320 hours of work. Student must register for a 0-credit experiential learning course requiring reflection and a performance evaluation completed by their supervisor
  3. 6 credits of part-time research related to public service
  4. Boilers to go to D.C. Maymester Course
  5. EPICS related to public service (2 Credits required)
  6. Vertically Integrated Projects related to public service
  7. Spring Break Study Away in D.C.
  8. Approved project-based learning experience

Selective Courses (9 credits)


At least 9 credit hours of courses selected from the humanities/social sciences/policy area and the technical area, with at least one course in each area.

Humanities/Social Sciences/Policy Courses


Technical Courses


Program Learning Outcomes


Students participating in the Innovation for Public Service Certificate program will be exposed to a wide variety of career paths and opportunities affecting public policy. They will build connections with individuals from local and national government, policy research centers, and government agencies like the Department of State, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Energy, the National Security Agency, NASA and many more. Students will be supported in connecting with meaningful professional experiences, which will enhance their resume and set them up for careers positively impacting the citizens of our nation and world.

Keywords


Public Service, Policy, Innovation, Government

Pre-Requisite Information


For pre-requisite information, log in to mypurdue.purdue.edu and click here.

Disclaimer


The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Consultation with an advisor may result in an altered plan customized for an individual student. The myPurduePlan powered by DegreeWorks is the knowledge source for specific requirements and completion.

Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.