About the Program
The Public Policy and Advocacy (PPA) certificate and continuing education program is a professional development program offered by the Texas State University Department of Political Science’s Center for Research, Public Policy, and Training in partnership with the Professional Advocacy Association of Texas. Designed for current and future professionals in the government, nonprofit, and private sectors, the PPA program provides practical, ethical training for effective engagement in public policy and advocacy. Two paths exist for the completion of the program:
- Path 1: Current Texas State University undergrad or grad student as part of their Public Administration degree plan
- Path 2: External learner seeking certification awarded by Texas State University and the Professional Advocacy Association of Texas, potential micro credential and credit articulation via Continuing Education
Students who complete both 8-week sessions, will receive the Public Policy and Advocacy (PPA) certificate issued by Texas State University and Professional Advocacy Association of Texas (PAAT).
Find out which path is right for you:
Current TXST Students
Available to eligible Texas State students through a course equivalent.
Program Schedule
The program features a flexible hybrid format with two eight-week sessions, combining three Saturday seminars during each session with asynchronous coursework. Topics include policy fundamentals, ethics and compliance, strategic communication, coalition building, legislative processes, and leadership. All in-person meetings will take place at Austin Community College: Rio Grande Campus, 1212 Rio Grande St, Austin, TX 78701.
Program Highlights
- Instruction from Texas State faculty and experienced advocacy professionals.
- Guest speakers from the Texas Legislature, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
- Professional certificate awarded upon completion of both courses.
| Subject | In-Person Meeting Date | Online Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome and Syllabus Review | | August 19-22 |
| Foundations of the US Public Policy Process | September 5 | August 23-September 5 |
| Legislative Process and Effective Testimony | September 19 | September 6-September 19 |
| Leadership and Policy Strategy | October 3 | September 20-October 3 |
| Subject | In-Person Meeting Date | Online Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome and Syllabus Review | | October 8-10 |
| Ethics in Advocacy | October 24 | October 11-24 |
| Strategic Communication and Media in Advocacy | November 7 | October 25-November 7 |
| Interest Groups, Coalitions, and Political Network | November 21 | November 8-21 |
| Wrap-Up | | November 29-December 2 |
| Certificate Ceremony | December 5 | |
Thanksgiving Break is November 25-29.
Real-World Insights from Proven Policy Leaders
Experts share firsthand insights from their work in Public Policy and Advocacy, offering valuable real-world perspectives while creating opportunities for participants to build meaningful professional connections.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Helen Lowman at hal7@txstate.edu.