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Public Planning Certificate

The online certificate in Public Planning offers students and professionals in public/nonprofit sectors, campaign management, and lobbying careers with advanced analysis and decision-making tools. The certificate combines coursework in Public Administration and Public Policy with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), providing essential mapping analysis experience.

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Public Planning Certificate

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Degree Level
Certificate
Delivery
Fully Online / In Person
Time to Degree
4 Semesters
Credit Hours
18 Total, 18 in Major
Careers
Executives, Officers, General, Managers
Public Planning Certificate students at EIU

Why Study Public Planning Certificate at EIU?

  • Study urban and regional planning fully online
  • Learn from Political Science and Geography faculty
  • Experience mentorship and other opportunities from engaged faculty
"From the moment I stepped onto campus, every professor, staff member, and student I encountered treated me with such genuine warmth and respect, as if I were already a valued member of their community. Despite not having officially joined the EIU family, I immediately felt a deep sense of belonging. The atmosphere was one of comfort and inclusivity, where everyone seemed genuinely invested in my success and well-being."
Abbey McCord
Public Planning Certificate | Class of 2025
Abbey McCord, Public Planning Certificate at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Project-based coursework
  • Collaborative learning experiences
  • Opportunities for internships and applied work
Hands-On Experience, Public Planning Certificate students at EIU

What You'll Learn

This certificate combines coursework from the online M.A. in Public Administration and Public Policy with graduate courses in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), providing an excellent foundation for growing careers in urban and regional planning, city management, campaign management, and any career requiring advanced analytical tools. This certificate requires 18 credits, but for current students earning the M.A.

View in Catalog
$206,420
Median Salary 4 Years After Graduation

Career Outcomes

  • Chief Executives
  • Chief Sustainability Officers
  • General & Operations Managers
  • Legislators
  • Transportation, Storage, &…
  • Supply Chain Managers
  • Postmasters & Mail Superintendents
  • Social & Community Service Managers
  • Regulatory Affairs Managers

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Openings · Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Considerable (4/5)
Personality Fit Enterprising

Financing Your Degree Under the 2026 Rules

Federal graduate lending changed on July 1, 2026 - Grad PLUS loans ended for new borrowers and new federal borrowing caps now apply to graduate students. Here's why the math still works at EIU:

Estimated total for this degree: ~$8,262 (tuition and fees)

  • ✓ That's only about 8% of the new $100,000 lifetime graduate borrowing limit - leaving room for whatever comes next in your career.
  • ✓ A typical full-time year here runs about $8,262 - well under the new $20,500 annual federal loan limit. Annual limits are reduced in proportion for part-time enrollment.
  • ✓ Working? If your employer offers it, they can provide up to $5,250 per year tax-free toward your education.

Estimates use 2026-2027 Illinois-resident tuition and fees and typical full-time enrollment. Your actual costs and aid depend on your program, enrollment, FAFSA, and prior borrowing. Students who borrowed for the same program before July 1, 2026 may have different limits.

Talk to EIU Financial Aid → Read about the 2026 federal aid changes
8% of lifetime limit

$8,262 total, just 8% of your $100,000 federal graduate borrowing limit

Connect With Us

Jin Hong Kim
Assistant Professor, Grad Coordinator, Interdisciplinary Civic & Nonprofit Leaderhip Minor Coordinator
jhkim2@eiu.edu
2325 Coleman Hall
217-581-6966
Jin Hong Kim Message Jin

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or email jhkim2@eiu.edu directly
Jeffrey Ashley
Professor & Undergraduate Advisor, Political Science
jsashley@eiu.edu
Jeffrey Ashley Message Jeffrey

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or email jsashley@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

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or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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