Certificate and Minor in Federal Policy and Management

What exactly is the Federal Policy and Management certificate and minor (FEDPM)?
FEDPM certificate and minor are graduate programs designed for students interested in living, learning and working in the nation’s capital. FEDPM features specialized coursework in the dynamics of the federal policy environment and inner workings of Washington, D.C. It is a 13 credit-hour program featuring a required internship component, academic coursework and professional development. FEDPM is designed to prepare students for employment with the federal sector and its stakeholders.

Many graduate students are interested in a Washington career but face difficulty navigating the job market from Columbus. FEDPM provides the pathway for students to gain professional experience in D.C. and exposure to public policy and management, which will complement their unique competencies.

What is the difference between the certificate and minor? Which one is the best fit for me?
The programs are identical. The minor is for currently enrolled Ohio State graduate students. The certificate is for people who have an undergraduate degree and are not currently enrolled in a degree-granting program at the university.

Are currently enrolled Glenn College students eligible?
No. According to the Graduate School Handbook, Section 8.4, graduate minors are designed for students to obtain outside of their major graduate program.

I am a graduate of the Glenn College; can I participate?
Graduates of Glenn College undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to participate in the certificate program.

Are there any prerequisite requirements?
There are no prerequisites; however, the program requires pre-departure coursework before the summer semester in Washington.

When is the program offered?
Students will complete pre-departure coursework in Columbus or online, depending on their preference, to increase accessibility for students. Students are required to be in-person in Washington for their internship and summer semester.

When is the application deadline?
Preferred application deadline is Sept. 1 for participation the following summer. (For example, students seeking to intern in Washington in summer 2022 should apply by Sept. 1, 2021, in order to complete pre-departure coursework before they begin the internship placement process.)

Is there a program fee?
At this time, there is no additional fee administered by the Glenn College to participate in FEDPM.

Where will I live during my stay in Washington?
Students will secure housing in Washington on their own; however, Glenn College staff can share resources to support them in navigating their housing search. Washington offers a wide range of short-term housing options for a variety of needs.

What is the admissions process for the FEDPM program?
The selection process for the FEDPM program is competitive. Interested students should apply online; the application components are outlined below. Shortly after application submission, candidates may be asked to interview with a member of the John Glenn College’s D.C. Office. The objective of the interview is to better understand candidates’ interest and ensure their professional goals are aligned with the structure of the FEDPM minor or certificate. A completed application includes:

• Application form
• Transcripts
• Resume
• Personal statement, including how the minor or certificate in FEDPM advances your professional goals; why you would like to participate; and where you would like to intern in Washington and why
• Letter of recommendation

Who should write my letter of recommendation?
The person chosen to write the recommendation letter should be familiar with the student's professional and/or academic capabilities, along with the student's motivations for applying to the program and how completing the program advances the student's professional goals. Because the letter of recommendation is used for both the FEDPM program and the Washington internship, recommenders should be informed that they are serving as a reference for both.

How will I be assessed for admission to the program?
Candidates will be assessed on their academic ability and demonstrated interest. Academic ability is assessed based on GPA and academic record. Demonstrated interest is assessed via essay and interview responses to demonstrate the candidate’s strong interest in federal policy and management as a complement to their field of expertise and/or career in the federal government.

• Can the candidate succeed in coursework required of FEDPM? This criterion is assessed based on GPA and academic record.
• Does the candidate demonstrate strong interest in federal policy and management as a complement to their field of expertise and/or career in the federal government? This criterion is assessed based on responses to essays and the interview.

How does internship placement work?
While participants of FEDPM are ultimately responsible for securing their internship placement, they are provided a significant level of support in the process. As part of the minor and certificate requirements, students will take Public Affairs 6540: Professional Competencies for Post-Graduate Life, a foundational course that connects students to information, resources, alumni and career development.

Students are encouraged to find placements foremost in federal agencies; Congressional offices, committees and think tanks are also potential internship sites.

Will my internship be paid?

The Glenn College expects graduate and professional students to secure paid internships, but this is a matter of personal circumstance. Students might be able to use external funding, should that be available to them through their respective department or other sources.

What kind of support can I expect once I arrive in Washington?
The Glenn College invests in academic programming and in-residence support for students. Three faculty and staff work full-time in Washington at the Hall of the States near the U.S. Capitol to provide students, and our partners, with comprehensive on-the-ground support.

In addition to having the support of a D.C.-based team, participants of the minor and certificate in FEDPM will engage with Ohio State alumni and in the greater D.C. community through organized programming and events. Students will be provided structured ways to build their networks and connect with mentors in their chosen field.

Participants will also be matched with an alumni mentor. Mentors provide an added layer of support, and the program is designed to connect students to a more experienced alum who can help students broaden their professional networks, enhance their classroom experience and prepare for the job search process.

Can I complete this program remotely?
To participate in the FEDPM program, participants must move to Washington, D.C., during the summer to complete their internship and engage in program activities. Pre-departure courses are offered online.