the arch at texas state university
Course

Public Policy & Advocacy I: Process, Leadership, and Strategy

Starts Aug 17, 2026

$930 Enroll

Full course description

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. 

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.

Subjects

  1. Welcome and Syllabus Review 
  2. Foundations of the US Public Policy Process 
  3. Legislative Process and Effective Testimony 
  4. Leadership and Policy Strategy 

NOTE: This course is not for credit, and students must complete both 8-week sessions to receive the Public Policy and Advocacy (PPA) certificate issued by Texas State University and Professional Advocacy Association of Texas (PAAT).