Frequently Asked Questions

The Program

Q: Which Certificate programs are available through the graduate Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning (UEP), and who is the contact person for each?
A: There are three Certificate programs available through UEP: Community Environmental Studies (CES), Management of Community Organizations (MCO) and Program Evaluation (PGE). The advisor for the CES and MCO programs is Rusty Russell at (617) 627-2220 and for PGE the advisor is TBD.

Q: How do I find out what standards and requirements apply to the Certificate program?
A: Take a look at the UEP website and the Graduate Studies website. In addition, you may contact the appropriate UEP Certificate program advisor.

Q: Can I complete more than one Certificate program?
A: Yes, so long as the requirements for each one are independently met. For example, you cannot apply one course to more than one program.

Q: Can I transfer from one Certificate program to another?
A: Yes, although you will have to meet the requirements of the program to which you seek to transfer. If the transfer is between programs administered by UEP (i.e., CES, MCO and PGE), the transfer can be handled administratively - that is, without the need to reapply. For transfer to another Certificate program, please contact that program's administrator.

Applications for Admission

Q: What are the main elements of the application?
They are: the online application form itself; one letter of recommendation (it can be from anyone, but the most effective tend to be written by professors or employers who know you and your work well); your undergraduate transcript(s); a personal statement; a resume; and the fee.

Q: Do I need to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)? Even if I don't, may I submit scores if I want to?
A: GRE scores are not required for any Tufts Certificate program. But if you do have GRE scores (old or new), they may be submitted as part of the application package and will be given due consideration.

Q: Is a bachelor's degree required?
A: Yes.

Q: Can I apply on the Web?
A: Yes. You will find the forms you need by visiting the Embark Apply Online website and following the links there.

Q: After I've submitted complete application materials, when will I find out whether I've been admitted?
A: That varies, but we try to provide an answer within two weeks - in the form of a letter to you from the dean of the Tufts Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Q: When is the application deadline?
A: Students are admitted to the Certificate program on a rolling basis. However, applications received less than two weeks before the start of the semester may not be reviewed in time to permit you to enroll directly at that point. In this situation, we generally recommend that you enroll in the Tufts Graduate Career Advancement Program (GCAP). GCAP allows you to take courses for credit on a space-available, non-degree basis. You could start out in this program and, when you are accepted by the Certificate program, transfer all GCAP credits that meet the requirements of your Certificate program.

Q: Can I count courses for the Certificate program that I've completed prior to entering the program?
A: Yes, you may normally apply up to two Tufts courses, provided that (i) they've been completed within two years of the date of your acceptance to the Certificate program; and (ii) they are listed as electives for the Certificate track you've chosen (core courses cannot be counted). But, please note that, in this situation, you as the applicant bear the risk of not being admitted to the program. Hence, we strongly recommend that you matriculate to the Certificate program before you enroll in any required courses.

Q: Generally what do you look for in applicants?
A: There's no standard answer, just as there's no standard applicant. Many qualities are taken into account. But a typical applicant will have a 3.0 or higher undergraduate grade-point average; a strong letter of recommendation; and a well-written, concise personal statement offering a persuasive reason for joining the Certificate program.

Q: Can I begin my Certificate program by taking courses during the summer?
A: Yes, although you should apply and be admitted prior to the date by which you must register for summer courses. Please visit the Summer Session's website for registration details.

Credit Transfer

Q: Will credits I earn in the Certificate program be transferable to the full-time UEP master's (M.A.) program if I decide to enroll?
A: Credits earned for courses offered by UEP are fully transferable, whether completed as part of the Certificate program or otherwise. In certain cases, transfer of credits for Tufts courses taken outside of UEP also may be approved (e.g., a course offered by another graduate department at Tufts that directly pertains to a student's core interest at UEP). But no more than two such non-UEP courses will be approved for transfer to UEP. (Note that all such courses must be offered by Tufts University.)

Q: Does a limit exist on the number of credits that may be transferred to the full-time UEP master's program from a certificate program?
A: Yes. Students may transfer up to four full courses (four credits) to the master's program from a Tufts University certificate program (see the Tufts Graduate Student Handbook for full details).

Q. Can I transfer a course from another college or university into the Certificate program?
A. Transfer of non-Tufts courses is not permitted.

Q: What about transferring Certificate credits to UEP's M.P.P. program or to another Tufts graduate program?
A: The credits must be acceptable to that program. If a course for which you're seeking credit transfer is not among those that the program requires, contact the program to see whether the credits may be transferred. Given that the M.P.P. program is only a year in duration and is aimed at mid-career professionals, transfer of certain Certificate program credits may not be approved.

Q: How do I initiate the credit transfer process?
A: As a current certificate student, you should include the courses you've taken on your application to the program. The Department Chair will make the final decision on the request and notify you. Additional information on course credit transfer can be found in the Tufts Graduate Student Handbook.

Q: Will the Certificate program grant credit for courses that I took as an undergraduate at Tufts?
A: Credit may be given for an undergraduate course if (i) it directly pertains to the Certificate program in which you plan to enroll; (ii) you did not need to count it toward your undergraduate degree; and (iii)you earned at least a B-minus in the course.

Q: Can I earn a Certificate as a Tufts undergraduate?
A: No. You must apply to and enroll in the Certificate program after graduating.

General Requirements

Q: If I enroll in the Certificate program, do I have to take at least one course each semester?
A: No, but you are expected to complete the entire Certificate program in four years, over eight semesters.

Q: My Certificate program requires that I complete a core course. Do I have to take that course first?
A: No. But the order in which you take certain courses may be relevant to your individual program and your learning experience. Thus, you may wish to discuss this with your advisor.

Q: One of the courses that I need so that I can complete my Certificate program has limited enrollment and is full. What should I do?
A: Although waiving an enrollment ceiling is up to the individual instructor, this is frequently done, especially for compelling reasons. Explain the problem to the instructor in question. If this does not resolve the issue, discuss it with your advisor.

Q: Is it possible to complete the program in less than a year?
A: Yes, if the courses that you need are offered. Finishing in one semester would require you to take a full course load, something that could be overwhelming if, for instance, you work. Attempting to take even two courses a semester on top of a full-time job could be quite challenging.

Q: Can I take required courses pass/fail?
A: No.

Q: Do summer courses qualify for Certificate credit?
A: Yes, if they meet other requirements.

Q: In general, what courses count toward my Certificate program?
A: Here are the basic criteria: (i) They must be Tufts courses (those offered by other colleges and universities, including members of the consortium of which Tufts is a member, are not eligible; (ii) They must meet the requirements of your Certificate program (details are discussed elsewhere here); and (iii) You must achieve a grade of B-minus or higher (audited courses cannot be counted).

Q: How do I determine whether I have the necessary background for one or more of the courses I'm interested in taking?
A: You should talk it over with the instructor teaching the course. Pre-requisites, if required, typically are identified in the course description. Most of the courses for the Certificates discussed here are offered by UEP. Contact information for UEP instructors is included with the course listing at http://ase.tufts.edu/UEP/Degrees/CourseOfferings.aspx; summer UEP courses also are listed at: http://ase.tufts.edu/summer/?Courses=1. Courses for the Certificate in Program Evaluation (PGE) are offered by a range of departments; please consult the relevant department's web page or contact the department for a listing of instructors.

Q: How do I find required and elective courses for the CES, MCO and PGE Certificate programs?
A: You will find links to summaries of all three programs at: Community Envirnmental Studies. Note that, for the CES and MCO programs, all such courses are offered by UEP. These courses are listed at: http://ase.tufts.edu/UEP/Degrees/CourseOfferings.aspx, with summer courses also are listed at: Tufts Summer Session website. Courses for the Certificate in Program Evaluation are offered by a range of departments. Please consult the relevant department's web page or contact that department.

Q: Are any courses at UEP not open to Certificate students?
A: Yes. Foundations of Public Policy and Planning, Field Projects: Planning and Practice, Reflections on Public Policy and Practice, the Integrative Seminar, and the Advanced Seminars in Environmental Policy and Planning, and Urban and Social Policy and Planning may be taken only by students enrolled in the two-year M.A. program or the one-year M.P.P. program. A Certificate student may enroll in the Quantitative Reasoning, and Economics and Public Policy core courses only with the permission of the instructor and of the Certificate student's advisor.

Q: Can audited courses count toward the Certificate?
A: No, only courses taken for credit at Tufts count.

Q: May a Certificate student audit a course, even though it does not count toward the Certificate?
A: Yes. The current tuition to audit is $800 per course during the academic year. For audit fees for summer courses, please contact the Summer Session.

Q: How do I register for a specific course?
A: Generally, bring your registration form (mailed to you when you are admitted to the program) to the first meeting of the course you want to take and ask the instructor to sign it. For the next and subsequent semesters, a form will be sent to you allowing you to pre-register. The Summer Session handles registration for summer courses.

Q: Once I've completed all my credits for the Certificate program, what do I need to do?
A: You'll find a form on the Tufts Graduate Studies website. Please download the form, fill it out and submit it to the Office of Graduate Studies, Ballou Hall or, if you wish, to your advisor (see above), who will review and sign it, then forward it to the Office of Graduate Studies. In a few weeks, the latter will mail you a certificate of graduation.

International Applicants

Q: I'm an international applicant (that is, a non-U.S. citizen or permanent resident who needs visa assistance from Tufts.) When is the application deadline?
A: International applicants must apply by September 15 to join the Certificate program for the spring semester, and by March 15 for the fall semester. Requests to start the program during the summer session will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Q: As an international applicant, can I seek a scholarship, fellowship or other type of financial aid from Tufts?
A: Tufts does not award this type of assistance to international students who are applying to or are already enrolled in the Certificate program.

Financial Aid

Q: Are Certificate students eligible for financial aid?
A: Certificate students may be eligible for federal loan assistance. As a Certificate student, you are considered a graduate student for the purposes of the federal Stafford Loan Program and are eligible to borrow up to $20,500 per year, assuming that you are enrolled at least half time (two courses per semester) and are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), listing Tufts as a recipient. You can apply at FAFSA's website, provided that you have a PIN number from the PIN website. Applicants not able to file online must complete a FAFSA form, which you may obtain from the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243.

Q: Am I eligible for a teaching assistantship (TA) or scholarship aid as a Certificate student?
A: Tufts does not provide scholarships or offer TA positions to Certificate students. However, course tuition for the CES, MCO and PGE Certificates is lower than that for non-Certificate or non-degree courses (see Student Handbook for current tuition rates).