Citizens of the United States can participate in one of the vital functions of their democracy by casting a vote for their preferred candidate in local, state and federal elections. On the surface, the voting process seems simple: you fill out the ballot and cast your vote. However, what goes on behind the scenes is much more complex.
To prepare students interested in working on the administrative side of elections, NAU has partnered with the Arizona Secretary of State’s office to provide a new, fully online certificate in Election Administration for undergraduate or graduate students.
Sara Rinfret, professor and director of the Master of Public Affairs program in the Department of Politics and International Affairs, said this certificate will provide employment opportunities for students in one of Arizona’s county election offices or the Arizona Secretary of State’s office.
“This is a good pipeline for career placement for our students interested in the administrative aspects of an election,” Rinfret said. “We are not focusing on how to run a campaign, but instead, we want our students to understand how the administrative side of elections works through the lens of public administration.”
Although some universities offer different election-related degrees, research institutes or training, NAU’s approach is unique because it affords students a flexible online curriculum and a culminating fellowship experience that’s already seen success in Arizona. The certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a standalone certificate. Credits from the certificate can also be applied to NAU’s Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration—accredited MPA program.
“It takes a little over a year to complete the certificate, which is open to anyone with a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree,” Rinfret said. “It includes a total of five courses: an introduction to election administration class, a voter registration to canvassing class, a technology, security and planning class and a class on best practices, followed by a fifth and final class—a fellowship in one of Arizona’s 15 counties.”
Another unique aspect of this new offering is that the classes are co-taught by an NAU faculty member and a practicing election administrator, providing students with practical information on what happens behind the ballots.
“There has been a lot of misinformation about how elections are run,” Rinfret said. “Once students understand this process, we can strengthen our democracy. Elections are instrumental in having a vibrant democracy, and it’s important to provide that educational lens while creating career pathways for our students. This certificate allows them to be engaged in our democratic process in a nonpartisan way, while understanding the ‘doing’ side of elections.”
The deadline to register for the Election Administration Certificate is Aug. 1. Students with a 3.0 GPA and above will be automatically enrolled when they apply. The cohort is limited to 20 students. Those interested in enrolling can register to participate in the information session scheduled for June 30. For more information about the certificate, see NAU’s academic catalog.
Mariana Laas | NAU Communications
(928) 523-5050 | mariana.laas@nau.edu