Graduate Certificate

Acquisition and Contract Administration Online Certificate

Investigate public sector procurement in both theory and practice.

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Fulfill heightened needs for accountability and transparency in public sector procurement
Focus on public contracting at the federal, state and local levels
Build a solid foundation for a rewarding career in public sector purchasing and acquisition administration

Acquisition and Contract Administration Certificate Overview

The University of West Florida’s Acquisition and Contract Administration Certificate prepares you to enter positions in public acquisition management, with coursework that can create additional opportunities for career professionals. The curriculum acquaints you with contracting from pre-award to contract close-out, providing both practical and theoretical knowledge to create a solid foundation for a rewarding career in government contracting, nonprofits or with civilian contractors who engage in public sector contracts.

In your coursework, you will study the entire public contracting life cycle, including planning, solicitation, selection, negotiation, award, post-award administration and close-out. Your classes will also examine the underlying legal and theoretical basis of public purchasing, considering the place and importance of acquisitions within the larger government structure. Through individual work products and team-based interactions, you and your classmates will apply your knowledge to real-world circumstances. Ultimately, your ability to see a contracting situation from various perspectives will be invaluable, because you will achieve outcomes that are fair to all parties with the best value for your client.

The Acquisition and Contract Administration Certificate is one of two certificate options included in the MSA in Public Administration program. Graduate non-degree seeking students may also opt to complete the certificate independently. Students selecting this path who later enroll in the degree program may be able to apply the credits to the degree.

Candidates for This Program Include:

  • Graduate Non-degree seeking students
  • Students new to procurement and contracting
  • Those already working in acquisition and contract administration who seek career advancement

You Will Be Able To:

  • Work with expert faculty to choose topics of interest for class assignments
  • Apply classroom material in real-life scenarios
  • Generate a more thoughtful, considered approach to contracting and procurement decisions

Program Resources

Refer to UWF Cost of Attendance Estimates and Financial Literacy for more information on UWF costs and financial aid.