THE FIVE-COURSE CERTIFICATE
IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
AND GROWTH
The Fels Institute of Government
The University of Pennsylvania’s Fels Institute of Government, founded in
1937 by Philadelphia industrialist Samuel S. Fels, offers one of the nation’s
oldest and most distinguished graduate programs in public service. Its
alumni hold a wide range of senior positions in fields including economic
development and growth. Fels offers its certificate in Economic Development
and Growth both as a concentration in its 12-course Master of Governmental
Administration program and as a separate standalone program for non-MGA
students. As a standalone program, the certificate can be completed in one
year of part-time study.
Certificate students have access to the vast instructional and informational resources of the University of Pennsylvania.
Because certificate students share classes with students in the MGA program, they become part of the extended Fels
community of students, alumni, faculty, and staff.
Why this Certificate?
This certificate seeks to train students with the cutting-edge skills required to enhance economic growth in Philadelphia, the
Commonwealth, the nation, and beyond. As Governor Rendell said in his inaugural address in 2003,
“Pennsylvania’s economy ranks 48th out of 50 states, and we’ve lost more than 80,000 jobs over the last
two years. For too many of our fellow citizens, these are not just statistics - this is real life, and real pain.”
Economic growth can advance human welfare. This certificate recognizes the importance of economic growth and of
preparing leaders to promote it.
The Fels Economic Development and Growth courses are taught by proven professionals who share their experience
in fields including: measurement of economic growth; design, financing, and management of development
organizations, programs, and projects; technology transfer and commercialization; infrastructure development for
transportation; politics of development and growth; development law; economic adjustmen