Certificates
Apply to the Bush School's online and in-residence graduate certificatesHow to apply to the Bush School graduate certificates in Advanced International Affairs, Homeland Security, Nonprofit Management, and Public Management. These certificates are managed by the Office of Extended Education. Delivery formats vary by certificate, so see each certificate's page for how it can be completed.
Branched application
How you apply depends on whether you are already a Texas A&M student. Current Texas A&M students apply through the internal application to stay within their degree program. Everyone else applies through GradCAS. See Two Ways to Apply below.
Graduate Certificates Covered by This Page
This page covers admissions for four graduate certificates: Advanced International Affairs (CAIA), Homeland Security (CHLS), Nonprofit Management (CNPM), and Public Management (PBMG). For program and course details, see each certificate’s page. National Security Affairs has its own admissions page, Geospatial Intelligence is administered by the Department of Geography, and Public Policy Analysis is open only to students already enrolled in a Texas A&M graduate program.
How to Apply
Choose the path that matches your statusApply before you start the graduate certificate. Which application you use depends on whether you are currently enrolled at Texas A&M. When you apply, indicate your intended format, since available formats vary by certificate.
Current Texas A&M Students Apply through the internal application
If you are a current Bush School or Texas A&M student, or you plan to be concurrently enrolled in a degree-seeking program, apply through the internal application so you remain part of your degree major.
Applicants Not Yet at Texas A&M Apply through GradCAS
If you are not currently enrolled at Texas A&M, apply through GradCAS.
Open the “Add Program” tab, search the certificate name (for example, “Certificate in Advanced International Affairs”), and select the correct term.
Start Your Application in GradCAS
A non-refundable application fee applies (see Application Materials).
Application Deadlines
Certificates admit for summer, fall, and spring entry. Note: See next section for Bush School DC CAIA deadlines.
| Term | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Spring 2027 | November 27, 2026 |
| Summer 2027 | May 9, 2027 |
| Fall 2027 | August 8, 2027 |
Application Deadline CAIA (Bush School DC)
Certificates admit for summer, fall, and spring entry. Note: Bush School DC admits for the CAIA Fall and Spring only.
| Term | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Spring 2027 | November 1, 2026 |
| Fall 2027 | June 1, 2027 |
| Fall 2027 | August 8, 2027 |
Application Materials
Uploaded to your applicationUpload these to your application. Requirements are the same whichever path you use, except the application fee, which applies to GradCAS applicants.
Required Essay / Personal Statement About 500 words on your interest in the subject and how you would use it.
In about 500 words, describe your interest in the certificate’s subject area and how an enhanced knowledge of it would benefit you, including any relevant courses you have taken.
For CAIA and Homeland Security applicants:
Include a description of world-affairs experience, including dates, locations, language competency, and significant time spent outside the US.
Required Résumé Uploaded to your application
Resumes are uploaded to the GradCAS application. If your resume needs to be updated before an application deadline please email bushschoolonline@tamu.edu.
Required Transcripts Unofficial to apply; official required before you can register.
Upload unofficial transcripts from every 4-year institution to apply.
Official transcripts from all 4-year institutions must be sent to the Texas A&M Office of Graduate Admissions, and new students cannot register for classes until official transcripts are received.
International applicants must submit official transcripts for their application to be reviewed.
See How to Submit Official Transcripts for methods and addresses.
CAIA applicants only, GPA under 3.0. – College Station/Online only GRE Scores Required only for CAIA applicants with a GPA below 3.0.
Certificate in Advanced International Affairs applicants whose GPA is below 3.0 overall, or in their last 60 hours, must submit a GRE score or a paragraph explaining why the GRE is not needed and what other factors should be considered.
If required (international) Proof of English Proficiency For applicants whose native language is not English.
International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. See the International Applicants page for accepted tests and scores.
GradCAS applicants only Application Fee $89 US, $114 international; non-refundable.
Applicants using GradCAS pay a non-refundable fee of $89 (US) or $114 (international), by credit card.
Cost & Funding
Information on funding and financial assistance for certificates.
Explore Certificate Cost & FundingConnect with Admissions
Office of Extended Education — Bush School Online
Texas A&M University, 4220 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4220
Phone: (979) 862-7810
Email: bushschoolonline@tamu.edu
Bush School DC Admissions — Certificate of Advanced International Affairs (CAIA)
Texas A&M University, 1620 L Street NW | Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202)773.0022
Email: bushschooldc@tamu.edu
Connect with an admissions representative through campus visits, graduate fairs, and more.