Lobbying and Government Advocacy Certificate

Program Coordinator/Contact

Lisa Hager, Assistant Professor of Political Science
School of American and Global Studies
West Hall Room 216, Box 510
605-688-5101

Program Information

The Lobbying and Government Advocacy Certificate provides graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively communicate with government to influence legislative policymaking, executive branch rulemaking, and judicial decisions at the state and federal levels on a variety of issues important within their chosen fields within business, industry, and professions: for example, nursing, engineering, education, business, and agriculture. Graduates will be equipped to lobby government on behalf of their employer, should they be tapped within their profession to do so, or as a professional lobbyist.  

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• gain a basic understanding of the structure and functions of each branch of government and interest groups at the state and federal levels, exploring their relevance for the student’s major field of study;
• apply terms, processes, theories, and research regarding the impact of government advocacy and lobbying tactics on a range of government officials;
• demonstrate ethical and persuasive communication through research, writing, and oral communication that utilize the skills necessary for effective government advocacy, especially lobbying meetings and materials; and
• apply knowledge regarding the structure and functions of American political institutions, interest groups, and lobbying to policy issues within their field.

Course Delivery Format

The program provides courses face to face on campus and online.