The Graduate Certificate in Practical Politics at the University of Illinois Springfield is designed for individuals already in politics or aiming to enter the field. It enriches students' knowledge and skills through political science principles, focusing on electoral politics, interest group politics, lobbying, and policy analysis. This program emphasizes hands-on learning, offering internships with government bodies and related entities to apply classroom theories in real-world political settings. To earn the certificate, students must achieve a grade of B or better in required courses, which include an introduction to politics and seminars on various practical political topics.