City and County Management

Overview
Local government is increasingly being described as the level of government “where things get done.” This certificate is designed for those who are interested in a career in local government organizations (cities and counties) or in non-profit or private sector organizations that collaborate or serve local governments. It offers broad coverage of the leadership and management skills that local government professionals need as well as more in-depth instruction on key issues facing modern communities.

The certificate comprises four courses (12 credit hours) from the following:

  • PUAD825: Urban Policy and Administration (3)
  • PUAD 851: Infrastructure Management
  • PUAD 854: Innovation and Organizational Change
  • PUAD 856: Managing Information and Technology
  • PUAD 857: Performance Management and Governance
  • PUAD 859: Service Management
  • PUAD 860: Governing Sustainable Communities -OR- UBPL 762: Sustainability and the Future of the Built Environment
  • PUAD 898: Leadership, Professionalism, and Citizen Engagement
  • UBPL 816: Politics, Planning, and Administration
  • UBPL 730: Plans and Planning Processes

City Management Fellows
The certificate requirement for Fellows is somewhat more prescribed. Fellows will take either PUAD 824: Public Policy and Administration OR PUAD 825: Urban Policy and Administration as part of their core MPA coursework.

In addition, to complete this certificate, they must take the following three courses:

  • PUAD 851: Infrastructure Management
  • PUAD 892: Public Administration Internship
  • PUAD 898: Leadership, Professionalism, and Citizen Engagement

And one of the following electives:

  • PUAD 857: Performance Management and Governance
  • PUAD 860: Governing Sustainable Communities -OR- UBPL 762: Sustainability and the Future of the Built Environment
  • UBPL 816: Politics, Planning, and Administration
  • UBPL 730: Plans and Planning Processes

Substitution petitions for any of the above elective courses must be submitted to and approved by the Master’s Program Coordinator. Approval prior to class enrollment is required for all substitutions.

Admission
The School of Public Affairs and Administration accepts students on a rolling basis. Students may apply to be admitted for either the fall, summer or spring semesters. Applicants for the certificate are required to have:

  • Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (if the undergraduate degree was awarded in the last three years)
  • At least three years of managerial experience or be already admitted to any graduate programs of KU or already have a graduate management or leadership degree from an accredited institution
  • All international applicants and domestic non-native English speakers are required to provide proof of English proficiency

Required application materials:

For students who do not have a master’s degree and are not currently enrolled in a graduate program, three letters of reference are required.