City and County Management

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.

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

• PUAD 851: Infrastructure Management (required for intern-option MPA students; elective for others)
• PUAD 852: Comparative Public Policy and Administration (elective)
• PUAD 854: Innovation and Organizational Change (elective)
• PUAD 856: Managing Information and Technology (elective)
• PUAD 857: Performance Management and Governance (elective)
• PUAD 859: Service Management (elective)
• PUAD 860: Introduction to Sustainable Communities (elective)
• PUAD 892: Public Administration Internship (required for intern-option MPA students; not part of certificate for others)
• PUAD 898: Leadership, Professionalism, and Citizen Engagement (required)

Admission

The School of Public Affairs and Administration accepts students on a rolling admissions 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:

• KU online application
• Official transcripts
• Current resume

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.