CPM Certified Public Manager Program
Hybrid
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Become a public sector leader
Develop management capabilities that are immediately applicable with our program designed specifically for federal, state, and local government and nonprofit sector managers and supervisors. Experience a one-of-a-kind program that will improve your individual and organizational performance and develop you into the leader the public sector needs.
- Gain insight into your leadership skills, including reflection on emotional intelligence, ethics, and change leadership, and strengthen these skills through this academically grounded program
- Work in a cohort and learn from the experiences of others as you consider the practical application of leadership and change management skills through a capstone project
- Earn a national trademark designation of CPM (Certified Public Manager) and have the opportunity to become a member of the
The 12 Certified Public Manager credits can be applied to the Master of Public Administration or PhD in Management and Public Service when completed prior to or while working toward the degree.
What will it take?
Certified Public Manager program details
Start dates and application deadlines
We review applications on a rolling basis, meaning you can apply anytime. You can start the Certified Public Manager program once per year in the fall term. We recommend applying at least six weeks before the term begins to ensure your spot.
Certified Public Manager program format and schedule
Courses meet primarily online with a two- or three-day on-campus residency at the beginning and end of each course.
2025–2026 Cohort Schedule
Unit I: Leading People/Developing Self
- August to November 2025
- Residencies:
- Monday, August 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, August 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes presentation of capstones by 24–25 cohort
- Wednesday, August 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Unit II: Managing Work
- November 2025 to February 2026
- Residencies:
- Wednesday, November 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Thursday, November 6, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friday, November 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Unit III: Working Beyond Boundaries
- February to May 2026
- Residencies:
- Thursday, February 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friday, February 20, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Unit IV: Capstone
- May to August 2026
- Residencies:
- Thursday, May 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friday, May 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Monday, August 24, 1 to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, August 25, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., includes capstone presentations, graduation ceremony, and lunch with new CPM cohort  
2024–2025 Cohort Schedule: Courses begin Monday, August 26, 2024
Unit I: Leading People and Developing Self
- August to November 2024
- Residencies:
- Monday, August 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, August 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Unit II: Managing Work
- November 2024 to February 2025
- Residencies:
- Wednesday, November 13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Thursday, November 14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friday, November 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Unit III: Working Beyond Boundaries
- February to May 2025
- Residencies:
- Thursday, February 20, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friday, February 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Unit IV: Capstone
- May to August 2025
- Residencies:
- Thursday, May 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friday, May 16, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m
- Monday, August 25, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, August 26, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes graduation ceremony and reception with new CPM cohort
Cost for the entire CPM program
The CPM program costs a total of $4,500 for the entire program and is payable in three installments.
CPM program instructors
- , deputy city manager, city of Burnsville
- , principal, Worthington Associates
- Kris Norman, professor and director, Center for Public Administration and Leadership
How to apply to the CPM program
In order to apply to the Certified Public Manager program, you’ll need to submit:
- An online application (no fee)
- A resume demonstrating a minimum of three years of experience
- A personal statement (500 words or less) answering the following:
- How does the Certified Public Manager program fit into your professional goals?
- Do you have the support of your workplace, and can you guarantee full participation in the program for the year?
Apply for the Certified Public Manager program with a few easy steps:
- Create an application account
- Choose the graduate application
- Select the certificate option
Tuition discounts
Â鶹ÊÓƵAPK offers a learning partnership discount (10% tuition discount) for new students enrolled in the Certified Public Manager program.
Scholarships and discounts cannot be combined. Applications for most scholarships and discounts must be submitted at the time of application for admission.
