Colorado Certified Public Manager Program

School of Public Affairs

Overview

Degree: Non-credit

Classroom Type: Online and on campus classes

The Colorado Certified Public Manager® (CPM) program is designed to offer public sector professionals an opportunity to develop and improve their management and leadership skills, while earning a nationally-recognized, professional certificate. Courses are taught by academic and practice-focused faculty to bring theory and practice together with the existing experience of attendees. Attendees come from all levels and areas of government, which offers a unique classroom experience wherein students connect with and learn from the experiences and perspectives of other professionals. The program culminates in a student-developed capstone project.

Application​ deadlines


Applications accepted on a rolling basis

Program Details

Interest Categories: Public Administration & Policy

Campus: CU Denver

The Colorado Certified Public Manager Program will be holding courses in-person on the CU Denver Auraria campus. There is a Zoom-in option for people who are unable to attend in-person. We will consult public health and university policies and experts to determine if fully virtual courses will be resumed. In-person, we will follow guidelines for distancing and safety protection. Please review all course dates carefully when you register.

CU Denver School of Public Affairs offers Colorado's only Certified Public Manager® (CPM) program which confers the national Certified Public Manager® certificate. The courses in the CPM curriculum include leadership, teamwork, human resources, administrative law, finance and budgeting, ethics, public engagement, strategic planning and management, emergency and disaster management, and innovation.

Students in the full certificate program complete a capstone project to incorporate and utilize the coursework in a real-life project within their agency. Courses are provided on campus, at CU Denver, in a two-day format (Friday - Saturday) approximately every other month. The program involves a total of 300 hours, including approximately 80 hours on a capstone project. Each course requires some pre-reading and pre-session homework as well as post-session homework.

CPM is well suited for mid-level managers in all areas of government, high-level managers seeking a broader perspective, professionals transitioning to the public sector, and aspiring government managers.

The program fee for the entire certificate is $3,300 which is typically paid on a course-by-course basis, at $500 per course plus $300 for the capstone project. Payment plans are available. Individual courses are $300 each for those not seeking the full certificate.

On occasion, the School of Public Affairs has offered the CPM program in a cohort model outside of CU Denver (recently in Durango, Vail/Glenwood Springs, and Aspen). For more information about bringing a cohort to your area, contact info.cpm@ucdenver.edu.

Recommended Completion Time:1 Year

Max Transfer Credits:Participants who have earned a Master of Public Administration degree from a NASPAA-accredited program within the past five years can receive a waiver for up to four individual course days. Waiver applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Max Credits Per Year:N/A

Required Credits for Completion:0 Credits

Admission Requirements


The Colorado Certified Public Manager Program is designed for Colorado residents who are already employed in the public or nonprofit sectors.


2024 Certified Public Manager Schedule for Denver

Download the schedule.


Instructors

Contact


I have enjoyed being part of the CPM program. The instructors are fantastic! The program provides flexibility, learning via online webinar, or in the classroom. The program is important to me as I continue to improve my knowledge and enhance my career.

Lori Goodwin

Human Resource Manager, Garfield County
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