Graduate Certificate in Local Government

Graduate Certificate

This certificate prepares students to become well-versed in the forces that shape the agendas of the public sector, including those of municipalities, counties, regional authorities and councils of government. Additionally, students gain an understanding of government management and policy making.

The Program at a Glance

School: School of Public Affairs Campus: CU Denver Classroom: Online and on campus classes Recommended completion time: 1 Year Credits required for completion: 12 Maximum transfer credits: 0 Application deadline: Fall: August 1; Spring: December 1; Summer: May 1

The Details

Students interested in obtaining a concentration in Local Government within a Master of Public Administration program must apply and enroll in the MPA program within the School of Public Affairs and must adhere to all master degree program requirements.

Review CU Denver's Academic Policies.

Program requirements

  • The Graduate Local Government Certificate requires 12 credit hours of coursework.
  • Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, with a minimum grade of B- in each course.

Required courses

Students must complete the course below, for a total of 3 credit hours. 

  • PUAD 5503 - Public Budgeting and Finance (3 credit hours)

In addition, students must complete at least one of the three courses below, for a total of 3 credit hours.

  • PUAD 5625 - Local Government Management (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5626 - Local Government Politics and Policy (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5628 - Urban Social Problems (3 credit hours)

All course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Academic Catalog.

Elective courses

  • In addition to the required courses, students must complete two PUAD or URPL graduate elective courses, which have been approved by their advisor, for a total of 6 credit hours. All course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Academic Catalog.

Admissions Requirements

View the admissions requirements for the School of Public Affairs.

Events for prospective students

Which MPA is Right for Me? (Webinar)
| 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Cost/fee: Free
During this one-hour webinar, you will learn about the School of Public Affairs' three different versions of the Master of Public Administration program (i.e. traditional, executive, accelerated). Specifically, we will discuss structural, curricular, and cost similarities and differences. You will have the opportunity to submit questions throughout the presentation.
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