CoursesThe courses comprising the graduate certificate were designed to provide a challenging, master's level, "real world"-based educational opportunity in local government management and public policy. The courses engage faculty, practitioners, and graduate students in systematic research and study designed to improve the quality of local government management, policy making, and public service.
The four courses required for the certificate include:
PAPA 5044 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND THE PROFESSIONAL MANAGER
Explores the institutions and systems in which public administrators work, and the dynamics of public administration within the larger political, economic and social environment. Special focus on the local government management profession, the evolution of the council-manager government and the core ethical and democratic values of the profession. Review skills necessary for effective local government managers, including critical strategic thinking, communication, organizational and community leadership competencies. Explores career management approaches for the local government managers. Considers the implication of future trends in local government management and the profession. (3 hours, 3 credits)
PAPA 6354 ADVANCED TOPICS IN PUBLIC MANAGEMENT: HUMAN RESOURCE, FINANCIAL, AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT MANAGERS
An examination at an advanced level of a selected managerial process(s) in the public sector. This course will focus on local government human resource, financial management, information technology, and performance management processes that managers must use when working in local government organizations. Additionally, topics will review public procurement, risk management, safety management, franchise agreements, contracting for municipal services. (3 hours, 3 credits)
PAPA 6154 ADVANCED TOPICS IN PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS: THE CONTEXT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT IN VIRGINIA
Examines the powers, structure, roles and responsibilities of the local government within the U.S. and Virginia federal system from the perspective of the local government manager. Considers the election process, state legislative process, state/local relations and intergovernmental relations that constitute important internal and external forces in the local management environment. Explores the state/local government delivery systems of public education, public safety, transportation, public health, social services, environmental quality, criminal justice, and public works and utilities, as well as other programs that are provided either partly of wholly by local governments. (3 hours, 3 credits)
UAP 5874/PAPA 5874 LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
This course will focus on local government management and community development. It will examine the local government management process that supports community and economic development, including the local and regional planning processes, growth management, urban design for creating livable communities, property law, and local government tools and strategies for securing economic and community development. In addition, it will focus on the managerial competencies required for leading the community and economic activities of local governments. (3 hours, 3 credits)