Explore CU Denver Programs

Use the search tool below to discover degree and certificate programs offered by CU Denver. If you are unable to find a program that is right for you, please contact Admissions or a school or college for more information.

Graduate Certificate in Public Management

Program Overview

This certificate will provide you with the historical, political, and legal context of government organizations in the United States. You will learn and apply concepts relevant to managing government organizations, managing human capital, group development and performance, organizational communications, information management, and ethical and evidence-based decision-making.

The Graduate Certificate in Public Management is designed to allow students to demonstrate to potential employers that they have the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to manage and lead in the public workplace.

Students will understand the historical, political, and legal context of government organizations in the United States. They will learn and apply concepts relevant to managing government organizations, such as organization theory and design, managing human capital, group development and performance, organizational communications, information management, and ethical and evidence-based decision-making. They will also learn and apply concepts, theories, and skills relevant to the effective leadership of government organizations in complex social environments.

Review CU Denver's Academic Policies.

Program Requirements

  • The Graduate Certificate in Public Management 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 following courses for a total of 9 credit hours. All course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Academic Catalog.

  • PUAD 5001: Introduction to Public Administration & Public Service (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5002: Organizational Management & Behavior (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5006: Public Service Leadership & Ethics (3 credit hours)

Elective Courses

In addition, students select one elective course from the list below for a total of 3 credit hours or an unlisted course that has been approved in advance by the certificate director.

  • PUAD 5170: Strategic Management for Nonprofit and Public Managers (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5220: Human Resource & Talent Management (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5250: Intergovernmental Management (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5260: Managing for Social Equity (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5271: Managing Conflict & Change (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5503: Public Budgeting & Finance (3 credit hours)

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

Program Description

The Graduate Certificate in Public Management is designed to allow students to demonstrate to potential employers that they have the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to manage and lead in the public workplace.

Students will understand the historical, political, and legal context of government organizations in the United States. They will learn and apply concepts relevant to managing government organizations, such as organization theory and design, managing human capital, group development and performance, organizational communications, information management, and ethical and evidence-based decision-making. They will also learn and apply concepts, theories, and skills relevant to the effective leadership of government organizations in complex social environments.

Review CU Denver's Academic Policies.

Program Requirements

  • The Graduate Certificate in Public Management 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 following courses for a total of 9 credit hours. All course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Academic Catalog.

  • PUAD 5001: Introduction to Public Administration & Public Service (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5002: Organizational Management & Behavior (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5006: Public Service Leadership & Ethics (3 credit hours)

Elective Courses

In addition, students select one elective course from the list below for a total of 3 credit hours or an unlisted course that has been approved in advance by the certificate director.

  • PUAD 5170: Strategic Management for Nonprofit and Public Managers (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5220: Human Resource & Talent Management (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5250: Intergovernmental Management (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5260: Managing for Social Equity (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5271: Managing Conflict & Change (3 credit hours)
  • PUAD 5503: Public Budgeting & Finance (3 credit hours)

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

CU Denver graduates earn more, build community, and make connections. Take the first step toward your future and join an inclusive community of learners while gaining the skills of tomorrow, today.

CMS Login