Municipal Governance

Graduate Certificates in Fiscal Management and Municipal Governance

The graduate certificate in fiscal management is designed for public managers and others interested in obtaining an understanding of governmental financial management concepts, functions, techniques, and issues. The program is designed to familiarize students with financial management problems and the techniques available for solving them. An emphasis is placed on how to recognize, evaluate, and utilize financial information in decision-making.

Students interested in earning a graduate certificate in municipal governance will learn, refine and share skills for working across sectors, under the guidance of a mentor. Whether seasoned or new to public service leadership, students will explore relevant concerns within their community and consider best practices in communication, collaboration, and program development models critical to effective problem solving in their community, whether rural or urban.

Each certificate is comprised of two 11-week courses, totaling 12 graduate-level credits, and are completed entirely online. Upon successful completion of a certificate program, students wishing to enter into our Master of Public Administration program will be able to use the certificate courses toward the completion of their master’s degree.

Certificate Options

Fiscal Management
Rural Municipal Governance
Urban Municipal Governance

Fiscal Management

Certified Government Financial Manager Studies | AD558 | 6 credit hours
This course explores the legal and regulatory foundation of financial reporting and accountability for public organizations. Topics include development of transactions, enactment of appropriations, and incurrence of obligations or encumbrances. Other topics include financial reporting, analysis of governmental financial performance, costing of government services, and auditing governmental organizations. Students will be provided with the current study guides published by the Association of Government Accountants' Certified Government Financial Manager, designed specifically to prepare professionals and students for the CGFM certification examination.

Public Organization Financial Management | AD559 | 6 credit hours
This course introduces students to four major areas of financial concern: preparation of budgets, creating management strategies for the organization based on the principles of strategic financial management, obtaining financial resources by issuing bonds and levying taxes, and managing cash and employee retirement funds. Students will also examine contemporary perspectives on professional ethics and ethical behavior of leaders in the public sector, particularly in regard to their fiduciary responsibility in investing and managing public funds.

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Rural Municipal Governance

Municipal Governance | AD543 | 6 credit hours
The first course in this certificate introduces students to the work of local government managers in the United States. The core of the course is the study of best practices for municipal leadership, including the challenges of providing direction to a wide scope of departments and agencies necessary to serve the needs of communities. Students will also study how to create and maintain intergovernmental relationships and form partnerships.

Rural Municipal Governance | AD553 | 6 credit hours
The second course in this certificate explores the role of the public service leader, divisions and sectors within the rural municipality, organizing stakeholder collaborations and developing an action plan in support of accountability, good governance, and improvement of quality of life. Specifically, discussions will examine interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary cultural competence and effective leadership skills uniquely identified in rural communities.

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Urban Municipal Governance

Municipal Governance | AD543 | 6 credit hours
The first course in this certificate introduces students to the work of local government managers in the United States. The core of the course is the study of best practices for municipal leadership, including the challenges of providing direction to a wide scope of departments and agencies necessary to serve the needs of communities. Students will also study how to create and maintain intergovernmental relationships and form partnerships.

Urban Municipal Governance | AD563 | 6 credit hours
Urban America is the focus of the final course in this certificate. Particular focus will be placed on the public administrator’s multidisciplinary collaborations and action plan development, through discussions and reflections of key issues including the unique needs affecting public safety, emergency management, medical services, animal control, and public and mental health concerns.

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