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The Public Management Graduate Certificate equips current and aspiring public leaders with the tools to effectively manage and lead in today’s complex public sector. In just four online courses, you’ll explore the historical foundations and modern practices of public administration while connecting theory to real-world leadership challenges.
Designed for flexibility, this certificate helps you build skills in organizational culture, budgeting, performance management, and leadership. It emphasizes justice-oriented management and policy while keeping effectiveness and efficiency at the forefront.
Whether you’re advancing in your current role, making a career shift into public service, or testing the waters before a master’s program, this certificate provides a practical, affordable, and impactful pathway to leadership.
This certificate is designed for mission-driven professionals at all stages of their careers:
Whether you're aiming to advance in your current organization or pivot into a new sector, this certificate equips you with skills that are in demand across public and nonprofit roles. You'll be well positioned for advancement or transition into positions such as:
Select 3 credits from the following:
Program Total Credits: 12
Dr. Alexis R. Kennedy's research focuses on public management topics including the interactions between public, private, and nonprofit organizations in the pursuit of public outcomes, community engaged research, and social equity. Her articles have appeared in Administration and Society, Review of Public Personnel Administration, and Journal of International Development. In addition to her academic work, Kennedy has worked as a practitioner in the energy industry in New Jersey and as a public finance consultant for nonprofit and public entities in Colorado.
Outside of CSU, Kennedy serves on the United Way of Larimer County Board of Directors and the NoCo Works External Barriers subcommittee where she supports decreasing barriers to housing, childcare and transportation in Northern Colorado.
Jessie Harney is an Assistant Professor at Colorado State University and a graduate of UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy. Her research interests are in justice system reform, with much of her work focusing on: 1) how to improve the mental health of frontline workers in these systems; 2) understanding how the well-being of frontline workers impacts service delivery to system-impacted populations; and 3) understanding how to improve the well-being of system-impacted individuals and families through specific, direct services or policies. Her previous publications have appeared in journals such as Criminal Justice & Behavior, The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Social Policy & Administration, and Crime & Delinquency.
Victoria Gordon is a 2004 graduate of the University of Illinois—Springfield Doctor of Public Administration program. Dr. Gordon is a retired full professor where she taught for sixteen years in the Department of Political Science, Master of Public Administration program, and served as the Director of the Center for Local Governments at Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky. Along with her teaching experience, Dr. Gordon brings to her ajunct teaching at CSU, a decade of practical experience in local government administration. Her work is published in Economic Development Quarterly, Review of Public Personnel Administration, Public Personnel Management, International Journal of Public Administration, Journal of Public Affairs Education and Public Voices. Dr. Gordon is the author of two books–Maternity Leave: Policy and Practice and Participatory Budgeting in the United States: A Guide for Local Governments.
Trenten A. Robinson is an instructor for the Master of Public Policy and Administration program at CSU. He is a public administrator by trade, with experience in city management offices, special districts, the state legislature, and higher education administration, all in the state of Colorado. He is currently a PhD student at the University of Colorado - Denver, where he is studying public administration and public policy. His research interests include council-manager relations, local government institutions (particularly cities and school districts), public service motivation, process improvement, and performance management.
| Fall semester | July 1 |
| Spring semester | December 1 |
| Summer semester | April 20 |
Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.
Apply NowThis certificate requires applicants to have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.
Request one official transcript from the institution where you earned your bachelor’s degree. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required.
Electronic (preferred): Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial. Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or gradadmissions@colostate.edu if the secure service requires an email address.
Mail (if necessary): Graduate Admissions Colorado State University – Office of Admissions 1062 Campus Delivery Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062
View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.
Once your complete application, including supporting materials, is received, the department admission committee will review your application and promptly notify you of their decision.
Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.
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