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Program at a Glance

Program
Graduate Certificate
College(s)
College of Community Innovation and Education
Department(s)
Public Administration, Schl of
U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges - Most Innovative 2026

The Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management is designed to meet a growing need in our local governments to understand their varied and complex challenges and the ability to apply effective and innovative management practices. In addition, the Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management provides graduate-level continuing education for both in-service and pre-career students. The program emphasizes the managerial skills essential for local government programs in an evolving metropolitan environment. The knowledge gained can strengthen the student’s professional standing and help open doors to managerial and leadership positions.

Credits earned in the certificate program may be applied toward the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. However, admission to the MPA degree program has separate requirements from those of the certificate program and students considering continuing into the master’s degree should familiarize themselves with credit transfer policy and should consult with the academic advisor early in their certificate program. The Graduate Certificate in Local Government Management requires that students complete 18 credit hours. Students must maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average to be awarded the Graduate Certificate. The certificate must be completed within seven years.

Total Credit Hours Required: 18 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor’s Degree

Please note: The Local Government Management Graduate Certificate Program may be completed online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees. International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format. For a detailed listing of enrollment requirements for international students, please visit UCF Global. If you have questions, please consult UCF Global at (407) 823-2337. UCF is not authorized to provide online courses or instruction to students in some states. Refer to State Restrictions for current information.

Application Deadlines

Fall
June 1
Spring
November 1

Application deadlines subject to change, see the Graduate Studies website for up-to-date deadlines.

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Course Overview

Service Delivery in Public Organizations

A survey of the wide variety of services that governments provide to the public; including the operations, process, reform, and innovation mechanisms associated with them.

Local governments require distinct management skills. The role of a city/county manager emphasizes professional values and training, apolitical community/metropolitan leadership, and effective organizational administration.

An examination of the political, social, economic, and moral context of modern public administration, with special attention to the ethical dimensions of the administrator's role.

Techniques and skills utilized in the evaluation of public programs.

Explore the conceptual, analytical and applied aspects of regional governance to achieve more effective local economic, environmental and social policy outcomes.

An examination and analysis of planning, goal setting, and strategic management in public sector organizations.


University of Central Florida Colleges