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Pacific Northwest College of Art

Public Management Certificate

There is a growing need for capable and confident public managers. Gain the necessary skills, knowledge, and ethics to succeed in the public sector.

Program Snapshot

Degree Type

Executive Development Program

Campus

Salem Campus, Portland Center

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Department Info
Professor teaching

Earn a Certificate in Public Management

Equip yourself with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in public management. Join over 700 government professionals who have benefited from the Certificate in Public Management program.

Why pursue a certificate in public management at Willamette?

  • Flexible scheduling. Take modules as they become available, depending on your availability and interests. Each module is offered around once a year, spanning three Fridays during a month.
  • The best of business and public sectors. Our approach helps those at federal, state, or local government agencies do more with less. Combine business expertise with a public and nonprofit focus.
  • Innovative modules you can choose from. Our certificate program offers a variety of topics that benefit government and non-profit employees. Choose eight modules that enhance your skills.

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Curriculum

Gain confidence and skills that you can immediately apply in your role. We offer each module that spans three Fridays during a month, which happens around once a year. Participants must complete any eight modules listed below to earn a Certificate in Public Management.

    • Data Analysis & Presentation
    • Accounting
    • Follow the Money - Budget and Finance in the Public Sector
    • Negotiating for Success: Creating “Win-Win” Every Day
    • Innovation & Change
    • IT Strategies
    • Process Improvement

    • Strategic Management
    • Understanding the Dynamics of Organizations
    • Business Communication: Writing
    • Business Communication: Presentations
    • Policy and Politics
    • Race, Embodiment, and Well-Being in the Workplace

Why Choose a Certificate in Public Management

Program Values

We’re focused on preserving democracy. Our certified public manager program is designed to make individuals and government agencies excel. Your community, organization, and career will thank you for it.

Students in class

Public Management Instructors

Our instructors know what challenges affect those in public service. Their experience, paired with peers in the program, provides a wealth of knowledge to help public servants excel in management.

  • Brad Avakian

    Professor Avakian brings over 20 years of experience in building successful public, private, and nonprofit organizations. He has served in the Oregon Legislature, as Oregon’s Commissioner of Labor and Industries.

Price and Details

Our Public Management program offers modules on a pay-as-you-go basis, allowing you to register as needed and as time permits.

  • Details

    We offer courses in Salem and online. We also offer a flexible course schedule where you can take courses as they become available. The program requires students to complete any eight modules to earn a certificate.

  • Costs

    A certificate of completion is awarded upon completion of eight modules. For the 2024-2025 academic year, each module costs $475. Pricing includes instruction, textbooks, learning materials, and program activities.

State of Oregon Internal Selection

Many governmental units have an internal selection process for candidate selection. Potential students should consult with a supervisor regarding participation. Agency rules will dictate the process for covering or reimbursing training costs.

Professor having a meal with students.
Additional Training Options for State Employees

OPMAB and DAS are working with Willamette to offer training on project, program, & portfolio management.  For additional details and current offerings, visit the Oregon Project Management and Business Analysis Training page.

Student in class.

FAQs

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