Washington Certified Public Manager®

Apply Practical Solutions to Address Public Sector Challenges

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Program Details

  • Location: Online, UW Tacoma
  • Duration: 11 months
  • Times: Evenings, Days, Flexible
  • Cost: $6,418

Next start date:

August 2025

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About this Program


Public managers work in a variety of governmental agencies and public settings, and use their leadership and management skills to improve the effectiveness of their agencies. These passionate public servants have a significant role to play in strengthening their organization’s reputation and building trust with the public.

The Washington Certified Public Manager® program is designed for public employees who want to connect their leadership journey to their work in the public sector. In this six-course certificate program, you’ll study a set of key competencies for Washington state public employees, including leadership, work management, organizational integrity and personal development. The program also integrates key process improvement skills at the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt level.

Learn how to address the challenges and demands of public management through in-person workshops, online class lectures, group discussions and a self-leadership project. You’ll wrap up the program with a capstone project directly applicable to your organization’s unique needs.

Designed For

Public sector and government employees and managers who aspire to move into mid- or senior-level positions and want to build their professional network across the state.

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What You'll Learn

  • Leadership theories and models and their application in different situations
  • HR considerations in the public sector and strategies for leading diverse teams
  • How to complete a process improvement project using the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) methodology
  • How to develop public sector strategic plans and budgets
  • Strategies for communicating and collaborating with community members, organizations and the media

Get Hands-on Experience

You’ll complete a process improvement project at your organization using the Lean Six Sigma DMAIC methodology and CPM® competencies.

Earn Nationally Recognized Qualifications 

Upon completion of the program, you’ll receive the Certified Public Manager® designation from the National CPM® Consortium and the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certificate from UW Tacoma. You’ll also be eligible to join the American Academy of Certified Public Managers®. The UW is the only provider of the Certified Public Manager® program in Washington state.

Career Stats

12%

Projected growth for administrative services managers in Washington state (2020–30)

$128,510

Average salary for administrative services managers in Washington state

Sources: O*NET OnLine

OUR ENROLLMENT COACHES ARE HERE TO HELP

Connect with an enrollment coach to learn more about this offering. Or if you need help finding the right certificate, specialization or course for you, reach out to explore your options.

Program Overview

Complete the courses listed below to earn the certificate.

Quarter 1

Self as Leader

Learning Format

Blended (Classroom + Online)

Hybrid (In-Person + Online)

Enjoy a blend of in-person classes and online study. You’ll learn with the same group of students throughout the program, getting ample opportunity to connect with each other and your instructors. Learn More »

Program Sessions

Hybrid (In-Person + Online)

Closed Sessions

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