The Department of Political Science now offers a graduate certificate in Local Government Administration (LGA).  The certificate can be taken by itself or in conjunction with the pursuit of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree or a graduate degree in another field. Courses in the LGA certificate serve as electives for the MPA, making it possible for students to earn two graduate credentials at once.  

Local governments – small towns and major urban areas – as well as regional planning and economic development agencies face a wide range of challenges and opportunities to meet the diverse needs of their citizenry. Technical expertise developed through advanced education facilitates greater effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of public goods and services. Enhanced professionalism increases the ability of local governments to successfully meet the challenges as well as improve quality of life and economic opportunity in their communities. The graduate certificate in Local Government Administration helps students develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to succeed as leaders and managers in local government.

The certificate requires 12 hours of graduate coursework – 2 required courses and 2 elective courses – that can be taken remotely or via in-person coursework on the Bowling Green campus.

Required Courses (6 hours)

PS 526 Local Government Administration

PS 554 Cross-Sector Collaboration & Conflict

OR

PS 562 Public Policy Implementation & Evaluation

 

Electives (6 hours)

PS 512 Kentucky Government & Politics

PS 520 Elements of Public Administration

PS 550 Cultural Competencies for Public Administrators

PS 554 Cross-Sector Collaboration & Conflict

OR

PS 562 Public Policy Implementation & Evaluation

 

For additional information about the graduate certificate in Local Government Administration, please contact Dr. Shannon Vaughan at shannon.vaughan@wku.edu

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The MPA program prepares graduate students from diverse backgrounds to be productive leaders and managers in public service by sharing knowledge, encouraging excellence in research and practice, and fostering an environment of professionalism within the communities we serve. 

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