Certified Public Manager Program

CPM Program Brochure

CPM Program Registration

The 2023-2024 Program Schedule

Track 3: ORGANIZATIONAL AND PUBLIC COMMUNICATION

Session 1: September 29, 2023
Session 2: October 20, 2023
Session 3: November 10, 2023

Track 4: BUDGETING AND FINANCE

Session 1: December 1, 2023
Session 2: December 15, 2023
Session 3: January 12, 2024

Track 5: PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT AND PROGRAM EVALUATION

Session 1: February 2, 2024
Session 2: February 23, 2024
Session 3: March 22, 2024 

Track 6: INFORMATION SYSTEMS; ETHICAL DECISION MAKING

Session 1: April 5, 2024
Session 2: April 26, 2024
Session 3: May 17, 2024 

Track 7: APPLIED RESEARCH PROJECTS

Session 1: June 7, 2024
Session 2: July 26, 2024
Session 3: August 9, 2024 

About the Program

The Certified Public Manager (CPM) program is a nationally accredited, comprehensive management development program specifically designed for public-sector managers. Like similar programs in other states, our CPM program aims to address not only the unique challenges of the public management profession as a whole but also seeks to develop each participant's professional achievement goals. In this regard, the program integrates a two-pronged approach, focusing on theory and practice.

The program is administered by the Center for Public Service (CPS) at Texas Tech University and operates under the auspices of the CPM Program for Texas, which received full accreditation from the National Certified Public Manager Consortium in 1996. Upon successful completion of the CPM program, participants are entitled to use nationally recognized Certified Public Manager designation in recognition of their achievement and are eligible to become Fellows of the American Academy of Certified Public Managers. A statewide graduation ceremony is also held in Austin.

Program Focus

The CPM program focuses on practical management skills, taught primarily through example and group exercises. The CPS draws on local and national faculty resources for training. These resources are drawn from various applied professions, principally from the public sector, as well as academe. Because of the interactive nature of the training sessions and to ensure consistency and quality, the program is limited to 30 CPM candidates.

The CPM program, conducted in accordance with Consortium accreditation standards, is divided into seven segments, or "Tracks." The entire program consists of 21 total sessions spread over a year's period. While most assignments or activities are conducted during class times, CPM candidates are responsible for some outside assignments. In addition, a final written project designed to tie together the principal elements of the training is required. Candidates are also expected to complete elective management training of their choice, generally associated with membership in professional organizations or associations.

The overall format is designed to form a comprehensive and integrated practical management program that benefits both the CPM candidate individually as well as the organization that he or she serves.

Track Highlights

TRACK 1: HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Topics: Understanding the Benefits of Human Resources; HR Laws for Administrators (ADA & FMLA); Best Practices in Recruitment & Selection; Understanding Classification and Compensation Systems; Using Learning Theory to Improve Training and Development; Performance Appraisal: Diversity Management 

TRACK 2: MANAGING FOR QUALITY

Topics: How to Assess Organizational Quality; Understanding Leadership Constraints; Leader Traits and Skills; Applying Motivation Theory to Analyze Performance Problems; The Basics of Organizational Change

TRACK 3: ORGANIZATIONAL AND PUBLIC COMMUNICATION

Topics: Principles of Communication; Social Media Strategies & Best Practices; Media Relations & Crisis Management; Effective Communication in Local Government; Roles of Public Information Officer; Effective Budget & Business Communication

TRACK 4: BUDGETING AND FINANCE

Topics: Fund Accounting Can Be Fun; Financial Statements: The Backbone of Integrity & Disclosure; Understanding Revenues & Expenditures; How Audits & Auditors Can Help You; Bonds & Public Bond Processes; Philosophies & Examples in Economic Development

TRACK 5: PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT AND PROGRAM EVALUATION

Topics: What Measure Performance of Public Organizations; Performance Management Principles & Practices; Linking Performance Measurement to Mission and Strategic Plans; Understanding Survey Methods & Basic Statistics; Questionnaire & Question Construction; Applied Survey Workshop; Professional Writing; Legal Research

TRACK 6: INFORMATION SYSTEMS; ETHICAL DECISION MAKING

Topics: Computer Safety & Cybersecurity; Smart City; Emerging Technologies to the Public Sector (i.e., E-government); Advanced Application of MS Excel for Data Management; Application of GIS in Public Administration; Addressing Ethical Dilemmas; Developing Ethical Leadership; ICMA & TCMA Code of Ethics

TRACK 7: APPLIED RESEARCH PROJECTS

Topics: Overview of Writing a Research Paper; Development of a Major Research Project/Paper; Completion and Presentation of a Research Paper