CPM Classroom Program
The Certified Public Manager® Program is offered in a classroom format each year. Classes are scheduled one day per week, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, over the span of 9 months. Additional coursework will be assigned before and after class.
The CPM program explores public management from an individual perspective, from an organizational perspective, and from a systems perspective and equips participants for advancing continuous improvement and change management efforts in their organizations. The CPM program culminates with a capstone project through which each participant will develop a recommendation for solving a problem or improving a service within their organization.
Program Commitment:
To earn the Certified Public Manager® designation, you will need to be able to commit to the following requirements:
- Attend all 25 classes over the span of 9 months,
- Complete all assignments within the specified timeframe, and
- Actively engage in the learning process.
Curriculum:
Modules in recent cohorts include (topics vary):
Managing in a Political Environment
Systems Thinking
Collaborative Service Delivery
Program Evaluation
Tribal Relations
Strategic Operating Plans
Employee Motivation
Generative AI in Public Management
Managing Risk
Stakeholder Management
Managing Change
Understanding the Budget
Economic Development
Public Financial Management
Continuous Improvement Tools
The Economy
Leadership: Theory and Practice
Leading Change through Charisma
Policymaking
Public Policy Analysis
Corruption
Sustainable Democracy
Upcoming Program:
January 2026 CPM Classroom Cohort
Location: Downtown Phoenix, 1717 W Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85007
January through October 2026, Break for Summer June & July