Earn Your Certificate in One Year
The Nebraska Certified Public Manager® (CPM) Program, offered by UNO’s School of Public Administration, is a nationally accredited leadership development program designed for current and future managers in government and nonprofit sectors.
Earn your certificate in just one year through a hybrid program led by local experts. The curriculum includes 17 engaging courses and a capstone project, with classes offered both online and on UNO’s campus.
Purpose: The program’s primary goal is to foster and encourage the highest possible levels of performance and ethical practice of public and nonprofit sector managers to continuously improve the performance of local, state, and federal government, and of the nonprofit sector.
Life-long Certification: Participants who complete the program will have a life-long certification.
College Credits: Graduates of the Nebraska CPM Program may earn up to 15 upper-level college credits toward a Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies (BMS) through UNO’s Division of Continuing Studies. Those who already hold a degree may also qualify for up to six graduate credits toward a Master of Public Administration (MPA) at UNO.
To receive graduate credit toward the MPA, participants must apply to UNO’s Graduate School and pay tuition and fees for six credit hours. Non-resident participants are subject to out-of-state tuition rates. No additional coursework beyond the CPM program is required to earn either the undergraduate or graduate credits.
Schedule: The Nebraska Certified Public Manager® (CPM) Program is a 12-month certification that blends in-person and online learning. Classes are held at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, with cohorts starting each January. Participants meet on campus six times throughout the year for two to three days at a time, while the remainder of the program is completed online—typically with at least one course offered each month.
Topics: Designed with working professionals in mind, the Nebraska CPM Program equips you with practical skills in areas like self-awareness and personal management, strategic planning, project management, leadership, and financial oversight for public and nonprofit organizations. You'll also explore topics such as public policy, legal responsibilities, organizational culture, effective communication, and the smart use of information and technology—everything you need to lead with confidence in today’s complex public service landscape. Click here to explore the full list of 2025 program topics, including course descriptions and the year’s schedule.
Cost: The program cost is $2,500, excluding books and travel expenses for those commuting to Omaha for in-person sessions.
Deposit: A deposit of $250 is due upon admission to the program (a $500 deposit is required if electing to use a payment plan)
FAQs: For answers to frequently asked questions, a complete overview of the program, costs, benefits, and program details click here.
Now accepting applications for the 2026 program. Register and apply today!
For more information, please email Ellen Freeman-Wakefield, Assistant Dean for Global Engagement and Professional Programs at efreemanwakefield@unomaha.edu.